FE Volume 151 Issue 7

Emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles have evolved as EMS providers` needs and capabilities have changed. Before the 1960s, the victim in a medical emergency did not receive much more medical assistance besides being transported to the hospital. Since ambulances often were staffed only by a driver, ambulance services until that time offered little in the way of lifesaving care. As EMS in the fire service has grown, EMS vehicles have become dual-role, much like the emergency personnel who sta

Najo Emergency Products: One-piece, 16-inch-wide tapered backboard has 22 oversized handholds, two at end. Seamless high- density polyethylene plastic construction is impervious to bloodborne pathogens. (800) 274-5694.

Rescue Rocket, Inc.: Patented design uses compressed air to launch various sizes of rope and rescue equipment up to 400 feet. Line options include 2,200-pound Polyspectra and 525 Dacron. Can launch automatically inflatable life sling. Projectile is a 3,000-psi cylinder released from handheld launching tube. (800) 709-5018.

Akron Fire Fighting Equipment: Features programmed calibration and flow/pressure readings. Tested for vibration, high and low