Learning the trucks

[FiftyOnePride]

I have noticed for a while here that Explorers (Juniors, Cadets) sometimes during their probationary period are restricted from riding the trucks to calls until they have learned the trucks along with some other material.

My question is, for those posts, whether Explorer, Junior, etc., do the members of your respective FD (Non-Explorer/Jr.) also go through a similar period? If not, how are they introduced and explained the trucks?

For those that do not have periods where a youth (youth=explorer, junior, etc.) cannot ride the trucks, what kind of program, training, regiment, do you implement to make sure the youth is knowledgeable of the trucks before going on a call?

Personally our post does not have that type of restriction, we, as soon as the youth is issued gear and allowed to ride, they are then introduced to the trucks. We first go through the safety portion (seatbelts, things of that nature), then we thoroughly go into each compartment, explaining all of the equipment, its uses, and proper carrying techniques/ use.

[FiftyOnePride]

Also, forgot to mention, that that first time a youth is introduced to the trucks is def. not their last.

[SFD333DFD720]

Josh, in one of my posts, myself, the other officers, and the advisors made up a written test for each piece of apparatus that explorers can ride in the department. Explorers can have as little or as much time as they feel neccessary to prepare for the test, and you are allowed two re-takes. In order to ride that piece of apparatus, you must earn a grade higher than a 75.

In the other post, you are required to ride the apparatus in a certain order. You start with the shift commander. In order to move up to the medic vehicle, you must pass a short test with the post and do at least 5 calls with the shift commander. To move up from the medic car you must pass a test on the engine and do at least 10 call with the medic. From the engine you can then move to the ambulance or ladder. What you get to ride basically depends on how active you are in the post.

[mdoddsjffhnfc]

in my company, you can start riding the trucks when you get your turnout gear...which is usually within 1 week of joining the company. On drill nights, an experienced junior will go over the trucks with the new junior for atleast 1 month. For that time, the junior can ride the truck but will be limited to helping the engineer or just staying with the truck. After that first month, if they know the trucks well, they'll be able to do more when we get to the call location. It took me about 2 weeks to learn the trucks.

The same thing goes for non-junior members...the only difference being that Child Labor laws will not apply to them.

[FiftyOnePride]

Originally posted by SFD333DFD720
Josh, in one of my posts, myself, the other officers, and the advisors made up a written test for each piece of apparatus that explorers can ride in the department. Explorers can have as little or as much time as they feel neccessary to prepare for the test, and you are allowed two re-takes. In order to ride that piece of apparatus, you must earn a grade higher than a 75.

Test? What does the test consist of? Tool placement, procedures for using certain peices of equipment on the apparatus? I am curious...

[FiftyOnePride]

Originally posted by mdoddsjffhnfc
The same thing goes for non-junior members...the only difference being that Child Labor laws will not apply to them.

I was just curious if non-youths have to go through any type of regiment. Our members also go through the same kind of procedure that we go through, it is just a little more lax, laid back. It gets the job done just the same just the atmosphere is a little more relaxed.

And as for who does it? Either an experienced Explorer (Myself or my LT.) along with an advisor goes through the trucks for the Explorers. As for the members, its everyone who does that just about, usually a Cheif that leads the introduction however.

[fitzjr11]

Our explorers do not ride the trucks, due to saftey and insurance reasons. They are assigned to trucks were they help the fire fighters do weekly maintance checks and are invited to attend work nights and go to drills. As a post, we train on different operations of the trucks to get them all familiar. When an explorer feels they are ready to switch trucks, the Lt will test them and recommend a switch. When our explorers turn 18 they are very familiar with the ins and outs of the truck, and are ready to start riding them. Until then, they practice often. With many Jr's across the county being killed just responding to the dept to ride a truck, we do not encourage riding till 18. When they become members they will have their full of excietment. I feel that many departments should consider taking the explorers off of riding trucks. The liability is too great.

