Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Aldeburgh Fire Station and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are inviting people to get on their bikes and set off on 2024's Suffolk Fire Ride. The annual event is a popular fundraiser for the Fire Fighters Charity, which helps past and present fire and rescue service personnel and their families. Suffolk Fire Ride The event is on Sunday, July 7, 2024, and is being hosted by Aldeburgh station, from where two routes will start and finish via the beautiful countryside and the iconic coastline of Suffolk. Riders can take part in one of two signed routes of 37 or 65 miles, starting from 8 am Riders can take part in one of two signed routes of 37 or 65 miles, starting from 8 am and with registration open from 7 am on the day. supporting firefighters Group Manager - Carolyn Crabb of SFRS, said, "This will be our 11th event, and with a combination of such an excellent location, beautiful scenery for cycling, and the promise of a BBQ at the end we are sure the ride will be a huge draw." Carolyn Crabb adds, "The Suffolk Fire Ride is a popular event, and we are always grateful for the support of those taking part and their family and friends. The ride is open to cyclists of all abilities and the money raised from the event will go towards supporting firefighters across the country through the Fire Fighters Charity." Fire Fighters Charity Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said, "The Fire Fighters Charity is a wonderful cause and the cycle ride is a fun way in which to support it." Steve Wiles adds, "The charity does sterling work helping firefighters, who often face difficult and stressful situations serving the community. I wish everyone taking part in this year’s event good luck and good weather!" The event details  Date: 7th July 2024 Venue: Aldeburgh Fire Station, Kings Field, Aldeburgh IP15 5EJ Time: 8 am, registration opens at 7 am Distances: Two signed routes, 37 and 65 miles The online entry fee for any distance is £30 (registration fees included. On the day entry is £35.

Gear Wash, a subsidiary of Fire-Dex, announces the launch of CO2 Contaminant Cleaning Technology as an option for firefighter gear cleaning. This innovative service offers firefighters and first responders a new method of gear sanitization that enhances traditional water-based cleaning. PPE care and maintenance “Gear Wash is the world’s largest verified Independent Service Provider for PPE care and maintenance, and CO2 technology ensures that our service options remain at the cutting edge,” says Brian Marenco, Director of Business Development for Gear Wash. “CO2 conserves water and electricity, so it checks all the boxes for a sustainable approach to decontamination that can also mean faster turnaround time for our customers.” With the latest cleaning technologies and dedicated customer support, Gear Wash enables first responders to invest in a cleaning option that upholds, and even surpasses NFPA performance standards and emphasizes environmental stewardship. Why CO2 Cleaning? This method also restores the retro-reflectivity of some reflective trims, increasing visibility for firefighters CO2 cleaning uses carbon dioxide as a solvent to penetrate all three layers of firefighting gear, delivering a deeper, more thorough clean than water. It can achieve a contaminant removal rate of up to 98% and ensures gear comes out dry and ready for immediate use due to CO2’s unique ability to revert to a gas state at normal atmospheric pressure. This method also restores the retro-reflectivity of some reflective trims, increasing visibility for firefighters in low-light conditions. How it Works CO2 is converted into a supercritical fluid by heating it above its critical temperature (about 31°C) and pressurizing it beyond the necessary pressure (around 74 bar). In this state, it behaves like a gas and a liquid, penetrating small pores, crevices, and surface irregularities to dissolve and carry away dirt, chemicals, and other substances. Once the cleaning is complete, the pressure and temperature are reduced, returning the CO2 to its gaseous state. This leaves no residue on surfaces and allows for the reuse of CO2. Restore Gear to Ready Status Gear Wash has a mission to provide first responders with exceptional gear care, and CO2 Contaminant Cleaning Technology offers a new tool in the fight to improve the safety and effectiveness of essential garments worn by everyday heroes. In addition to PPE cleaning and maintenance, Gear Wash offers comprehensive inspection, repair, alteration, recordkeeping, and rental services to its customers, including some of the nation’s largest fire departments.

Dräger, an international major in the fields of medical and safety technology, has been shortlisted for the FSM Fire Safety Innovation of the Year award, in recognition of the company’s commitment to enhancing firefighter safety through technological development and improvement.  The Fire Safety Innovation of the Year Award is open to any fire safety manufacturer or service provider and recognizes the products or solutions that have been developed for either active or passive fire protection. Dräger FPS 7000 full face mask UCF FireCore provides continuous vision in the low-visibility, high-risk environments The UCF FireCore, Dräger’s hands-free thermal imaging camera, is the product behind the nomination, a device that projects live-action imagery into the Dräger FPS 7000 full face mask.  Resistant to water and dust, with lithium-ion batteries guaranteeing safety over long durations, the UCF FireCore provides continuous vision in the low-visibility, high-risk, and unfamiliar environments that emergencies often present.   With hands-free capabilities, helmet-mounted thermal imaging cameras provide the users with a complete overview of the current situation and reduce physical strain on the neck because the camera angle can be easily adjusted to provide an optimal view. Dräger’s UCF® FireCore Similarly, the user’s range of vision can be extended and easily detached to see into difficult-to-reach areas, through structural openings and around corners to assess potential risks and reduce the risk of future hazards. Dräger’s UCF® FireCore can be coupled with the FPS in mask display (IMD) within a few seconds Dräger’s UCF® FireCore, can be coupled with the FPS in mask display (IMD) within a few seconds, accelerating the handover of equipment to reduce vital time lost in transition by simply holding the two components together. In doing so, the camera equipment is transferred effortlessly, helping emergency personnel to pass on life-saving technologies from one task force to the other – even at the scene of the emergency. Shortlisted for the FSM  Liz Milward, Marketing Manager at Draeger Safety UK, says the company is proud to be acknowledged for its efforts to further firefighters’ health and safety: “With flames, smoke and darkness impairing vision in high-risk environments, improving situational awareness and enhancing firefighter orientation is critical if we are to protect the lives of firefighters in the most dangerous environments."  Liz Milward adds, “We are delighted to be shortlisted for the FSM Fire Safety Innovation of the Year award, and this is a testament to the hard work Dräger does to enhance safety in action, and support emergency operations with greater efficiency and reduced risk.”

