What should firefighters always use when mounting and dismounting the apparatus?

Firefighters should always use handrails and steps when mounting and dismounting the apparatus for several important reasons. Handrails provide a stable grip, which enhances safety by helping prevent slips or falls that can occur during the transition onto or off of the vehicle. Proper use of steps ensures that firefighters maintain three points of contact—either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand—providing a secure method of ascending and descending.

This practice is critical in maintaining balance and stability, especially when the apparatus may be parked on uneven ground or in conditions where mobility is already challenged, such as during emergencies or severe weather. By using handrails and steps, firefighters minimize the risk of injury, promoting not only their own safety but also ensuring they remain ready to respond to incidents effectively.

Other options, while they may have their uses in emergency scenarios, do not specifically address the safety protocols for mounting and dismounting the apparatus. For example, emergency exits are meant for evacuating a vehicle in urgent situations, while safety harnesses are typically employed in specific situations involving heights or fall risk, and footsteps attached to ladders may not always provide the safest means of access to the apparatus. Thus, the proper use of handrails and steps remains the best practice