Firefighting Best Practices > Being Prepared
In our last post, we explored the major factors that contribute to a successful fireground operation. One of the major components is readiness, which encompasses physical and mental abilities. In this article, we’ll discuss the operational readiness that’s required in order to respond to the emergency quickly and efficiently. Share this information with your clients, but most importantly, ensure your client’s service is protected with a Firefighter Liability Insurance package.
Physical and medical fitness.
Your clients have to be in the best shape of their lives to respond to emergencies. Physical and mental fitness are two huge factors within this category.
The best bet is to use NFPA 1582 Comprehensive Occupational Medical Programs for Fire Departments to determine one’s medical fitness. This standard includes medical requirements for incumbent and candidate firefighters in all types (includes volunteers) of organizations. Next, the IAFF/IAFC Candidate Physical Ability Test has been at the tip of the spear for physical ability readiness for about 15 years. CPAT should be administered to all new candidates to verify their physical ability to perform firefighting duties, recommends Fire Rescue 1.
Keeping the rig running properly.
Firefighters cannot do their jobs without the right equipment. Ensure the rig and its gear are functioning properly prior to each call. If any maintenance needs to be completed or its running low on supplies, prioritize this first.
Training.
Not only do firefighters need to be trained to be out the door within a minute, they also need adequate training on all equipment and gear. Time is critical in these missions, leaving no room to spare for fumbling over gadgets and gear.
Lastly, as new equipment and resources become available, your clients should tailor their ongoing training programs to educate their teams.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.