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is proud to announce Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus, its dedicated Pierce dealer for South Carolina, has been presented with the Pierce Dealer of the Year Award for 2023. This accolade is a testament to Spartan Fire's sustainable growth, remarkable customer service, and shared cohesive vision and purpose across its team. The award was presented at Pierce’s annual sales conference and marks the fourth time the Spartan Fire team has received the prestigious award.   dedication and commitment Reflecting on this achievement, Spartan Fire President - Robby Fore stated, "Receiving the Pierce Dealer of the Year award for the fourth time is not only gratifying but also serves as a catalyst which energizes our entire organization." He adds, "Our consistent performance over the years, culminating in this notable recognition, underscores our remarkable team's dedication and collective commitment to serving our customers." state-of-the-art facility 2023 brought significant milestones for Spartan Fire as the company celebrated its 50th anniversary 2023 brought significant milestones for Spartan Fire as the company celebrated its 50th anniversary and embarked on the groundbreaking of its new headquarters. Located strategically on I-85, between Spartanburg, SC, and Greenville, SC, the state-of-the-art facility is poised to enhance the company's service offerings, efficiency, and support for customers across the region. Robby Fore stated, "The people who make up our team share the same vision and purpose, creating a positive culture we feel spills over to the relationships we have with our customers." exceptional service and sustainable growth "Our sustainable growth has allowed us to continue investing in the resources needed better to serve our customers in all aspects of our business," adds Robby Fore.Spartan Fire started with only three employees in 1991 and has grown to a team of 40 professionals, dedicated to serving the entire state of South Carolina. This growth directly results from the company's focus on providing exceptional service beyond the sale, a core initiative since the early 2000s. new service facility As Spartan Fire looks to the future, plans include further expansion. A new service facility was opened in 2023, and construction plans for the opening of its new headquarters in Spartanburg County are in full gear. Ground-breaking of the new headquarters is estimated to take place in May 2024, with the building expected to be complete by mid-2025. The new facilities allow Spartan Fire to provide additional services, including expanded access to highly trained certified service managers, parts managers, and technicians.

MSA Safety, DuPont Personal Protection, and the NVFC annually team up to provide volunteer fire departments in need with state-of-the-art turnout gear and helmets. In 2024, a total of 52 sets of gear and helmets will be awarded to 13 departments. To be eligible, the department must be over 50% volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be legally organized in the U.S. or Canada, and the person applying or department chief must be an NVFC member. Apply by June 1, 2024.

The largest convoy from UK fire and rescue services to date will next week deliver essential firefighting equipment to Ukrainian fire and rescue services. The scale of this convoy is unprecedented, comprising 30 fire and rescue vehicles, two mechanics vehicles, and an HGV carrying over 2,800 items of surplus equipment. Amongst the 30 fire and rescue vehicles are 20 fire engines, eight incident command units, one aerial ladder platform, and one 4x4 vehicle. Donated equipment The Home Office working in partnership with NFCC National Resilience, English and Welsh Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs), FIRE AID, and the Fire Industry Association has sponsored the delivery of the equipment. It adds to the 89 surplus fire and rescue vehicles and over 190,000 items of equipment to Ukraine via six previous road convoys and a rail shipment since the war began in 2022. Working with FIRE AID, English, and Welsh FRSs have donated all the appliances, kits, and equipment, amongst which are ladders, breathing apparatus sets, boats, fire and water PPE, and safe working at height kits. 100 volunteers, drawn from FRSs and FIRE AID, will participate in the convoy. Impact of war on Ukraine 91 firefighters have been killed, with a further 349 injured, and five are held in captivity Ukrainian fire and rescue services have been decimated by the impact of the war and the demands placed upon them have skyrocketed. To date, 396 firehouses have been destroyed, with 92 more in occupied territory. 1676 fire vehicles have been destroyed.  91 firefighters have been killed, with a further 349 injured, and five are held in captivity. Meanwhile, the work of Ukrainian firefighters has grown significantly since the start of the war, with approximately 217,000 buildings destroyed or damaged, 18,270 fires eliminated, and 4,975 people rescued. providing support  National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, Mark Hardingham, said, “We have witnessed the sheer strength and resilience of Ukrainian firefighters since the day the war began. With the war continuing and the task before them increasingly challenging, the UK and international firefighter community will continue to provide support however we can." “The efforts to bring this equipment together, and get it to where it’s needed most, demonstrates the very best of UK fire and rescue services.” The toll on fire and rescue services Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire Chris Philp MP said, “Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine has taken a toll on the brave people of Ukraine’s fire and rescue services, who have not just seen their equipment and buildings decimated, but also led to the loss of many heroic firefighter’s lives." “We are now in the third year of this senseless conflict and today’s donation shows our determination to support the people of Ukraine remains as strong as ever." Chris comments "Every Western country must do everything they possibly can - big and small - to help Ukraine defeat Russia’s invasion.  We cannot allow aggression to win." "I am immensely proud of this contribution and want to extend my gratitude to colleagues within the UK fire and rescue services who have donated equipment and will ensure the convoy’s safe passage.” The seventh convoy of equipment Fire Aid’s Chair, David O’Neill MBE, said, “I am delighted that the UK fire sector is once again coming together to support firefighters in Ukraine." "This will be our seventh convoy of equipment since the full-scale war broke out and tragically, we are seeing firefighters being targeted more and more. Just recently three firefighters were killed during an air strike along with an entire fire station and all its equipment." supporting stations across Ukraine “We know this donation will help support stations across Ukraine who have lost all their equipment and enable them to continue their vital support to their communities in their hour of need." "The impact that our donations are already having in Ukraine is clear, but it provides more than physical protection for firefighters; it shows they are not alone and gives them hope and courage to continue risking their own lives to save others.”   reliable shoulder of support Fire Aid Coordinator in Ukraine, Oksana Romanukha, said, "As part of Fire Aid, we have been working with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine for more than 10 years now, but never has the need and impact been so obvious as it has been in the last two years." "The efforts of Ukrainian firefighters since the full-scale war began have been nothing short of extraordinary. What makes their resilience and dedication stronger is that they haven't been left alone in this fight and have a reliable shoulder of support from their British colleagues." the goal of enhancing the safety Fire Industry Association’s Chief Executive, Ian Moore, said, “The project goal of enhancing the safety of Ukrainian firefighters has proven pivotal in the success of this team to deliver vital aid once again." "The Fire Industry Association takes pride in ensuring that the donated equipment mirrors the exceptional standards upheld by the UK fire industry, benefiting fire services globally.” 

