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Permalink Reply by Firefighter Nation WebChief on April 21, 2009 at 11:00pm

This thread has been moved to the Juniors Thread. Junior -- Please post in the correct category.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Tony Ramirez on April 21, 2009 at 11:14pm

This might be more than you need to know but here it is:

Fire and Emergency Services Exploring: Safety Issues
There are some issues and hazards specific to Fire and Emergency Services Explorer programs that must be considered when organizing a post. These issues are fairly unique compared with other types of Explorer posts, being a direct result of the post's affiliation with the department and the potential for hazards.

Before engaging in any training activity or direct operational activities with the department, Exploring and/or department officials should investigate the legalities of Explorers participating in such activities. Most states have child labor laws that define what minors under the age of 18 may and may not participate in. Even though the individual may not be an actual member or employee of the department, these regulations may still apply. The following is a general list of guidelines that should be used for the formation of a post Explorer safety policy. As with any program, extremes of temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions should be considered during any activity.

One issue that requires particular attention is what the Fire and Emergency Services Explorer will be allowed to do at the emergency scene. Many departments allow Explorers to respond on the apparatus with trained personnel. A solid policy must be established as to what the Explorer may and may not do once he or she arrives on the scene.

All policies must fit with departmental regulations, Learning for Life regulations, and state laws. All of these issues should be resolved in the post bylaws before Fire and Emergency Services Explorer activities begin. If you have any questions about the safety of an activity not listed, contact your local Learning for Life office.

Explorers may not be substituted for trained personnel.
Explorers must be equipped with personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the activity being done.
Explorers may be mobilized only as a post, with required leadership. Explorers are not on call as individuals.
Explorers who ride on apparatus or other department vehicles must be seated and must wear a seat belt.
Explorers may not drive department vehicles.
Explorers may not climb aerial ladders.
Explorers may not climb ground ladders that exceed 35 feet in length, or not supported against a structure.
Explorers may not enter or perform ventilation procedures on a burning structure.
Explorers may not use any tools or gloves on energized electrical equipment.
Explorers may not operate cutting torches
Explorers may not operate hydraulic rescue tools or equipment.
Explorers may not handle life nets.
Exceptions: Using an official training facility, the use of aerial ladders with the appropriate safety equipment, and entering a controlled burn building is approved.
May 22, 2003


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Copyright © 2005 · Learning for Life

The web site is:
http://www.learningforlife.org/exploring/fire/index.html

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on April 21, 2009 at 11:16pm

The facts lie with the Chief of the Department and policy. Why are you asking for stuff here? Your Cief should be answering this question Rich.

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Permalink Reply by Mick Shelley on April 22, 2009 at 8:52am

Chief, I couldn't have said it better. It up to your Chief, along with your By-Laws or SOP

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Permalink Reply by Reap on April 24, 2009 at 5:57pm

Thanks to the one person who actually gave out info. Obviously if it was as easy as just asking the chief, that would have been done by now.

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Permalink Reply by FETC on April 24, 2009 at 8:27pm

Riding on the trucks is OK. They should NEVER take the seat of a trained firefighter. The Explorer Post that is attached to our department is a learning environment. No entry/action and they may ride first due but ultimately watch with the pump operator (as a ride-a-long)

There is a HUGE difference between Explorers and Juniors.

Explorer Posts are origanized and covered by insurance under the bylaws of the BSA. As Tony pointed out in his posts, the use of Explorers is extremely limited under the official bylaws of the BSA.

Now on the other hand, Juniors are organized locally by a fire chief, covered by the fire chief's insurance policy and under the rules and regulations of the Fire Chief.

The Explorer Post in my department for example, they Explorers are NOT members of my department. The Fire Chief cannot say they can go into a burning building when they are Explorers. It is just not that simple...

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Permalink Reply by 27-9-17 on April 24, 2009 at 10:01pm

in my fire company the explorers are the juniors and they can not ride in the back of the trucks where there senior members go they can only ride in the tankers or in the front of the trucks. as for the brush trucks they can hop in the two brush trucks. but as for the pumpers and the rescue truck they are not to hop in where the senior member have to pack up. and they can not come too a call after 10 pm on school nights and 12 am on weekends. as as i said before this is only when a call comes in and if they jump where they are not suppose to go and a senior member comes up too the truck they will get kicked out of a truck.

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Permalink Reply by Jacob on June 9, 2009 at 11:09am

Our JR Dept is a work in progress but other depts with a jr dept do not alow jr's to be on the 1st out truck.

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Permalink Reply by Reigec on October 5, 2009 at 10:28pm

Im a junior in NJ. We're allowed to run all calls (except highway i believe) and we get on any truck theres a seat open

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on October 5, 2009 at 10:47pm

It had become a discussion in which we currently allow our explorer members on the first due apparatus. As well as to calls in other towns if room permits and they do not take the place of a qualified firefighter.
Can anyone confirm whether or not this can actually be doneas far as explorers and the learning for life group is concerned?

The Learning for Life rules have been adequately covered and the dept further sets any rules regarding explorers as they see fit. There are Explorer programs for many departments including career depts. I also started as an Explorer and was able to do ride alongs with the career dept. At the time, we were limited to only certain rigs because they had an empty seat. I see no issue with an Explorer doing a ride along on a first due rig, however if the dept says no, then that is the answer, there is no way to overturn such a rule.

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Permalink Reply by Joey "BigShow" De Piano on October 5, 2009 at 11:23pm

Most of the answers you want bro should be in your own by laws under membership titles and the rolls they are to take on
i do not written fact as far as "groups" action or mission statement but when it comes to what your dept. expects it has to be spelled out already or technically you can not have said title i.e. fire fighter, associate, junior , explorer. so on.
As to being on first due I have been a Lt. 2 times and juniors and explorers or basically anyone not fire fighter status NEVER rides first due period. If you don't have this set in stone yet form a committee and get to it is best to offer.

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Permalink Reply by steve crump on October 6, 2009 at 8:27pm

Hey Rich, might take me a couple days, but will see what I can get from my dept. Here we call them cadets age 16-18, They ride along with the paid staff and respond with them on first due apparatus. If I can get copies of the by-laws will try and scan them and mail to you.

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