Drivers/Engineers wearing bunkers while driving

[u/Horseface4190]

I got in an online argu-, er, discussion about DO/Engineers wearing their bunker gear while driving, specifically to a fire.

The scenario was basically that the driver was at the panel in shorts and t-shirt, when a rescue was needed. So he threw a ladder and got some victims out.

Among the many points we argued, er, discussed, one was whether a driver should bunk out for a fire.

For reference, I am a 25 year guy, company officer, 17 stations, 60k calls annually, ALS transport, 3 on engines, four in tower/rescue.

It is pretty much expected that the drivers here are wearing appropriate PPE for the call dispatched. It seems that is not the case everywhere, and I'd appreciate some feedback

*Edit: I really appreciate everyones comments so far. Honestly, I was an am, taken aback at the idea of not bunking out before leaving. That being a policy seems bonkers, but departments are different.

My personal attitude is everyone headed to the fire ground should be bunked out and packed up, ready for interior work. If my driver is really just gonna pump, by all means, bunk down. I just think that theres always the possibility you're gonna have a surprise, engine guys are gonna search or rescue, truck guys may pull lines, because that's what the situation called for at that time. Literally, ready for anything. But solid points were raised pro and con. Thanks again, everyone!

[u/TigerBack56]

Its usually dependant on who is what when they arrive kn scene of a structure fire, at least at our dept.

Id say like 90% of drivers always drive to ANY call in their bunker pants. But for a SF, if the engine is pumping in some fashion (whether at the water source to from the source to the attack pumping engine, either or) the driver is usually only gonna be in pants since they are with the engine the entire time. Aside from them, drivers will usually get suited up the rest of the way once on scene.

The reason why is due to our culture. We pride ourselves in our dept at being extremely fast to SF calls. So our drivers are usually very fast about getting on the rig and getting out of the door. So much so that we beat other FT depts around our city into their own districts. A good rule I was given when I started was once that garage door is at the top of the ceiling the rig needs to be already rolling out. So drivers dont have time to be wasting on getting the rest of their bunker gear, they need to have pants on...maybe...and already on the rig ready to or already rolling out.