Fire Apparatus Video Cameras Monday, March 9, 2009  - The Bowling Green Fire Department has had video cameras mounted on three of its apparatus since 2000.   Permanently mounting these devices was an idea born of the department’s continuing need for footage of runs to utilize in its Emergency Vehicle Awareness (EVA) program. This program seeks to educate “civilian” drivers on how to properly react to the approach of an emergency vehicle. Program coordinators review run tapes periodically to identify segments for their video presentations.   Prior to the permanent installations tapes were obtained from a camcorder jury-rigged in the cab of an engine. This method was effective, yet cumbersome. Care had to be taken to secure the camera for the physical trials of emergency responses. Likewise, attention to placing the unit in a location that did not interfere with the vision and movements of either the driver or the officer was necessary. Finally, the camera had to be manually turned on and off, adding steps to the pre-run and post-run activities of the crew. (Recommend wiring the on/off switch to the emergency lights master switch, as this will ensure filming of the run itself and emergency scene activities.)   Units utilize VHS tapes, which allows for immediate playback capability in a standard VCR. Each recorder is separate from its lens and is contained in a unit that may be placed beneath a seat or other protected area. A hardwire lead connects the recorder to the lens, which is mounted on the dash in a bracket. The lens is approximately the size of the “mouse” for a computer, so it does not present a significant line of sight problem.  The lens is also removable. A sufficient length of hardwire lead is provided to allow a firefighter to remove the lens and film on the exterior of the vehicle from either side.   A small video monitor screen (approximately 4” x 6”) is mounted to the seat support between the driver and officer riding positions. This allows for a quick en route or on-scene check by either the officer of apparatus operator to confirm that the desired subject is indeed being recorded. Once the cameras were in place it quickly became evident that the footage obtained was useful in a number of applications other than just the EVA program. Following is a list of applications:                   Emergency vehicle operator drivers training                 Critiques                 Investigations                 Litigation                 Public relations                                                                                                                                                                                     Emergency Vehicle Operators Driver Training   It is easy for many of us to forget what it was like when we first began to drive a fire truck on runs. What an eye-opening experience! Perhaps during those first calls you asked yourself the question, “Is everyone driving on the streets today an idiot?” Maybe, like me, you uttered an expletive or two as you tried to determine which direction the imbecile swerving his vehicle in front of your truck was finally going to take.   In my day leading up to those first emergency responses as a driver—and I shudder at the memories—I had an advantage today’s upcoming emergency vehicle operators do not have. Most of our apparatus were only partially enclosed. It was possible (and we routinely did) stand up in the jump seat area and peer over the roof of the truck’s cab. No one bothered to explain the aerodynamics that would have been involved had we been catapulted from the vehicle during a collision, nor did anyone provide any detail on the poor landing characteristics of a human body in flight. Fortunately, I never had the opportunity to prove that gravity can hurt; nevertheless, I was able to observe other drivers’ reactions to our approach, so as I moved behind the wheel I had some rough idea of what to expect.   Today’s young firefighters do not have this “preview” learning advantage with enclosed cabs being the norm. Many jump seats are rear facing, precluding any opportunity to observe traffic en route to a call. Even those trucks with front facing jump seats do not provide good educational venues, for the view forward is at least partially blocked.   An experienced emergency vehicle operator reviewing run tapes with a novice driver is simply a driving simulator on the cheap. The opportunities are there to freeze frame or play the tape in slow motion, over and over if necessary, the better to highlight a particular civilian drivers’ reactions, or how to quickly select an alternative route, or how the apparatus itself handles under a certain set of circumstances. In addition, as the instructor plays the approach to an emergency scene he can patiently explain what he saw and why he placed the apparatus at a certain location to expedite the ensuing operations and provide for the safety of both crew and truck.    Critiques   We do critiques to learn—from our successes as well as our mistakes. It is very difficult to remember all the important detail that may have factored into any set of decisions and actions at most scenes. If a picture is worth a thousand words then a video is worth ten thousand. With a video it is possible to view a point in time that can never be recreated. Here is what the building looked like on arrival, after the application of the first stream, thirty seconds before collapse, etc.   The opportunities are great to study the effectiveness of tactics, to identify precursors to major changes in situational status, and to narrow and/or expedite the ensuing cause and origin investigation. Even the actual placement of each apparatus at the scene can provide useful information.   Investigations   As with critiques, video of an emergency scene allows one to view a point in time that can never be recreated otherwise. Identifying the point of origin is simplified, fire extension direction and speed is more easily determined, and reference points for officers’ reports are created. These advantages have proven useful in expediting our investigations and have played a role in solving some of our arson cases.   