Working fire doors are a prerequisite for fire safety, but what differentiates them from regular doors Kirk Smith of Allegion UK outlines the technical features that form fire-rated doors as we know them. Research indicates there may be around 42 billion doors found throughout the world’s built environment. Every day, each of those doors plays a purposeful role toward the accessibility, safety and security of buildings and their occupants-but how many people truly recognize what they are using? Building’s fire protection system Doorsets are assembled in a variety of configurations and sizes, but more often than not, they are used without a second thought. Yet, there are stark differences between regular door and fire door classifications, and where fire safety is concerned, it’s critical for users and responsible persons alike to be able to differentiate between the two. Fire doors and their hardware components are often the first line of defense against fire Despite their similar appearance, regular doors serve as interior and exterior access points only and are usually thinner at 35 mm, while fire doors aim to protect buildings and their occupants in the event of a fire and are either 44 mm or 54 mm thick depending on its fire rating. As a key element in a building’s passive fire protection system, fire doors and their hardware components are often the first line of defense against fire, and as such, require detailed engineering and testing. Author's quote Kirk Smith of Allegion UK explains: “From components and construction to features and function, there are several clear distinctions between regular doors and fire doors. Whereas regular doors are often placed throughout a building on accessibility or esthetic merit, fire doors are strategically positioned to compartmentalize areas of the structure - such as hallways and stairwells - and are designed to help direct occupants through safe escape routes while also providing them with valuable time to make their way out of the building. “When opened, fire doors provide a means of escape. And when closed, they form a barrier to stop the spread of fire and smoke. To be able to do this, the main panel of the door (also known as the door leaf) is constructed from fire-resistant materials that help to prevent the door from warping or collapsing when exposed to high temperatures." Regular doors Conversely, regular doors without these materials are highly vulnerable. Nonetheless, for a fire door to become effective, it must comprise of more than just the leaf and will include:  The frame Intumescent fire - and if required for certification - smoke seals Glazing (although this is not necessary) Signage Door hardware, such as hinges, door closers, locks and latches Intumescent fire and smoke seals Fire doors must work in tandem with each of these components, so as to not compromise the integrity" “Fire doors must work in tandem with each of these components, so as to not compromise the integrity of the doorset. Intumescent fire and smoke seals, for example, frame the edges of the fire door and are chemically designed to expand into the frame when exposed to temperatures beyond 200°C." "In doing so, the seals close the gaps between the frame and the door itself, eliminating any possibility of fire - and if required, smoke - from passing through. Intumescent seals, along with clear ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ signage - usually found toward the top edge of the door leaf - are some of the most unmistakable visual marks found on a fire door." Spring-loaded hydraulics “From an operational viewpoint, fire doors work differently than regular doors too. Fire door hardware is indispensable to fully operational door sets, where during a fire incident, an open door is rendered useless. To be able to form an effective barrier against fire, a door must close to completion from its open position, and as part of this process, it will call upon its hinges, locks, latches, and door-closing devices." "Door closers, whether concealed or surface-mounted, use spring-loaded hydraulics to effectively close and engage the door into its latch, where it is held firmly in place by the frame, whereas regular doors rely on manual control." Building’s escape routes For buildings with high footfall, an electromagnetic hold-open device may be present on a doorset “For buildings with high footfall, an electromagnetic hold-open device may be present on a doorset. These systems are permitted to keep certain fire doors open until a fire alarm is activated, aiding ease of movement until the first sign of a fire incident, in which the system will automatically release and close the doors to completion." "Equally, panic and emergency exit devices can be found on some fire doors that are positioned throughout a building’s escape routes. All exit devices are meant to be operated with minimum effort to help users successfully escape through the doorway, meaning reliability is key every step of the way.” Testing and standards To certify fire performance, the complete fire doorset is put through periods of standardized destructive testing in accredited laboratories and workshops. The standard fire performance test method complies to BS EN 1634-1, and in conjunction with product standard BS EN 16034, it provides the supply chain with manufacturing guidelines, and as a result, gives responsible persons and end users peace of mind that their doorset will function in a fire scenario. Fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic properties and houses of multiple occupancy" Kirk Smith continues: “Fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic properties and houses of multiple occupancy and with updated fire safety regulations now in effect, third-party testing and product traceability is as crucial as ever. Upon testing, certified fire doors are given a fire-resistance rating which details the length of time the door and its hardware components can withstand fire and smoke, with the most common FD ratings being FD30 and FD60, which declare the doorset can withstand fire for 30 or 60 minutes respectively, and FD30S and FD60S if the doors have been tested with smoke control. A regular door with no fire-resistance characteristics would not be able to withstand these tests and as such, would fail in a real-life event." UKCA and CE certifications Kirk Smith concluded: “What’s more, fire resistance tests are conducted on representative samples, and as such, components should not be substituted post-specification and installation. Fire door hardware for example, in addition to rigorous fire safety testing, must go through stages of performance testing to ensure they function properly and are able to sustain a level of durability that makes them fit for purpose. Mechanical door closers must be tested to the appropriate British Standard EN 1154, which classifies hardware over its category of use, number of test cycles, power size, fire behavior, safety and corrosion resistance. Equally, emergency exit devices and panic exit devices are tested to BS EN 179 and BS EN 1125 respectively and electromagnetic hold-open devices to BS EN 1155. A fire door’s hinges must also be tested to BS EN 1935." “For traceability purposes, end-users can review the UKCA and CE marks on a fire door and its hardware to find its fire rating, certificate numbers and the manufacturer’s details. Furthermore, for those looking to find  additional information on a doorsets’ components, the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) can be referred to for clear, accurate and up-to-date product information - helping people to review and select trusted hardware that conforms to UKCA and CE certifications.”

