Nick Martin
My job... I am a BC and either end up as command in the buggy, or as a division/group supervisor (“on the fire floor”, etc). At mutual aid fires, I could end up doing anything from command roles to stretching lines, searching, or any other task.
My goal has been to carry what I need, but not the kitchen sink. I try to lay it out so that I’m not carrying too much weight and it’s not in my pockets in a manner that restricts my movement (ergonomics & mobility).
In my left coat pocket I have a changeable tip screwdriver, shove knife, aluminum forcible entry wedge, and channel locks with the end converted to key tools. I use this for utility purposes, but more commonly for forcing adams-right and similar style locks. I made little medical tape booties for the tips to stop them from poking through my coat (one fell off...). The FE wedge has a short lanyard that hangs out of the pocket secured between the Velcro so I can pull that out quickly.
In the right coat pocket I have some medical gloves. 50’ of non-rated utility rope, daisy-chained to be compact/organized/quickly deplorable, with a snap ring. I use this for utility purposes such as hoisting a saw or a line, etc. A spare battery, these new short batteries die quickly so I carry a spare.
In my chest pocket I carry these utility cable cutters for wires/entanglements. I actually like the gas cut off thing, I use that frequently. I keep them lubed up well to operate easily and also have a lanyard hanging out secured between the Velcro. I wear my radio on a strap under the coat with the mic out over the top D-ring. Two spring clips on left side clipped to coat just behind pocket. I actually like these for screen doors where you can’t use a wedge and for other doors when the situation fits. Box light on a leather strap and have a good folding knife secured on the strap.
That’s my workflow, works well for my job in my dept. I’d encourage everyone to look at other people’s setup and explore ideas, but in the end you have to find something that makes sense for your position that balances “stuff” with weight/mobility/comfort. 🚒✊🏻🔥
