Future Questions
You can be a part of the discussions in this column. Future Roundtables will focus on the following issues:
The two-in/two-out rule has been in effect as part of the OSHA Respiratory Standard for a little over one year now. Thirteen states are not OSHA states and legally are not obligated to follow the specific rule, but they are still affected by the “standard of care” the rule presents. Whether you live in an OSHA state or not, how are you addressing the two-in/two-out rule?
With emergency medical services demanding so much of our time and resources, many departments have been gravitating toward “EMS for Profit.” Has this “charge for services” hit your department? If so, to what extent?
For more than 20 years, females have been a part of the fire service. Some departments currently have significant numbers of females not only as firefighters but also in all ranks and in all roles within the organization. Define the role that females have taken in your department. What is the percentage of females (uniformed) within your organization, and what ranks do they currently hold?
What accountability system does your department use? Do you consider your current accountability system “successful”? Why or why not?
Does your department have a rapid intervention policy or program in place? If so, please describe how RIT (RIC or FAST teams) are used.
To submit answers to the above questions or topics for future columns (or to comment on previously published issues), e-mail (maryjd@pennwell.com) or (skip@accesstoledo.com) or mail comments to ROUNDTABLE, Fire Engineering, Park 80 West, Plaza Two, 7th floor; Saddle Brook, NJ 07663.
