Hoffman Estates Fire Department - Back Support Belts Procedure (PDF) 2022

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SAFETY OPERATIONS – 007 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLAINT SOG Titl...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SAFETY OPERATIONS – 007 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLAINT SOG Title: Back Support Belts Revision: 3 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2025 Fire Chief 1 PURPOSE POLICY All Department members assigned to an ambulance and squad will be provided (on a daily basis) with a lumbar support back belt. The use of these belts, along with proper lifting techniques, is intended to prevent back injuries. PROCEDURE A. Each ambulance and squad has been equipped with three back belts. Each shift day, crews assigned to the ambulance and squad shall select a belt of the proper size and make it readily available for their use on all EMS calls. The belts can be donned before leaving the station and worn loosely until a time when their use is needed. B. All personnel involved in patient care and patient removal are encouraged to wear the back belts, especially crew members assigned to the head and toe positions during a patient lift. Proper lifting techniques are to be utilized at all times. C. A daily check of the back belts shall be completed as part of the daily apparatus checkout. Belts in need of repair or replacement shall be addressed through the work order process and directed to the EMS Division. DEFINITIONS EXCEPTIONS REFERENCES End of Document 1