The mobility of the lens on our units also allows one to view and record bystanders who are in close proximity to the apparatus. For the arsonist who might hang around to view his handiwork, beware, you may be on candid camera and you can kiss your alibi goodbye. We’re still waiting for that one, but I’m hopeful that will come about one day.   Litigation   I have not performed the research to prove it, but I think it a reasonable assumption that most of the lawsuits filed against firefighters and fire departments is centered on apparatus accidents. Remember, fire departments and their governing bodies represent “deep pockets” to attorneys. With this fact of life in mind, one may certainly assume that an apparatus accident will result in litigation.   The key to a successful defense for the fire department in an apparatus accident is being able to prove that the operator was exercising “due regard” for the safety of others on the roadway. Video from inside the apparatus involved (and potentially from others responding on the call) offers a heretofore unexplored means of proving that due regard was exercised. It may also serve as corroboration of the testimony of crewmembers and other witnesses. In proving due regard the video may actually deter the pursuit of litigation, or at least assist greatly in proving the fire department’s case in court.   On the other hand, if due regard by the apparatus driver was not exercised the video may also serve as proof of that failure. Even in such instances the fire department (and/or its governing body) may realize some cost savings by agreeing to settle out of court and thus avoid the costly experience of the litigation process.   As to the actions of fire personnel at the scene of an emergency, video can also prove (or disprove) that those actions were appropriate. One such video at a structure fire in our community involving a large quantity of magnesium proved invaluable in heading off pending litigation. The property owner was convinced that our personnel had applied water to the burning combustible metal and had actually made the situation worse. Our tape proved that we had applied water onto an exposure, but at no time onto the magnesium. He quickly dropped his litigation threats once we made him aware that we had a visual record of our actions, and that the record proved we had acted properly.                                                                                                                                                                                 Public Relations   What do you wish to show the public? How others drivers react to your approach? How you train your apparatus operators? What a particular structure fire looked like upon your arrival (It really was on fire all over!)? Those college kids that called in the false alarm to their dorm really were drunk? A melted smoke detector still screeching its warning?    Ones imagination is the only limit to how your film may be employed to the fire department’s benefit (and to the benefit of those we strive to serve). Television news reporters always love “as it happened” footage. They are especially grateful when it is literally dropped in their laps. One may also utilize this footage to develop a variety of in-house training programs.   So little is known or understood by the general public of what a firefighter’s life is truly like. With your videos you have the opportunity to shed some much-needed light on our occupation.   Personnel / Concerns   It is important to realize that one’s firefighters will likely have some concerns when the cameras are installed. The cameras may initially be seen by some personnel as an effort by management to spy on them. Be upfront as to the reasons for the cameras as noted above. Show some understanding of the stresses involved for the crew during a response or at the scene. In other words, remember that a teenager pulling out in front of a responding apparatus is inspirational, and that the ensuing language of the firefighters riding in that apparatus may justifiably be, at best, P G rated.   Maintenance   Video cameras are technologically based equipment. Sooner or later they will break or need professional maintenance (especially since they are mounted on fire apparatus). The ability to carry out repairs is outside the abilities of most fire departments. Your vendor and/or installer can probably address your maintenance requirements. Make certain you address these issues in your initial planning. Expense   Weighed against the potential benefits that may be derived the cost of cameras is relatively small. Still, purchase and installation represent significant costs. As these devices are in common use with law enforcement agencies, one may wish to explore joint purchasing and maintenance with one’s local police department as a means of reducing the expense. Funding for our three cameras was obtained through a state agency safety grant program   Also bear in mind that technology does advance and at some point your department will likely desire to take advantage of the newest version of these devices. Our VHS cameras, although only in service for five years, are already outdated. At some point in the not to distant future we hope to secure the funding to upgrade to digital units.                                                                                                                                                                                 Legal   To my knowledge, fire departments’ employment of self-produced videos does not raise significant legal concerns. Other entities may desire to utilize the tapes, however, such as law enforcement. Attorneys may also wish to employ the tapes in litigation proceedings that would not necessarily involve the fire department, such as for a lawsuit arising from a motor vehicle accident that the fire department responded to and filmed. Consult with your department’s legal representative to determine the appropriate course of action before these issues arise.      Installation   Make absolutely certain that no component of the device interferes with the vision or movement of any member of the crew.    Bloopers   Sooner or later you will film some of your personnel doing some very funny things.   Prepare to laugh, and remember, even a bad example is still instructive.