What should you do if you cannot see the spotters behind you when backing up?

If you cannot see the spotters behind you while backing up, the safest action is to not back the apparatus at all. This choice prioritizes safety and prevents potential accidents. Visibility is crucial when maneuvering large fire apparatus, as blind spots can lead to injuries or property damage. By refraining from moving the vehicle, you are ensuring that there is no risk of striking someone who may be in your path, as you lack the necessary information to proceed safely.

Backing up without proper visibility can create dangerous situations where spotters or other personnel could be accidentally harmed. Other methods, such as using mirrors or continuing with caution, do not adequately mitigate the risk of an unseen hazard behind the vehicle. Asking for help from other firefighters could be beneficial, but it would still not replace the fundamental safety principle of avoiding reverse movements without clear visibility. Hence, choosing to not back the apparatus is the most responsible and safe action to take in this scenario.