WHAT’S NEW IN RESCUE EQUIPMENT
THE RESCUE COMPANY
Conferences, conventions, and symposiums are where representatives of fire departments throughout the world come together to discuss common issues and concerns. Lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on training give attendees the opportunity to discuss ways to deal with the situations and problems they encounter. And it is during these conferences and conventions that apparatus and tool/equipment manufacturers, distributors, and vendors exhibit the newest firefighting products on the market. Many innovative changes in apparatus or tool/equipment design have been the direct result of information exchanges between users and manufacturers at these events.
Each year the apparatus on display appear to grow in capability and versatility. Tools/equipment are becoming more sophisticated yet more portable and adaptable for the user. I recently attended one of the larger displays of apparatus and tools/equipment. It made me look back to when I entered the fire service 28 years ago and wonder how we survived based on our resources and inventory when compared with what’s available to the fire service today.
DESIGN INNOVATIONS
Some of the apparatus combine a multitude of services into one special heavy rescue unit. An example of this is a combination rescue and haz-mat unit with the capability of being used as an incident command station complete with a fully equipped communications system. You really can get the most for your dollar with such combination units.
Compartment layouts of the rescue apparatus have been designed to handle the large extrication equipment. Slide-out trays and mounts make it easier and safer for the user. Every inch of space is used and designed specifically to suit the unit’s needs. Compartments with drop-down doors for the storage of air bags, blocks, chocks, and cribbing are attached to the underside of the apparatus, increasing its storage capabilities. Builtin generators provide the electrical power source for lighting and tools. Electrical cable reels in compartments provide hundreds of feet of cable for remote operations.
Light towers, some as high as 40 feet, are now found in front and/or in the rear of the apparatus. As an option, these air-operated telescoping light towers can be recessed into compartments when not in use. Cable reels are also available for air operations; hundreds of feet of cable on reels enable a tool or piece of equipment to be used at distances away from the apparatus without the need to bring the air source to the location.
The rescue apparatus of the ’90s can provide communications, generators, lighting, an incident command station, a cascade system, compressors, cable reel for air and hydraulic tools, winches, A-frames, and enough compartment space to handle various rescue tools and equipment. Booster tanks, foam tanks, and pumping capabilities also can be incorporated into the apparatus.
One manufacturer offers a fourwheel drive surburban first-responder vehicle that has a full set of extrication equipment mounted on slide-out trays and additional space for other equipment. Ideally, departments that have trouble gaining access to areas in their response district with the larger, conventional apparatus can use the first-responder vehicle to their advantage. This type of vehicle can be designed for a department’s special needs (incident command, haz mat, and so on).
Self-contained breathing apparatus constantly is being modified and redesigned to meet fire service needs while complying with federal regulations and recognized national standards. The newer SCBAs are constructed of lightweight material that is stronger and more durable to withstand abuse during firefighting operations. With the improvements in design and modification have come such features as a rescue mask—a second mask carried by the user that can be connected to an SCBA’s quick-connect valve to supply a victim with air. A buddy breathing system uses the same type of quick-connect coupling to enable a user to supply air to another firefighter via a short rescue hose that links the two SCBAs together in seconds. In-line extension systems with small, compact escape cylinders for use in confined-space operations eliminate the additional hazards of bulky equipment normally used.
Communications while wearing SCBA always have been a problem. A number of systems available allow the sender and receiver to talk and hear clearly without interference: in-themask radios, speech-activated diaphragms, wireless communications, and masks with push-to-talk buttons.
A major concern in every rescue operation is the safety not only of the victim but of the rescuer. Personal alert safety systems have been available for a number of years. Now a small (2″x2″), lightweight (3 oz.) personal motion-sensing alarm is available that sounds a loud (96 dB) audio alarm and has a bright visual flashing indicator if the wearer becomes motionless for 25 seconds or longer. The alarm can be easily attached to clothing, belts, SCBAs, or helmets.
Manufacturers of hydraulic rescue tools for vehicle extrication are introducing a number of variations to the spreaders and cutters that have been on the market since the early 1970s. A combination tool that can spread, pull, or cut and is lightweight and compact is ideal for departments whose budgets prohibit purchasing an entire system. Newly designed jaws provide a greater grabbing surface with less slippage and can be changed over in seconds. One manufacturer has replaced the chains used for pulling steering columns and displacing dashboards with heavy-duty straps that are much lighter and less cumbersome. Another system available is portable, lightweight, and airoperated with standard air bottles, air brake systems, or a cascade system. Hydraulic rescue tools now can be supplied from an apparatus complete with cable reels and power sources, entire systems mounted on wheeled hand trucks, or systems that are portable and light enough to be handcarried to the scene.
Power saws have been available that allow you to cut wood, metal, or concrete simply by changing the blade. A major saw manufacturer has introduced a saw strictly for cutting concrete, block, reinforced concrete, natural stone, brick, and similiar materials. It uses a 14-inch diamond blade on an off-center drive that gives an extreme cutting depth of 10 inches. Compared with a conventional center drive, this is quite an advantage. A hydraulic power pack as the power source is mounted on a small wheeled hand truck and can be rapidly set up and moved from one location to another.
Portable lighting and power sources are a must for rescue operations. Realizing that many locations make using an apparatus-supplied system impossible, you must have portable power as a backup. Small, lightweight, and compact generators that are easy to carry and operate and provide up to four hours of quiet operating time can replace those bulky, noisy, commonly used generators. These generators are available in a variety of sizes and power-output capabilities.
Detectors used for checking the presence of hazardous gases and vapors, CO, or oxygen levels are now available in small, hand-held designs. These combination detectors are multifunctional and can replace the larger detectors used in the past. Many of these detectors use an LED display, which is particularly effective during night or dark interior operations. Operated by a rechargeable battery, these detectors can be used up to eight hours before recharging is necessary.
A popular hydraulically operated forcible entry tool is now available with interchangeable heads. These heads are available in different sizes and shapes.
Devices for transporting vicims are available in many designs. Besides the lightweight, breakaway stretchers and baskets, a new inflatable multisurface sled that can be paddled, towed, or slid on water, snow, or ice is available. It comes complete with restraint straps, towing attachments, hand grasps, and other features.
If you have not had the opportunity to attend an apparatus and tool/equipment exhibition, don’t miss the next one. When you go, don’t hesitate to mention to the manufacturers or distributors any suggestions you have regarding specialized equipment. The best equipment is that modeled after ideas from those who use it in real-life situations.
The most effective firefighting equipment is modeled after ideas from those who must use it in real-life situations.