[Engine7Cadet]

My department is pretty much the same way. We are not allowed to ride the apparatus ON calls. We ride it for training, drill, work detail, and some various occassions. Each cadet as they are called in my department usually knows what company they will join. I'll use myself for a example. My department has 7 companies. I am going to join Engine 7. I now train with that company, I perform work details, respond to STATION for calls but DO NOT ride, and I perform our truck check. Truck Check we take every tool off the truck and insure that it is working order and everything is in the right place. We have to change SCBA bottles, and make sure its all setup and all. During this a cadet/junior/explorer learns the whole truck and where everything is. In my opinion this is the best way to learn the locations of everything on the truck and all you have to do is train on what to do with each things.

[SFD333DFD720]

Originally posted by FiftyOnePride


Test? What does the test consist of? Tool placement, procedures for using certain peices of equipment on the apparatus? I am curious...

The test has questions about where certain tools are in the compartments....which duties the particular piece of apparatus is assigned to on the fireground....how to safely operate any equipment unique to that apparatus...etc....simple stuff..

[FiftyOnePride]

Originally posted by SFD333DFD720
The test has questions about where certain tools are in the compartments....which duties the particular piece of apparatus is assigned to on the fireground....how to safely operate any equipment unique to that apparatus...etc....simple stuff..

How many questions?

The replies to my post has got me thinking maybe we could try something new. There is nothing wrong with trying something that is going to be productive, and that is what I hope it winds up being.

[mdoddsjffhnfc]

Originally posted by FiftyOnePride


I was just curious if non-youths have to go through any type of regiment. Our members also go through the same kind of procedure that we go through, it is just a little more lax, laid back. It gets the job done just the same just the atmosphere is a little more relaxed.

Actually, for non-youths...it's a bit more intense. They'll need to know more on where the stuff is and what it's used for. They'll be goin through Fire 1 within the year so they'll need to work with these tools and hose lines on the truck. When we do FAST Company drills, the member has to pack up and grab a tool associated with our FAST team operations...not all tools we carry work for this.

It's a bit more intense, but it pays off in the end.

[SFD333DFD720]

Josh, anywhere from 5-15 questions depending on the rig.....the BC's vehicle is obviously going to have less than the truck or the medic....

[glcadet13]

I was wondering if you could send me a copy of this test for the trucks. In my department recently the cadets/ juniors have had an orientation or a workshop. We plan on having a mandatory workshop- training in august and I would like to come up with a test about the trucks for the new and old. If you could send me a copy of this test is would be appericated. My email is supachica1019@yahoo.com Thanks.

[SFD333DFD720]

My advisors have the tests....I will have them email me a copy to pass on to you. We have an engine test, truck test, medic (ambulance) test and a command test....which would you like?

Phil

[42VTExplorer]

SFD333DFD720,

Can I also get a copy of each test?

Cakjr AT KoledoVision DOT Com

[SFD333DFD720]

When I get the email I will let you guys know here and then fwd it to you in yur email

Phil

[glcadet13]

I would like to get a copy of the ambulance, truck, and engine test if possible. Thank You.

[mdoddsjffhnfc]

Hey Phil, does the Engine Test contain anything regarding Pump Ops and Hose? I'm the junior pump operator for my company. If the driver of the truck is needed for an extra firefighter, I can take his spot and operate the pump. I know a good deal about those pumps.

If you can and that stuff isn't on the test, you should probably add that.

[SFD333DFD720]

"10-4" cadet13, still waiting for the email from my advisors guys! I think I said earlier that some tests had 15 questions? The most we have is like 8....sorry bout that..

"mdodds" how old are you? thats a lot of liability on a "junior" if you ask me.....thats my PC side though.....I really think that is an awesome thing for your program. It would be useful in my area with the manpower, but you know, "politics" Our test does not contain anything about running the pump on the engine or the aerial on the truck.

[mdoddsjffhnfc]

Phil, I'm 17 years old and my dad has been a firefighter for 25 years. Why do i mention my dad? He's been one of the primary Driver/Pump Operators for about 18 of those years. I know the pump like the back of my hand. I've operated the pump on a few occasions ranging from small brush fires to larger brush fires while receiving a 4" supply from another truck. Basically you can say that i've operated the pump on just brush fires, but it can be tricky when your receiving water from another engine. It's quite an experience that I wish you could encounter at your age.