With new fire safety regulations around the corner and a renewed focus on responsible persons and coordination, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK discusses the significance of fire door hardware and why regular inspections and maintenance periods must remain high on the agenda. Fire doors and their hardware are often the first line of defense in the event of a fire. Working in tandem, they coexist as a core element of a building’s passive fire protection system, providing valuable protection and time for occupants to escape by compartmentalizing the spread of smoke and fire in an emergency. Fire door’s lifecycle In the UK alone, approximately three million fire doors are purchased and installed each year. Such is their significance to fire safety, each component requires detailed engineering, third-party testing and critically, periods of ongoing inspection and maintenance. While each stage of a fire door’s lifecycle is strictly regulated, fire door checks and maintenance falls under the remit of a building’s designated responsible person and is widely understood to be an area that has fallen under neglect. Fire Safety Regulations 2022 Fire doors and their hardware play an invaluable role in the safety of our built environment As such, in January 2023, The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, under Regulation 10, made it a legal requirement for all responsible persons of multi-occupied residential buildings to conduct regular fire door checks within their premises. And while it’s said that overall inspection levels are rising, with 68% of responsible persons now conducting fire door checks (or having them inspected by professionals) every month or every quarter, there’s still work to be done says Karen Trigg of Allegion UK: “In the 12-month period ending March 2023, fire and rescue services attended 178,737 fire incidents in England, a 17% increase compared with the previous 12 months. And when you consider the portion of fire door sets that remain overlooked, the numbers don’t make for good reading. Fire doors and their hardware play an invaluable role in the safety of our built environment, but there are considerable differences between a fire door that’s operating as intended and one that hasn’t been correctly specified, installed, and maintained." Regulatory Reform Order 2005 Even durable fire door hardware can become worn and tired in a high-footfall environment" Karen Trigg added: “When it comes to maintenance specifically, Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, states that responsible persons must ensure fire doors and their hardware are ‘subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair’." "Even durable fire door hardware can become worn and tired in a high-footfall environment and may need repairing or replacing over time. A damaged or ineffective self-closing device, for example, can limit the closing action of a fire door and prevent it from fully closing into the frame - rendering it useless in the event of a fire." risk assessment duties Karen Trigg added: “Although we’ve seen real development towards fire safety education in recent years, we must continue to drive forward the number of responsible persons conducting organized fire door checks and maintenance periods as part of their risk assessment duties." "The introduction of updated guidance on 1st October 2023 aims to do this further, by improving the cooperation and coordination between responsible persons and rising the requirements associated with recording and sharing fire safety information during fire risk assessments. The update will also make it easier for enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance.” A stitch in time saves lives As fire safety processes tighten, building owners and facility managers shouldn’t feel discouraged in their actions. In fact, responsible persons are reminded that there’s no need to overcomplicate fire door inspections. A simple visual assessment, conducted and recorded by a competent individual, could make the difference between compliance and a fire safety disaster. Responsible persons are reminded that there’s no need to overcomplicate fire door inspections Karen Trigg continues: “For responsible persons conducting checks, the first step of fire door safety is recognizing each component of a fire door and the potential faults to look for when evaluating its condition. The British Woodworking Federation Group - in support of Fire Door Safety Week - shares regular and reliable advice on fire door safety; including a practical five-step checklist that has been designed to support responsible persons during fire door assessments. The checklist works as a visual guide and covers the five key areas of a fire door - informing users on what to look out for, including: Certification: “A label or similar marking can often be found towards the top or side of the door and will confirm the fire door is genuine and certified. All ironmongery components, including locks, latches, closers and hinges must also be UKCA/CE marked and compatible with the door leaf’s certification.” Apertures: “More often than not, fire doors are tested as solid doors and without any glazing panels or air transfer grilles. It’s important to ensure there are no apertures, holes or breaks in the surface of the door or frame. Decision makers are also reminded that altering the door will make certification void.” Gaps and seals: “Gaps around the fire door should be no greater than 3 mm, and this must remain consistent around the whole frame. Intumescent strips must also be fitted at the top and sides of the door and show no signs of wear as this may negate the door’s ability to compartmentalize smoke and fire. Additionally, check for CE or BS EN 1935 marked hinges, which must be firmly fixed and without missing screws.” Door closers: “When it comes to door closers, it’s vital to check that your door hardware is fully functioning and will close the door onto the latch from any standing position. The door must fully engage with the frame from any opening angle, and it’s recommended that users check this by letting go of the door from 75 mm through to the closed position. It’s also important to review any hold-open devices to ensure they aren’t working against the door’s self-closing devices, as fire doors must not be wedged open in any scenario.” Operation: “Testing the operation of the full door assembly is essential - from handles and closers to hinges and seals. If the door is not operating effectively, is closing incorrectly on any of its sides, or there is any doubt about hardware certification and reliability, responsible persons must identify the problem before arranging and managing professional maintenance as soon as possible. Because when it comes to fire safety, there’s simply no time to stand still.” How Allegion UK can Help Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help professionals undertake product selection, installation, and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For post-installation and maintenance support, Allegion’s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting potential faulty doors and poor installation, a guide to the EN classification system and a safety checklist. There’s also an option to order a free door gap tester or download Allegion’s general guide to service and maintenance for free.

