Do you wear your helmet in the apparatus??

[thecutman]

I just read this in another post and found it interesting. We had a Chief where I used to run that wanted the helmet worn while responding (we didn't) but some in town did:

The following is in the new revision of NFPA 1901, effective for apparatus contracted on and after January 1, 2009.

"14.1.8.4* The following statement shall be included in the operator’s manual: ’Fire helmets shall not be worn by persons riding in enclosed driving and crew areas. Fire helmets are not designed for crash protection and they will interfere with the protection provided by head rests The use of seat belts is essential to protecting fire fighters during driving.’

14.1.8.4.1 A location for helmet storage shall be provided.

14.1.8.4.2 If helmets are to be stored in the driving or crew compartment, the helmets shall be secured in compliance to section 14.1.11.2. (This relates to the gforce restraints.)

14.1.8.4.3 A label stating ’DO NOT WEAR HELMET WHILE SEATED’ shall be visible form each seating position.

A.14.1.8.4 The minimum seat head height values in this standard assume that the occupants are not wearing helmets. The use of helmets puts the occupant at greater risk of neck or back injury during a rollover or during a severe road event.

[WebBoss]

While we don't have "NFPA Helmet Holders" (another ZICO/NFPA get rich quick scheme), my helmet is kept in the cab in a safe place near me while responding. It's usually put on while on final approach to the scene or after I slip my mask on at the front door. I know in our cabs... well in the front seats... there isn't much extra head room to fit a helmet over my big head.

[JDub]

I have worn it a few times in the cab, I forget my reasoning why I wore it, but most of the time I don't where it the cab. It is however either next to me or on the floor in front of me.

[papacheese]

I tend not to wear it in the cab simply because the space and seating arrangement prohibits it....the seats certainly weren't designed to allow it to happen.

As far as the NFPA standard goes, anyone ever hear of something called "snap neck?" It's mentioned as being a common injury suffered by many FDNY personnel during their years of service....a long term neck injury caused (they think) by the whiplashing effect of a helmet regardless of where it's being worn. I swear mine's getting heavier with each passing year....

[Click Click 27]

I never wear my helmet on the truck, for me it's more of a habit than a rule, i put it on when i step off.