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Too Sick?
Well, when I was out on a call, I saw a firefighter kneeling and vomiting his stomach out.
He just arrived on scene and vomited once he left the truck, and I could tell by the way he walked he was weak and really ill.
When he came back, he tore of his SCBA and vomited again.
I was worried for his safety, but as a Junior from a different company I didn't say anything.
But I have been wondering, how sick is too sick?
I would have said something, but I didn't know if I should or shouldn't.
I really wonder, should he have been out there? When should you draw the line and stay back at the station or at home? Was he putting himself and others in danger?
I really think this firefighter was too sick to be on the job, but I want to hear other's opinions!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on
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That sounds like too sick. Anyone who is too sick to contribute to the effort is too sick to be there --- just in the way. I would have been concerned for his safety just as you were. Don't be embarrassed to tell your officers when you're sick before getting on the truck.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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Thats what I thought.
He was vomiting behind his company's truck, and only I and a few other firefighers saw him.
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Permalink Reply by Fireman Larry on
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I'm kinda surprised that your officer in charge of the scene, didn't do something about it. If he's unable to perform his duties, he's not helping, not to mention, he's also putting himself and others at risk by not being 100% on the ball. The officer in charge is responsible for everyones well being, if he wasn't aware, it's ok to mention it to him, he'll decide what to do.
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I don't know.
I wish I said something, but I thought maybe they knew or something.
Now I know better.
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Permalink Reply by Dave on
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I wonder to myself what was he thinking. Is he so special that he can risk his life and the lives of all his fellow firefighters by being on scene in that condition. As soon as we let our ego get in the way we cease being part of the solution and start becoming part of the problem. We need to be smarter than this.
Sarah - it shouldn't be your responsibility to have to "rat" him out. He shouldn't be putting you in this situation.
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I disagree, "snitching" is something kids cry about, here in the adult world, it's doing the right thing. The ill FF put himself in that situation, if he's to weak to walk straight, he shouldn't have been there, there's nothing wrong with, being concerned for his health and telling your immediate supervisor. If the ill FF can't perform his duties, how's he going to help others, will he be able to pull a victim or another FF out, will he become a victim himself. If I were ill, worse than I thought, I'd thank someone for being concerned, if I can't do the job, my Lt. will make that decision, I'll deal with it, hopefully be back for the next shift.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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That's what sick days are for! Or if you're in a Vollie company, don't respond to the call! Let common sense be your guide.
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Permalink Reply by Pararescue on
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Sarah, if you ever second guess a senior firefighter, and want to remain anonymous, let a Command Officer know but pad it. "Chief Smith. A person called me over and said that there is a firefighter really sick over by Engine 7. They are worried about him." Chief "Where did he/she/it go?" "They must have left or moved, I don't see them." This is where a lil white lie is a good thing. Everyone wants to go to the fire, but you have to know when to say when.
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But it's a FFFFFFFIIIIIRRRREEEEE!!!!!!!! lol
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Permalink Reply by Beverly on
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Ralph, I have to disagree with you....safety is the responsibility of EVERY firefighter on the scene and regardless of the fact that anyone might "catch hell" they need to speak up. It does need to follow the chain of command, as a junior she should have brought her concern to the highest ranking officer from her dept who then could address the situation to the safety officer or whomever was the officer from that department. Reckless behavior on the sick firefighters part could have lead to a serious tragedy, they were lucky this time.
So Sarah, SPEAK UP next time, this is not the time to worry about if someone will like or dislike you, it is a matter of safety.
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Permalink Reply by FETC on
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If that happened on our fireground, (even if the guy said Hey I am just sick) he would have been put into an ambulance and ordered to be evaluated at ER.
Does he have the flu? Did he get exposed to HCN (smoke) because it presents as flu like symptoms? As Jim mentions, is he having the big one, or is this guy just too salty to miss a fire? One thing is for sure, if he goes down it will be everyone's issue.
Checking on anyone's health and wellness on the fireground, should have nothing to do with being junior, senior, your department, my department or the color of their helmet....
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