Emergency Vehicle Operations, Apparatus Placement and Purchasing

Sometimes it’s the little things that count. With all of the activities surrounding the fire service: response to alarms, training, physical fitness, meetings, staffing plans and budget reviews it is difficult at times to step back and look at the big picture. Apparatus design and specification writing can be a daunting task and if you are not familiar with the process or have not recently purchased a new apparatus. The process of learning what is standard with each manufacturer and how these interface with the available options takes time and at best can be confusing with all of the other tasks at hand. When studying new apparatus design it is sometimes best to just concentrate on the small items that look to make the job safer, easier to conduct the task and makes the training component straightforward. With this in mind we are going to discuss several design innovations that can make all of these things happen.

            In the Apparatus Architect series we have often discussed the importance of having engine company equipment such as adapters and fittings readily available for use and properly mounted on the apparatus. You don’t need to have a full height compartment with a pull out tool board to accomplish this task. The Bedford, Virginia Fire Department operates a short wheelbase pumper that incorporated a pull out tray with an angled shelf to hold the necessary fittings and adapters in a small, compact location. The design for this hardware came from the department and was a cost effective way to mount the appliances.

            One of the primary responsibilities of the engine company is to provide a reliable and continuous water supply on the fire ground. As some departments utilize four way valves on supply lines for hydrant operations the size of this valve can create mounting problems, particularly on short tail board apparatus. The Bel Air, Maryland Fire Department set up their three pumpers with the hydrant valve stored inside of the rear body compartment while having the five inch supply line preconnected to the valve. This was accomplished by having the manufacturer provide a notch in the compartment floor to enable the supply line to pass under the door seal when the door is in the closed position. The department utilized plastic poly angles to secure the valve inside of the compartment as well as providing mounting space for a tailboard step gun and other supply line fittings.

            The Harrisburg Fire Department operates three engines and three tower ladders from four stations to protect the capital city of Pennsylvania. Their engine companies are set up to operate with limited staffing with multiple preconnected attack lines and heavy stream appliances. The department recently placed into service a 2008 Pierce Arrow XT pumper that is equipped with a total of ten preconnected lines including six crosslay lines ranging from 150 feet to 250 feet in length as well as 2.00 inch and 2.50 inch attack lines with a tailboard mounted step gun. The apparatus was designed to have the attack lines positioned low to the ground to reduce the opportunity for slips and falls. This was accomplished by using a L shaped 500 gallon water tank and minimizing the use of fold down steps to access the hose body. The crosslay beds are protected by heavy duty netting which can be released by pulling on a single Velcro strap that can be reached from the ground. The standpipe packs are carried in a tray located below the ground ladders which enables personnel to carry the hose without having to climb up on the engine. A reinforced steel bumper protects the apparatus with a swivel front suction inlet and trash line located at the front bumper area. Much thought was put into the design of Wagon 3 with emphasis on simplicity and safety for the operating personnel.

            Engine company operations can often be inhibited when the location of the fire is a greater distance than the longest available preconnected attack line. For this reason bulk hose beds or back stretch hose beds are necessary to enable engine company personnel to stretch and advance hose lines deep into buildings or into court yards to provide sufficient hose to reach the objective. Bulk hose beds or back stretch hose beds are also necessary to enable ladder company apparatus to have adequate room for optimum positioning enabling engine company apparatus to be located further from the fire building but still have operational effectiveness.   Harrisburg Wagon 3 carries a bulk bed of three inch hose that can be used as leader line to provide this capability. The Kentland, Maryland Fire Company carries a back stretch bed of attack line hose connected to a bed of 2.50 inch hose which can be rapidly deployed to provide an attack line for long stretches.

            The position and location of handrails, fixed steps and scene lighting on apparatus is critical to insure the safety of operating personnel. If you have the choice between providing a fold down style step or fixed step or your apparatus go with the fixed step wherever possible. When locating steps remember to position a non slip hand rail of an appropriate size and adequate lighting to illuminate the area. The Round Hill Fire Company in Fredrick County operates a well designed unit that is equipped with a full width rear step and intermediate step to access the hose bed area. The department incorporated telescopic lighting at the rear body where the full length light poles are provided with a non slip gripping surface and double as handrails.

            These are just a few examples of departments that have carefully thought through their operations and how they could enhance fire fighter safety and operations in an efficient and cost effective manner. Your engine company needs to be proficient in advancing all types and sizes of handlines as well as the being able to deploy all appliances, tools and equipment from the apparatus. Remember fire apparatus are a lot like a tool box the more tools and variety of tools that the apparatus carries the more able the apparatus is to do the job that is required. It might be time to look at your apparatus and consider a “Safety Spring Cleaning” to insure that you are operating at peak efficiency.