As a company officer, the day will come where you and your crew are first to arrive at what looks like the beginning of a major incident. Your Battalion Chief (BC) is delayed or diverted to other incidents, so YOU are the Incident Commander (IC). How you set the table for this incident with regard to quickly setting up the Incident Command System (ICS) is critical. And how you use your channels of communication, including the ways you communicate, will be crucial to your success. Before we jump into the ‘how-to’, let’s examine something that looms over everything we do during emergencies, especially fires - ‘The NIOSH 5’. I first became aware of the NIOSH 5, when listening to one of Anthony Kastros’ lectures on incident command and the need for an organization on the fire ground. ‘The NIOSH 5’ Firefighters and emergency workers typically get lost, hurt, or killed at incidents, when any one of five causal factors identified by The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are present: Improper risk assessment Lack of incident command Lack of accountability Inadequate communications Lack of SOPs (or failure to follow established SOPs) Statistically, 50 percent of these line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) and injury events occur in the first 15 minutes of an incident. Half of those occur in the first three minutes! If you’re the initial IC, it’s statistically likely this could happen while you’re in charge. Need for training and practice in handling emergencies Keeping ‘The NIOSH 5’ at the forefront of your mind should trigger the need for training and practice in handling emergencies. Although there are factors you simply can’t control during an emergency, you can control communications, incident command, accountability, repetitive training, and standardization. The following are some things to keep in mind while managing an incident: Arrival on Scene In incident management, setup is everything and oftentimes, determines the outcome of the incident. To use a sports analogy, you definitely want your first pitch to be a strike. So how do you do that? Provide a Solid Size-up Clear and concise on-scene conditions reports set the tone for any incident and establish solid communications The first step is taking a deep breath and giving a good size-up. Clear and concise on-scene conditions reports set the tone for any incident and establish solid communications, and a command tone. Your tone and tempo in your size-up will help focus everyone and create a tactics-driven incident, rather than an emotions-driven one. But, if we’re being honest, being cool takes practice and repetition. Your agency should have a standardized way for how and when this size-up is delivered. In many cases, it’s a fill-in-the-blank script that includes the following four things: What you see (smoke and flames/or nothing showing) The area you see it affecting (the second story, the alpha/bravo corner) What’s happening/what’s on fire or causing the hazard (a two-story home or a sedan next to a building) Establishing command (a must-take command or pass, if you’re going to rescue a citizen) By practicing within your agency’s standards, it enables you to project a cool tone over the radio like you’ve ‘been there before. Order resources early and often Tunnel vision is a death sentence for any IC. In most cases, this is not the time to get sucked into task-level problems. The exceptions to this are structure fires and other emergencies where there is an immediate and known rescue. Otherwise, it’s time to step back, take in the big picture, and make decisions as an IC. Ask yourself: ‘What will this incident do in five minutes? 10? 20? One hour?’ If the answer is ‘get bigger’, then you need more resources. Order them early and often, because they can always be turned around. Don’t try to do too much with too little. Trusted Incident Command System equals early accountability As the initial IC, you’ll be sending crews into the hazard zone. It’s a red flag if, during the initial portion of the incident, you don’t have solid accountability. It’s during this initial ‘fog of war’ that we lose track of crews, and it’s when personnel gets hurt or killed. NFPA 1561, along with other best practices, requires that you know where everyone is and what they’re doing. If you don’t have that knowledge, stop and figure that out, or assign someone to figure it out and report back to you as soon as possible. Benefits of an all-in-one digital platform - Tablet Command Many agencies require the first-arriving officer to implement some form of an ICS to track crew Many agencies require the first-arriving officer to implement some form of an ICS to track crews – a notepad, whiteboard, tactical worksheet, or better yet, a digital command board. The huge advantage of an all-in-one digital platform like Tablet Command is that it’s CAD-integrated and will populate resources for you in real-time. There’s no writing and scribbling while listening to garbled radio traffic, and no trying to ‘catch up’ with resource orders that change on the fly. Accountability integrated into command processes With a platform, such as Tablet Command, all you’re doing is dragging and dropping resources into their assignments, which automatically time-stamps their activities. Maintaining accountability becomes seamlessly integrated into your command processes. These digital platforms also tend to be highly recognizable and easy for others to assume command. It’s paramount that you train extensively on whatever system your agency uses, and that everyone in your region or agency is squared away on how to maintain accountability in a standardized fashion. It’s a problem if you have several chiefs and company officers, and too many (or not enough) ways of maintaining accountability. Many agencies need the first-arriving officer to implement an ICS to track crews Segment and subdivide How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Use your knowledge of your ICS to break up the incident into manageable bites. When the Fire Chief arrives, they’ll have simple questions: Where is everybody? What are they doing? How are they doing? How do I talk to them? Knowing where your people need to deploy and what channel they’re on are critical to accountability. Using the command board is a great way to have all of those questions answered. Using divisions, groups, or sectors can make your life easier in this regard, especially as an incident grows rapidly Using divisions, groups, or sectors can make your life easier in this regard, especially as an incident grows rapidly. This is true because it ensures you’re talking to the supervisors of each segment of the emergency, especially when assessing conditions, actions and needs. Setting up an incident this way should also be an expectation that is agency-wide and practiced in scenario-based training. The terminology should be standardized so that your agency and neighboring agencies aren’t interpreting what you’re trying to accomplish in the heat of battle. Summary A clear communications plan, solid scene size-up, and early establishment of the ICS by company officers are critical to incident success. Combine this with accurate and solid accountability systems, either through analog methods or with a modern digital solution in real-time, and you guarantee safer outcomes for your crews. The best way to be prepared is through long hours of dedicated practice in the command role and, more importantly, an agency-wide understanding of what’s in the play book: Standardization! A standard approach to managing incidents will help you remedy the chaos and enable you to hand over a well-organized incident to the first-arriving Chief.

