Quick question

[72jmb]

How do you get the guys on your department to still let you do things even though your pregnant? I was told by my chief that I am still able to do the support unit which consist of me helping with staging, filling air bottles, and doing medical for rehab if the ambulance cannot be there. The funny thing is is that my dads my captain and all the other older gentlemen let me do anything I want within a set of limits. But all the younger ones that are about my age won't let me left a finger. That even goes for doing things around the station. The older guys say it's because they think of me as there little sister and keep reminding me that they did almost the same thing when I first joined the department 4 1/2 years ago and that it is just going to take time for them to get used to the idea. But, I'm worried that by the time they get used to the idea. I'm not going to be able to do anything except sit in dispatch. By the way they are just as excited as the new grandpa. I'm just looking for some suggestions on how to handle them.

Thanks!!!!!!

[ladyfirefighter]

Be glad the guys are looking out for you. I know women that were so dead set on doing the job that they totally neglected the safety of their unborn child. Sounds like you know your limits and the guys just want to keep you safe.

This is probably a new situation for the guys... they may not get used to it until the next baby.

Good luck... and remember... you won't be pregnant forever. So just be patient and everything will soon be back to normal.

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Stay Safe...
Rebecca Richardson FF/EMT
Isles of Capri Fire Rescue
South Florida

[EXJAKE]

Interesting subject I normally wouldn't address because I've never been there.
I do have a suggestion.
Don't handle them. Just tell them what you want and don't want. They need direction and information from Y-o-u.
If you leave them to thier own devices they will do what they think is right for the situation. So tell them!
Sounds simple but a lot of people in the fire service need to practice the same principle on a daily basis.
Good Luck and be careful out there

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EXJAKE

[firemam]

First of all, Congratulations..Being a mother is the hardest, most fulfilling job you could ever have....

I've been on the Fire Department for 6 years, and have had 2 children. Just always keep your baby in mind no matter what the circumstances. Just simply being on the fire grounds has it's hazzards to an unborn child. Your center of balance is going to change dramatically. You'll find the "easiest" task will become difficult. You've already gotten 4 1/2 years of service in, I'm sure you've "proven" yourself to your fellow workers...Kick back, relax, especially if they are accepting it, as it sounds like they are. Enjoy yourself, and your pregnancy. Time will fly by and you'll fit back into your regular turn out gear in no time! Don't get me wrong though....it will be pure torture to hear the alarm go off for a big ol' fully involved structure fire, and you can't even stand up from the deep couch on your own!! haha (And that time will come! LOL)--(well, of course I have to stop and remember both of my kids were 10lbs..! not everybody has huge babies!)
Best of Luck to you! And have fun!

[firedame]

Having been pg twice while on line let me tell say. Each pregnancy was different and my body and my abilities changed throughout my pregnancy. Do what you can do when your allowed to do them. People who are trying to help are probably just aware that eventually things will become difficult or dangerous and they don't want you to have to ask for help.

God Bless
Firedame
Oakland CA

[Firewoman]

Hi, I was in your situation just over one year ago, and it's hard to just do nothing. There is no policy in my department dealing with pregnancy on the job, I was the first fire fighter to test the waters. Being a volunteer made things even more difficult, no one seemed to want to touch the subject. Needless to say I was active into my 8th month, mostly training our new recruits, but still responding as officer on the trucks until my 7th month. When I was at the station it was like I had 25 mom's following me around saying "don't do that" I'll get that for you". They were just very concerned, I don't think they could really fathom the idea of a "Pregnant" woman being an active fire fighter. You just have to tell your fellow fire fighters to calm down, that you and your doctor will decide when
it's time for you to slow down. This is also a good opportunity to push for a policy within your department regarding pregnancy on the job. Ten days after my son Logan was born I showed up for my first call. It never felt so great to get on that truck, it's like I had been away for years. Good luck with the new Baby, don't let it get you down. Soon you will be back, better, stronger than ever, because face the facts, men couldn't live through child birth!!!!!

