Fire Apparatus

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

One of the core responsibilities for any emergency services organization is the proper training of its personnel for safe over-the-road operation of emergency vehicles. This is especially true for fire and EMS organizations operating large trucks, when roughly 25 percent of annual firefighter fatalities occur when responding to or returning from alarms.

One thing we can all agree upon in the world of fire and EMS response is that the scope of our operations has greatly expanded. We also likely agree that the body of knowledge required by our personnel has greatly expanded and continues to do so in quantum leaps.