Information systems drive greater situational awareness when emergency responders are rushing to the scene, including access to live-911 audio feeds, video of the unfolding emergency, and/or geographic information showing the locations of fire hydrants and the best travel route to ensure the most rapid response. Information tools to manage emergency response include the locations of teams, vehicles, and personnel available in three dimensions, including locations in a multi-story building. Panasonic’s technology “First responders are thinking about getting to the scene and planning their disaster response,” says Aidan Clifford, Panasonic’s National Sales Manager. Vital information on the scene of an emergency includes video feeds, coordination with other services in the city or county, and communication with various responding agencies.  Providing hardware to manage information during emergency response, Panasonic works to understand “the voice of the customer.” The company’s TOUGHBOOK ruggedized laptop computers serve the needs of fire and emergency response entities. A new Fire Advisory Council, currently being assembled, will help to guide Panasonic’s technology direction, and increase their understanding of the practical information needs of firefighters and other emergency responders. Panasonic survey Panasonic survey, 55% of respondents said access to real-time data is a top priority for their agency “The goal is to provide more information to end users more quickly,” says Marcus Claycomb, Panasonic’s Business Development Manager for the Public Sector. “Better information can save response time and enable first responders to adjust the type of response in real-time.” For example, streaming video can provide details of an unfolding emergency to firefighters as they are driving to the call. In a Panasonic survey, 55% of respondents said access to real-time information is a top priority for their agency. Useful information includes who is on the scene and where they are in real-time. Smart devices can track locations and vitals. Information goes in two directions. The ongoing deployment of 5G communications and devices will ensure information moves even faster and is more actionable. Live-911 capability Also in the Panasonic survey, 62% of respondents said computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and geographic information system (GIS) data are mission-critical. GIS data can include “layers” of information imposed on a map to show the fastest route to an incident and the locations of fire hydrants and/or accessible video cameras. Some 85% in the survey said the most important pieces of information are the location of teams, vehicles, hydrants, and/or personnel. Location and communication with drone assets are also a requirement. Live-911 capability can enable first responders to hear the dispatcher speaking with a caller in real-time. “A dispatcher can push the 911 call through the TOUGHBOOK laptop to responders on route to a call,” says Clifford. “It is an emerging technology that integrates with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.” privacy of HIPAA data  Device encryption and multi-factor authentication to secure the information, even ensuring the privacy of HIPAA data during an emergency medical call. Panasonic understands that fire and emergency departments need real-time information  Broadly speaking, Panasonic understands that fire and emergency departments need real-time information provided by rugged devices that can withstand the daily rigors of firefighting. In the survey, 85% of respondents said rugged computer devices are important, as opposed to using consumer devices in the harsh environment of firefighters and EMS personnel. (Conducted in April 2023, the Panasonic Connect survey generated 117 responses from individuals in the fire rescue industry.) Total cost of ownership  While first responders understand the importance of using ruggedized devices, purchasing decisions are not always made by those on the front lines. Sometimes it is someone else at the city or county level who decides to buy consumer-grade hardware, especially tablets, in lieu of a ruggedized laptop. Multiple problems can result, such as “battery swelling” and fire hazards if a battery overheats because of the high internal temperatures in a vehicle. Consumer devices are not designed to operate in temperatures above 100°F.  Cost is the main reason to opt for less expensive consumer-grade equipment, but the lower cost is an illusion. The math is very different if one considers the total cost of ownership (TCO), including any downtime resulting from a battery charge not lasting the entire shift, for example. Panasonic's TOUGHBOOK laptops First responders should work to ensure their voices are heard as purchasing decisions are made Ruggedized equipment is more resistant to being dropped. Panasonic's TOUGHBOOK laptops meet the MIL-STD-810H specification and ingress protection (IP) standards, IP65 and IP66, which test for ruggedness and resistance to solids and liquids. Additional features include enhanced connectivity and embedded antenna, non-breakable components, and all-day batteries. First responders should work to ensure their voices are heard as purchasing decisions are made. They should have a conversation with command-level employees and throughout the fire service to ensure equipment purchasing reflects the real needs on the front lines, says Claycomb. What's Ahead? What’s ahead for information technology on the front lines of firefighting? “There is an incredible opportunity ahead to integrate the TOUGHBOOK with fire vehicles,” says Marcus. He adds, “And the potential of using 5G will be limited only by our own creativity. Looking ahead, we can expect more artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and an incredible amount of data.”

