Philadelphia FD Rescue-1 1991

Philadelphia Rescue 1  born again in 1991 Thanks Grass


http://www.youtube.com/v/tuJ2eNcQHnY?version=3&autohide=1&autohide=1&feature=share&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=evphI0flARYwU3PopZv-Qg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOiUsJjuik8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUf1lynyrwA

Apparatus Placement

I like to talk about this after every fire with all the crews on scene.  We have a problem sometimes in our dept. of blocking access for Truck companies.  It is a good thing to think and talk about.  Apparatus positioning should be based on capability and the job at hand.  The Chief's car or a police vehicle have no reason to take the address or A side.  With that being said neither does the first Engine for the most part if we pull past and leave the spot for the Ladder it will make us both successful.  You cannot stretch a Ladder.  We have upgraded our staffing on the Rescues also but the capabilities of their apparatus has not changed so think about where they should be parked.  Does the task you are completing involve your unit or just the tools?  These are all discussion points and I want to hear your feedback.  

In our department we do not lay in with the first 2 engines, they go to the scene for aggressive attack.  The 3rd engine is water supply unless we deviate.  Thought process being anywhere from 1000 to 1500 gallons of properly placed water will extinguish most fires. 

How does your department handle apparatus placement?

Does your department have these issues?

Remember talk to crews around you don't expect that you are all on the same page if you haven't discussed this critical issue it could save a life someday.

Cincinnati Heavy Rescue 9 Compartments

Compartment pics from Andrew Brassard.

Conroe FD Compartments

FF Casey Thompson from Conroe FD (Texas) sent these pictures of their apparatus compartments.  The department purchases plywood and gym floor mats for the crews to outfit the apparatus. 

Conroe FD uses gym floor mats and cuts out a place for the tools to sit. They use box cutters to make the cuts.

The crews attach plywood in the back of the compartments so they can attach various mounts and move them around easily.  This prevents the accidental drilling into wiring or the tank.  Yes, drilling a hole in the tank can happen (I was there with a previous department).

The rescue tools are on trays that slide out and down.

These tool shelves give every tool a place.  Many units out there have hand tools stacked up

requiring firefighters to move tools to get the one on the bottom.

Fort Worth Fire Department Apparatus

H. Robertson with Fort Worth FD sent in these pictures of E-19, E-22, and Q-17.  These units are very well organized with all equipment having a specific place. 

This type of set up takes a lot of time and effort on the front end, but it is worth it in the long run. 

Engine 19

Quint 17

Engine 22