A common practice is for fire fighters to don personal protective equipment (PPE):

Donning personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to mounting the apparatus is a crucial practice for fire fighters. This approach ensures that the firefighters are fully equipped before they respond to an emergency, maximizing their safety and readiness right from the start of the call. By having their PPE on before climbing onto the fire apparatus, they minimize the time it takes to be ready upon arrival at the scene, allowing for a quick response to any situation that requires immediate action.

Wearing PPE while en route to a call may be impractical due to space and safety considerations within the apparatus. Likewise, waiting to don PPE until after a report from the first-arriving unit undermines the principle of being prepared to act quickly in unpredictable environments. Dismounting the apparatus without PPE would leave firefighters vulnerable to hazards present at the scene, which can range from heat and smoke to potential structural dangers. Thus, donning PPE before getting on the apparatus is vital for ensuring effectiveness and safety in emergency responses.