Chemicals broadly labeled as PFAs provide important properties to turnout gear used by firefighters, including better resistance to heat, water, and other hazards. Unfortunately, human exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) has also been linked to heightened cancer risk. Research on the concentration of PFAs The U.S. National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 directed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to identify the prevalence and concentration of PFAs in the personal protective equipment worn by firefighters. The resulting research has identified the presence of PFAs in 20 textiles used to make the various layers of a firefighter’s turnout gear. PFAs The water- and oil-resistant properties of PFAs have made them ubiquitous components in products The water- and oil-resistant properties of PFAs have made them ubiquitous components in manufactured products, including textiles used in firefighter apparel. PFAs have found their way into the bodies of most Americans, and research has shown higher PFA concentrations in the blood among firefighters. However, there are numerous potential pathways to exposure, including fire scenes, aqueous film-forming foams, food grown at fire stations, ambient dust, as well as firefighter turnout gear. Health effects The health effects of PFA exposure are the subject of extensive ongoing research. For example, cancer incidence data are available for only a subset of known PFAs. PFAs do not break down easily and persist in the human body and the environment, thus earning the name “forever chemicals.” Further research continues what kinds and levels of PFAs are dangerous and how the chemicals find their way into the body. Presence in turnout gears PSAs potentially could be present in any one of the three layers of turnout gear, the outer shell, the moisture barrier, and the thermal liner. All three layers must conform to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements to resist heat, water, and other hazards. Research findings NIST researchers targeted 53 PFAs used to fabricate 20 textiles used in various layers of turnout gear NIST researchers targeted 53 PFAs used to fabricate 20 textiles used in various layers of turnout gear. They identified and quantified concentrations of 26 different PFAs. Researchers found the least amount of PFAs in the fabric layer closest to a firefighter’s skin, the thermal lining; water repellency is a lower priority for this layer than the other two. In contrast, the moisture barrier and the outer shell contained PFA concentrations up to 400 times higher, although the numbers varied from fabric to fabric. update turnout equipment standards Changing to a non-PFA water-repellant coating on the outer layer could essentially eliminate PFAs from that layer. Since the thermal liner already has low PFA content, that leaves only the moisture barrier layer to address. However, researchers caution about the possibility of swapping one risk for another. Information gleaned from NIST research could be used to update turnout equipment standards and give firefighters more confidence in the safety of the equipment. wear and tear Another factor to consider is the impact of wear and tear on how many PFAs escape from turnout gear. Factors include UV exposure, heat, and laundering, which have a measurable impact on PFAs in turnout gear. NIST efforts currently underway will use high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify a broader swath of PFAs than the 53 compounds already quantified, including screening for previously identified compounds as well as searching for novel PFAs. PFA exposure Future research will study fire scenes, fire stations, and other occupational environments where firefighters work in Future work will also evaluate the type and amount of PFAs released from firefighter gear textiles upon exposure to simulated sweat. Other routes to PFA exposure among firefighters are also being targeted by NIST research, including hoods, gloves, and wildland gear. Additionally, future research will study fire scenes, fire stations, and other occupational environments that firefighters' work in. Risk of cancer Firefighting is a dangerous profession, and firefighters are at higher risk of a variety of cancers compared to the general population. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters. Firefighters face a 9 percent increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14 percent increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population in the U.S. Exposure to toxic combustion products How the exposure of PFAs ranks among those risks is debatable. Firefighters can be exposed to many known and suspected carcinogens through their work Firefighters can be exposed to many known and suspected carcinogens through their work. All types of fires create a mixture of toxic combustion products including liquids, gases, and particulate matter. Firefighter protective equipment containing suspected carcinogens is just part of the bigger picture. adverse health risks In August 2022, the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association joined forces to alert members to the adverse health risks posed by PFAs in turnout gear, to draw attention to the need for PFAs-free turnout gear, and to recommend precautionary steps for members and departments until next-generation gear can be developed and put in use. In January 2023, the IAFF announced it had retained three nationally recognized tort law firms to assist the union in its effort to end firefighter cancer and remove PFAs from use in the fire service.

Not so long ago, there was a time when a dirty helmet symbolized firefighter bravado. A dirty helmet was seen as a testament to how hard a firefighter worked and the horrible conditions he or she withstood when completing their duties. Sometimes, there was even concern that washing and cleaning a helmet would somehow reduce the likelihood of catching another fire in the near future.  A dirty helmet no longer necessarily shows anything about a firefighter's competency or dedication to their job. While a dirty helmet may be a sign that a firefighter has been on many calls and has experience, it is also a potential health hazard due to the accumulation of harmful bacteria and carcinogenic substances on the interior of the helmet. Therefore, a clean helmet is considered a sign of professionalism and attention to detail in the firefighting community. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Dirty helmets can increase the risk of cancer for firefighters due to the accumulation of carcinogenic substances and chemicals on the interior of the helmet. Firefighters are exposed to a range of toxic and carcinogenic substances when they respond to fires, including benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Choosing safety and health over displaying an ego-driven trophy is not always easy These substances can adhere to the helmet's interior, making it a potential source of exposure even after the fire has been extinguished. Prolonged exposure to these substances increases the risk of cancer, particularly for firefighters who have been on the job for many years. Choosing safety and health over displaying an ego-driven trophy is not always easy. The origins of dirty helmet syndrome can be traced back to the early days of helmet usage. As people began to recognize the importance of wearing helmets for safety, concerns about the hygiene of helmets also arose. Specialized cleaning solutions Efforts are made to combat dirty helmet syndrome through the use of antimicrobial materials, regular cleaning, and education about the risks associated with wearing dirty helmets. Firefighters take their safety and health seriously and understand the importance of keeping their equipment clean and well-maintained. Regular cleaning of helmets and other firefighting equipment can help reduce the risk of exposure to carcinogens. Firefighters are also encouraged to follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize their exposure to hazardous substances. Fire departments now use specialized cleaning solutions and equipment to decontaminate gear and reduce the risk of cancer for firefighters. Dangers of dirty helmets There are several ways to educate firefighters about the dangers of dirty helmets: Training: Include information about the risks of dirty helmets and how to properly clean and maintain them in firefighter training programs. Workshops and Seminars: Conduct workshops and seminars on the hazards of exposure to carcinogens and the importance of keeping firefighting equipment clean, including helmets. Resources: Provide firefighters with access to resources such as articles, videos, and brochures that highlight the risks of dirty helmets and how to clean them. Role Models: Highlight the practices of experienced firefighters who keep their helmets clean and well-maintained as role models. Policies: Develop and enforce policies and procedures for cleaning and maintaining firefighting equipment, including helmets. Policies ensure best practices are employed dependably rather than merely suggested. Complaints and discipline are needed to ensure clean gear. Equipment: Provide firefighters with access to specialized cleaning solutions and equipment to decontaminate gear and reduce the risk of cancer. Some departments provide personnel with two helmets so that there is always one available if the second one is being cleaned properly. Wearing firefighting gear Overall, a combination of training, resources, policies, and equipment can help educate firefighters about the dangers of dirty helmets and promote the importance of keeping their equipment clean and well-maintained. The culture a department promotes is a driving force of how firefighters act. Accountability ensures compliance. In summary, wearing firefighting gear thickly layered with carcinogens and dangerous toxins is uncool. Organized methods for safety, from firefighting techniques to gear decontamination, are essential and are now valued and expected.

