While the apparatus is in motion, a firefighter in the back is taking off their seatbelt to don an SCBA. What should be done?

• A. Slow down and stop until fire fighter is secured by seatbelts
• B. Pull over and secure later
• C. Stop immediately and dismount
• D. Continue at same speed

Answer: (A)

The main idea is safety and proper restraint on a moving firefighting apparatus. All crew members should be secured by seatbelts whenever the vehicle is in motion. If someone needs to don an SCBA and would have to unseat or loosen their belt, the safe course is to slow down and stop until that person is secured again. This prevents the firefighter from being ejected or injured if the vehicle brakes suddenly, turns sharply, or encounters a jolt, and it keeps the crew under control so the task can be completed without added risk.

Driving with an unbelted firefighter is dangerous, and stopping immediately to dismount isn’t necessary or safer. Pulling over and securing later delays readiness and can leave the crew unprotected for longer than needed. Continuing at the same speed with someone unbelted presents a clear risk of injury during routine operations or an unexpected stop. So, the correct action is to slow down and stop until the firefighter is secured by the seatbelts.