I think that not leting Explorers on a scene is limiting a large amount of their education and you will loose a lot of members. This is the perfect time for them to learn the chain of command, accountability and the reasoning behind these. At no time should an Explorer be a replacement tool for a carded fireman but dont forgrt this is their learning years. We dont allow them to be on the first out engine but will let them respond on the tanker as a third or on our brush truck as a second. If you think about it their are a lot of things they can help with on a fire scene and never realy be in harms way and I am telling you from experience as my son is on our explorers post, THEIR IS NO BETTER LEARNING TOOL FOR A YOUNGER DRIVER THAN TO BE AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT AND SEE THE RESULTS FIRST HAND FROM SPEEDING AND NOT PAYING ATTENTION. tHEY DONT NEED TO BE AROUND THE PATIENT OR INVOLVED IN THE CARE JUST LET THEM SEE THE AUTOS. This realy opened his eyes and made him a much better driver and he allways drives on the defense. dont waist a good learning tool. USE IT TO EVERYONES ADVANTAGE.
Anyways - our junior members are allowed to be on scene with these stipulations:
They cannot get any closer than the attack pumper
They may help with changing SCBA tanks, rehab, etc. in the cold zone
They may help with pick-up after the fire scene is safe, the fire is out, etc.
They may NOT engage in active firefighting activities, traffic control, etc.
They may NOT ride in department apparatus to the scene
They may NOT respond to the scene in their POVs using blue lights
When the fire is out, building vented, etc. I take the juniors into the fire scene to show them where the fire started, how it spread, how it was extinguished and so forth.
When starting a program or running on fire call the Boy Scouts of America can be really helpful for helping you set guidelines and insurance reasons. Your town or department will not have to take on so much responsibility having the program and making sure juniors go on calls.
I agree. our explorers can check a truck with a Fire Fighter at drill.
They CANNOT have a pager or blue light
They have certain hours they are allowed to be at the hall.
my post u have to get the cheifs ok and have at least a year on the post. also u have the lt. or capt. ok to ride that day. gear is not alowed unless told by the officer to put it on the truck.