View Full Version : Do you check your equipment?
Berdoo Beau
04-30-08, 15:22
Ok, time for a different perspective. Issued and personal gear. Lots to use and lots to check. We come to work and we go through our "morning routine". But is your check out REALLY a check out? Are you going through the motions in order to have coffee, toast, email, laptop time, etc.? I'm guilty and I have a fair amount of personal toys. Batteries in lights. Clean and operating face mask. Vacuum the lint and ash from turnout pockets. Wildland gear to clean and maintain. Helmet liner and shield to inspect. Helmet shell to clean and inspect. Spot treat turnout coat and pants. Wash inner liners. Check pocket tools for proper operation. Clean and/or repair various items that are dirty, broken, bent, inoperative. Replace items that are no longer salvageable.
What about upgrades? I ditched the helmet shield in favor of ESS goggles. Don't know if it qualifies as an actual upgrade but it works better for me as an engineer right now. I may go back to the shield. I'm also going to purchase the New York strap. I like the concept and I trust those that have put it through it's paces on my department.
What say you?
Cheers!
Bill
RedBloodedAmerican
04-30-08, 21:06
I myself attempt to always do the most through and complete checkout possible. Being a medic, a new one at that, (FF for just over a year and half , Medic for 2 years) there is as stated above quite a bit to check out. This includes all of our departments newest and greatest EMS gadgets and gizmos; and an engine that has a equipment compliment comparable to a lot of trucks. If the off going crew had a busy night that adds a little bit more to the checkout as well. All in all, after about 2 hours in the morning I considered myself confident everything is set and ready. Exceptions and extensions for the inevitable morning call or detail. And at times that coffee and morning snack does sound tempting, I know how hard Ive had to work to obtain my position on the engine/truck, and how many people are dying to get in my position. Being prepared is just one of the many things to stay one step ahead of the competition as well as my crew having full confidence that we can handle any situation thrown at us.
Good for you Berdoo for being willing to try the New York Style radio strap.
As I said in another post, I wore it through our RIC training props and never had any problems.
Some of those that stowed it within their turnout pocket, exited a few of the events shy a radio........dangerous.
Before I place my radio within it's holster, I key the mic to ensure the battery is well charged.
Isn't that why we got Rookies?:D
This is all good in theory. BB, Chile you both have worked downtown. You know If you did the very thorough method it would take till lunch, along with cleanin the crappers, va**BLEEP****BLEEP****BLEEP**n,BC head , trash,wash rigs,check gear, along with the 50 other things that come up from various chiefs and captains. Oh yeah training meetings, capt. meetings, and possibly a work out.The captains downtown are very aware of this and give ample time for this even if it takes till lunch. However I believe we all become lazy. I to am very guilty of this, taking the off going shifts word for it. Thank god for my rookie hoseman, even though he is not a rookie anymore. Oh yeah and we are losing him to the very shameful Medic truck. Lets BEAT up a million dollar piece of equipment thats brand new instead of buying some less expensive squads. Wow and we are in a so called budget crunch. So again lets do more with less, instead of finding the money to do it right.
If you trust a rookie to check your stuff, Im gonna kick your *BLEEP**BLEEP**BLEEP*.
I agree with fat cobra, If you trust someone else to check your gear you'd better apply at Wal-Mart. Your F'in life depends on your readiness. The coffee and paper will be there when your done.
Just a joke people!!!! I check out my safety equipment personally, and my EMS gear every morning. Quick glance around the rig (where my preconnect nozzles are, my side or the other).
Come on EJ....you know who my partner is!!
Isn't that why we got Rookies?:D
I knew you were just Joshin' Ash. I could tell since you put that big grin in there. Some people are just super sensitive.
Most firefighters have tough skin and can take jokes.
Later.:cool:
This is not where I parked my car. Hey Ash, you will need to check the equipment when you come in. We had 15 transports and I doubt everything got replaced. Oh wait C-platoon is on Monday....We better check it out on tuesday, you know how they are.....
And new LVFR record......15
This is not where I parked my car. Hey Ash, you will need to check the equipment when you come in. We had 15 transports and I doubt everything got replaced. Oh wait C-platoon is on Monday....We better check it out on tuesday, you know how they are.....
And new LVFR record......15
I thought that you tied the record @ 13 and had 2 carry over totalling 15...and by the way, did it hurt your back as you tried to blow yourself there?
Weapon (Apparatus), Kit (PPE), Body - In that order
Just my 2 cents...
ladderpiper
05-14-08, 15:58
Weapon (Apparatus), Kit (PPE), Body - In that order
Just my 2 cents...
:D That is funny. You must work in the ghetto. I was a reserve firefighter in Compton CA years ago, and that was very fitting for there.
I thought that you tied the record @ 13 and had 2 carry over totalling 15...and by the way, did it hurt your back as you tried to blow yourself there?
Nope....New record 15....its offical.....Suck it Trebek
vBulletin® v3.8.1, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.