Sandee Crooks
Lieutenant, Halifax Regional Fire
Bedford, Nova Scotia
Canada

[FDCM580]

This is a new issue for a lot of departments. While i was pregnant I was also very fortunate that everyone was looking out for me. Take heart that you are allowed to participate for it wasn't always this way. I ran fire/ems until I was almost 5 months, just EMS until 30 weeks, and did support work in the Prevention bureau after that. All of this was at my request. My doctor was very supportive and used the approach that my body would let me know when and what I could do and and couldn't do. I used that as my guideline and my co-workers were pretty much supportive. It was a delicate balance between keeping myself and my co-workers happy and everyone safe. Talking to your co-workers about your comfort levels is very important. The best thing for you to do at this point is let yourself be spoiled a little and know your limits.

[GirlFireMedic]

I am a full time union firefighter and though I am not pregnant now, I did just get married.

I was wondering if anyone that is full time has anything in their contract concerning time off, time off with pay, duties, etc.

If you do, I would love to hear from you. GirlFireMedic@hotmail.com

Thank you

[EXJAKE]

WE have maternity leave in our contract based on a state law that grants 12 weeks unpaid leave with conditions of notice.
However we have the option written in of using sick leave with pay for any period of disability due to pregnancy and they save your job for you.


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Good Luck and be careful out there,EXJAKE:-)

[FFJenn_143820]

Congratuations on your pregnancy! You do what you feel is best for you. The guys are just trying to look out for you, as was said, like a little sister. Even though it seems frustration sometimes, their hearts are in the right place. Hang in there.
I've been an FF/EMT for 4 years now. I have no children but I'm in a serious relationship where we've talked about possible marriage and children. What's interesting is we're both fireman on the same company. I can't wait to see how my company reacts to it.

Jennifer L. Masi
Middletown Fire Company #1, station 8
Middletown Twp. NJ

email: littlemaggie@hotmail.com

[Captstanm]

I remind you that any thing you are exposed to is a danger to your unborn child. I respect and support women in the fire service. Your members are trying to protect u. Talk to your doctor and find out from him what you can do and can not do safely. Then, tell the members of your department or show them in writing. But most of all...BE CAREFUL... you have a whole career to fight fire. This may be your only child! Good luck.

[FFCherylG]

More power to you if you want to continue ff'ing even though you are pregnant, but personally, once I find out I am pregnant I plan on taking myself off the pumper.... I hate desk jobs.. but with all of the toxins that are potentially out there that we can be exposed to ... why would you want to possibly expose an unborn child... heck.... why would you want to chance it?? Firefighting is a dangerous enough job with being concerned with your's and your partner's safety.. not to mention being worried about a fetus... also, with that being in the back of your head... I personally don't feel the job could be done at 100% because subconsciously I would have that in the back of my head which would not (in my opinion) make me a very good partner... both of you need to be able to count on each other not matter what...... and know where each other's mind's are... I wouldn't want to inadvertantly put myself, my unborn child, or my partner in any danger.....

This is just my opinion, so please don't take any offense... just something to think about....

No matter what your decision, be safe and careful for all three of you!!

[72jmb]

FFCherylG


Just to let you know. I did take myself off of the pumper when I found out that I was pregnant and moved to what we call a support unit that sits far enough away that I'm not in the smoke or any of the danger with whats going on up close. What the support unit does is basicly fill the empty air bottles that the guys bring to me and I check the B/P and make sure that they are ok to go back in. So the job I do right now doesn't really effect the guys that are trying to put the fire out it does effect them if I won't let them go back in. I do care about my partners and my baby that is why I backed off. You made it sound like I was still going in fighting fires. I wasn't the reason why the guys were so worried was because a lady before me hid that she was pregnant and still went in fighting fires until she was about 8 months along. They were afarid that I would do it to. But, they found out I wouldn't. Their ownly scares now are that I always get the crazies coming up to my unit cause problems. And I remind them that I have a radio and can call the cops and them if someone starts causing me problems plus I remind them that I have all the probbies with me and that I'm never alone. All of us have a real good understanding with each other that if I do something that causes them to worry that they will come and talk to me about it. And we'll work something out where we all fill better about it. Example would be when I no longer could fit into my bunker pants and took the unit to a call on a very cold and snowy night. A couple of the guys didn't like that and they told me. So we came to the agreement that if the unit was needed on a cold and snowy night I would drive it there but stay in the cab and not get out unless I had to or I got bigger pants (won't happen). I also promise to stay in the truck if it was Icey. All it takes is communication. See I do care about my partners and unborn child.