Fire Departments: Life Safety Gear They Need
Fire Departments need assistance obtaining equipment, including life-saving gear for their vehicles. NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, outlines the minimum equipment required on these vehicles. While requirements vary by vehicle, the following items are generally universal.
- Axe, Pickhead: Essential for forcible entry and rescue operations.
- 80-B:C Dry Chemical Extinguisher: A versatile extinguisher capable of tackling electrical fires, flammable liquids, and gases.
- Axe, Flathead: Useful for both cutting and prying tasks.
- 2.5-gal Water Extinguisher: Ideal for combating Class A fires involving common combustibles such as wood and paper.
- Axe Mounting Bracket: Ensures axes are securely stored and easily accessible.
- Fire Extinguisher Covers: Protect extinguishers from dust and damage.
- Portable Hand Light: Provides essential illumination in dark or smoke-filled environments.
- First Aid Kit (Responder): Contains vital medical supplies for treating injuries.
- Combo Spanner Wrench: Facilitates the opening and closing of hose couplings.
- Eyewash (16 oz): Crucial for rinsing out contaminants from the eyes.
- Hydrant Wrench: Ensures rapid water access during firefighting.
- Rescue Tool: Multi-functional tool used for extrication and rescue operations, capable of cutting, prying, and spreading.
- Double Male 1 1/2″ and Female 2 1/2″ Adapters (NST/NH): Facilitates hose connections with different threading.
- Drum Bung Wrench: Used to open and close drum bungs.
- Public Safety Vests: Enhances visibility and safety of firefighters during operations.
- Wheel Chock, Single: Prevents vehicles from rolling.
- Orange Traffic Cone 28″–Reflective Stripes: Marks hazards and guides traffic.
- Wheel Chock, Double: Provides enhanced stability for larger vehicles.
- Fully Automatic AED: Critical life-saving device for immediate response to cardiac emergencies.
- Highway Flares: Used to mark hazards and direct traffic.
- 6% AFFF Foam Concentrate, 5-gal Pail: Specialized foam for extinguishing flammable liquid fires.
- Form Holder (Metal): Keeps important documents secure and accessible.
- Yellow Barricade Tape (Fire Line): Marks areas as off-limits.
- Megaphone: Amplifies voice commands.
- Leather Work Gloves: Protects hands from burns, cuts, and abrasions.
- Nomex Firefighting Hood: Provides critical protection for the head and neck from heat and flames.
- Disposable Blue Gloves (Nitrile): Ensures hygiene and protection during medical response and handling of hazardous materials.
Most likely, the local fire department may not have the time to search the internet for the appropriate gear. That’s why it’s recommended to visit the fire station on your service route and introduce yourself. Tell them that you have access to top-quality equipment selected by the engineering team to meet their requirements. Remember, this equipment is necessary to withstand rough use over time, and you can provide it for them. Overall, it will save the fire department time, and they will receive the high-quality products needed for their safety out in the field.