Equipment & Technology
Apparatus, gear, stations and the technology fire and EMS departments rely on.
5 Great Products From 2013, and 5 I’d Like to See in 2014
Well, the end-of-year holiday season is upon us; it seems like just yesterday I was turning the calendar to 2013. We all know how important planning is in our daily operations, so here are some thoughtful gift ideas for your department.
Taking the fight out of a chimney fire
The most obvious sign of a chimney fire is when you see flames and sparks shooting out of the chimney like a Roman candle on the 4th of July. Such a visual sign of a chimney fire in action is nothing short of impressive.
What you need to know about proximity suits
Specialized clothing designed to protect workers from high levels of radiant heat have been around since the 1930s. Those first suits, developed to industrial workers, used asbestos fabric as the protective layer.
Tools to Stabilize the Rescue Scene
Situations like extricating victims from a motor vehicle crash or removing them from a trench present many unique challenges to the emergency responder — not the least of which is stabilizing the situation.
11 tips to keep apparatus glass clean
I've worn corrective lenses since I was in the second grade. So I know a thing or two about the affect of having glass between me and what I see in the outside world. It always amazes me how much even a small amount of dust on my glasses or a smudge in the wrong place can distort my vision.
3 Questions to Answer Before Buying an Aerial
The aerial apparatus has come a long way since it was first introduced in the early 20th century. That evolution has left fire departments with serious choices: rear-mount or mid-ship-mounted aerial device, ladder or platform — or ladder platform.
2 options for getting water to the top
Any truckie worth his salt will be happy to tell you that truckies are LOVERS, but not in the romantic sense of the word. Instructors have used the mnemonic acronym LOVERS for years to assist firefighters in learning the six prime tactical functions of a truck company: ladders, overhaul, ventilation, entry, rescue, and salvage.
Support systems: Stabilizing aerials
One of the most critical systems on today's aerial apparatus, regardless of type, is the vehicle's stabilization system. You know, the jacks or outriggers that keep the truck in its proper position, that is, vertical while we use the aerial device to accomplish emergency tasks.
Cold-Weather Operations: Pumps
If your apparatus pump freezes, so too does your ability to fight fire; take these steps to keep your rig ready when the thermometer falls.
Illuminating options for better scene lighting
Continued improvements in storage battery technology, and the advent of light-emitting diodes as a powerful general lighting source, have hastened the development of lightweight and portable lighting equipment.
How to buy government surplus fire trucks
The leaders of most U.S. fire department are struggling to make ends meet these days. Smaller departments, and particularly volunteer fire departments, are facing real challenges when it comes to having apparatus that's ready for duty.
Cold-weather operations: Pumps
Time for another of the great "less filling, tastes great" debates within the fire service: Should a department run a dry or a wet pump during cold-weather operations?