Staffing - Let's Go To Work!

Staffing is when a firefighter works a shift, having the appropriate number of firefighters to work an engine company during a 12-24 hour shift and spends the shift at the station. Depending on your department you may begin your shift in the morning or evening. Our shifts start at 18:00 and 06:00.

I was a little nervous to staff my first time since I would be staffing the station overnight and then going to my deskjob the next day.

Here are some quick questions I needed answers to before I staffed for the first time:

1. What do firefighters wear to bed at night?

It seems that most firefighters wear gym shorts and a t-shirt. I prefer to sleep in the clothes I'm going to respond in so I'll be wearing my uniform t-shirt and my crew pants.

2. What do firefighters who wear corrective lenses do when staffing overnight?

From my internet research, asking other brothers in my department, checking SOGs, and just going with my gut here is what I found:

• Just wear your glasses until you need to mask up then take them off. This won't work for me because I am nearly blind without corrective lenses. I have also not requested to have the lens inserts added to my mask. Though it may be impossible to see in most fires anyway, I would still prefer to have any vision available to me at any time.
• Sleep with your contacts in. This is my short term answer. I plan to get some lenses that are "breathable" in order to diminish the damage to my eyes.
• Get LASIK surgery. There are many firefighters who have had this surgery done and some insurance plans cover the cost. Some providers also offer a discount to military and para-military occupations.

3. What time do I need to be there?

First, know when your shift is. Many departments start at different times and you should ensure that you are ready and available for that time. My department starts the evening shift at 18:00 and 06:00 for the part-time crew and 19:00 and 07:00 for the full-time crew.

Second, be there 15-30 minutes early - every shift. This serves several real purposes beyond just dedication and impressing the Lieutenant. You may be relieving another firefighter coming off shift and the gentleman's agreement is to take that last call of his shift so that he doesn't have to work late if the call goes long. You need to check your truck and equipment on every shift because they are your responsibility and your life-line. You need to be mentally prepared to begin your shift no matter what challenge is in-store for you.

4. What do I bring with me?

1. A Pen. Never get caught without a pen. Your job is to learn everything you can so be prepared to write down any information given to you. You will also need it for your reports and when the Chief or Lieutenant yells at your for something.
2. A Pocket Knife. Trust me, you will need it. Try to get one with a window punch. You'll inevitably need it. By the way, you only need to bring one knife. If you have more than one knife then you will be laughed at.
3. A Pen-Light. If you don't have one, get one. A flashlight is just as handy as your knife.
4. A Bed Roll.  Pack your favorite pillow and blanket and roll it up for easy transport.
5. Food. Pack a light dinner that you can easily clean up and requires little food preparation. However, if you have the opportunity to plan a meal and eat with the rest of the crew then do it. It will increase camaraderie and morale as well as help you familiarize yourself with the interests of the crew.
1. Keep a $20 bill in your wallet. If you eat out with the crew you don't want the embarrassment of credit/debit issues.
6. Change of Clothes.  This requires good packing skills and you will need 3 changes of clothes: 1. Workout clothes (pants/shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes). 2. Replacement uniform (in case your uniform gets soiled/soaked). 3. Work clothes for the next day. I work in a business casual office during the day so I needed to change into khakis, dress shirt, and a tie - don't forget your dress shoes!.
7. Hygiene Items. Toothbrush, toothpaste, contact solution, glasses, glasses case, shaving cream, razor, soap and/or 3-1 Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash, deodorant, towel, comb/hairbrush. Other options may include: muscle cream, ibuprofen, mouthwash, floss, foot/body powder (I use "Anti-Monkey-Butt"), finger nail clippers.
8. Study Material. This could be your EMS or Fire Training manual. Every shift should include study time. This will be just as important as your hands-on training. I read somewhere that 10% of your staffing time should be spent hands-on training. I agree and would add that another 10% should be spent studying to reinforce your hands-on experience with knowledge. It will make the application of your studies much easier.
9. Identification. Make sure you have your station ID at all times. It may also double as your entry card. Make sure you have it on you at all times - preferably on a retractable tag-line. Don't forget it when you take the garbage out and lock yourself outside of the station, that's embarrassing. You'll also need your civilian ID/License for driving, identification, and paperwork.

I'm sure that I'm missing a few things that all firefighters should know in order to be prepared for their shift. What can you think of that I've missed?