When should a complete inventory of the vehicle be completed?

A complete inventory of the vehicle should be performed at the beginning of each shift and before leaving the scene of an incident to ensure that all necessary equipment is available and accounted for. This practice is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of emergency operations. Conducting inventories at the start of each shift helps verify that all equipment is in proper working condition and ready for use, allowing personnel to proactively address any missing or malfunctioning tools before responding to emergencies.

Furthermore, performing an inventory before departing from the scene guarantees that all gear and equipment used during the incident is returned to the vehicle. This reduces the risk of leaving essential items behind and ensures that the apparatus is fully equipped for future calls. This routine check reinforces accountability among team members and contributes to overall operational readiness within the Minneapolis Fire Department.