Dräger, an international pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, has supported the City of Derry Airport in modernizing its suite of personal protection equipment (PPE) and protocols to safeguard its specialist Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) from incident-based safety risk and the risks posed by carcinogens to which they are often exposed. The City of Derry Airport is northwest Ireland’s largest airport which, at its pre-pandemic peak, provided over 200,000 passenger flights to the UK and southern Europe. The airport’s fire service provides aircraft safeguarding and an emergency response service for terminal buildings and low-traffic collisions on-site. Fire services across the UK Modern plastics and polymers found in buildings and airplanes as they burn release carcinogens The modern plastics and polymers found in buildings and airplanes as they burn release carcinogens and expose firefighters to a risk of cancer that is some two to four times higher than the general population, and could potentially shorten their life span by up to 20 years.  Accordingly, as safety regulations tighten, fire services across the UK, including the City of Derry Airport, are upgrading their equipment and procedures to protect their crews and reduce cancer mortality rates. Dräger’s HPS® Safeguard helmet The Derry management team assessed many different products to protect their employees. They chose Dräger’s HPS® Safeguard helmet, for example, because it was extremely fast and easy to use compared to the existing equipment, especially when firefighters also needed respiratory protection equipment. The padded 3-point harness with versatile chin and neck straps, coupled with an adjustment wheel placed on the back of the helmet allowed for a safe and easy fit to any head shape or size and can accommodate users who observed cultural or religious practices. Dräger’s PSS® AirBoss The helmet’s innovative design is such that various external devices can be affixed to it with ease The helmet’s innovative design is such that various external devices can be affixed to it with ease and enables the hands-free operation of thermal imaging cameras, action cams, and lamps if required.  The team will also be introducing Dräger’s PSS® AirBoss self-contained breathing apparatus to its fire crews in the near future to prevent inhalation of carcinogenic particulates. With its lightweight and best-in-class ergonomics, it will also significantly reduce the physical strain on individuals during a shout. HPS® Safeguard helmet Both the HPS® Safeguard helmet and the PSS® AirBoss are suitable for manual and machine washing. They are made with low-absorbent and liquid-repellent materials which take on fewer contaminants. The AirBoss also has a streamlined design to minimize dirt traps. All of this makes regular cleaning and decontamination of PPE required by current regulations extremely easy. Special holders and bags must be used to carry them to designated ‘dirty’ or decontamination areas Best practices in firefighting are rapidly evolving in response to the latest understanding of cancer mortality and its causes. It is now understood that cancer-causing particles remain in the fibers of PPE and can contaminate other surfaces or people long after an incident takes place. All PPE must be transported back to the workshop on the outside of an appliance to avoid contaminating the interior cab. Special holders and bags must be used to carry them to designated ‘dirty’ or decontamination areas to prevent transferring carcinogens to ‘clean’ kitchens, sleeping areas, or other parts of the station. Dräger’s TotalCare Agreement The products will be covered by Dräger’s TotalCare Agreement, which means the crew and its equipment will benefit from maintenance, inspection, and preventive care. Gerard McCloskey, Safety and Fire Officer at Derry Airport, says that providing routinely changeable service parts and kits is a significant advantage: “The spares facility will guarantee equipment uptime, and fill short-term gaps should the need arise,” he explains. The TotalCare service includes engineer callouts, routine checks and calibrations, and advice on equipment best practice. Health and safety service standards Elizabeth Millward, Marketing Manager at Draeger Safety UK, says protecting from harm in the unique environment posed by the airport is no easy task: “Firefighters must be protected and the progressive approach that the City of Derry Airport is taking towards meeting the new health and safety service standards is particularly impressive." “Alongside our new equipment and Total Care service, many crews are also implementing mechanical cleaning solutions, which can provide further protection from carcinogenic risk. As always, we are committed to providing ‘technology for life’ and helping forward-thinking services combat the dangers that fire and rescue operations may pose.”

Blackline GPS is a Calgary-based wireless technology company that provides products for worker safety monitoring, covert surveillance, and business applications such as vehicle and logistics tracking. Blackline’s proprietary location-aware hardware, coupled with easy-to-use web and mobile interfaces, allows organizations to keep workers safe and track important assets. Blackline’s main product is the Loner® safety monitoring device, worn by employees working out of sight and sound of others or in dangerous environments. Loner automatically detects if an employee has fallen or is motionless for a period of time, indicating they may have suffered an injury, health incident, or physical threat. Loner devices pinpoint the person’s exact location on an interactive, clickable map so emergency personnel can respond quickly.  Challenges The Lone Safety device allows employees to call for help by pulling an emergency latch during emergency situations Blackline’s main goal is 100% employee safety. The company’s Loner safety monitoring device is worn by thousands of workers across diverse industries, including oil & gas, utilities, manufacturing, construction, and natural resources. Loner automatically detects if a person has fallen, is motionless, or has not responded to a regular ‘check-in’, but it also allows employees to call for help by pulling an emergency latch during emergency situations.  For example, if a field service technician is accidentally blasted by pressurized gas and becomes unconscious, the employee’s Loner device would detect the fall and lack of movement, and notify safety monitoring personnel automatically, in seconds. Real-time application All alerts are automatically communicated in real time via a cellular or satellite connection to Blackline’s main safety monitoring infrastructure. Monitoring personnel, either in-house at an employer or through Blackline’s Loner 24/7 central monitoring service, see the safety alerts on an interactive, clickable Google Maps and then attempt to reach the employee to validate the situation.  Because monitoring personnel can visualize exactly where an alert has originated, they can direct nearby coworkers or emergency responders to the employee’s precise location when required. Because every minute counts in emergency situations, interactive, highly visual maps are a core component of Blackline’s Loner platform. Blackline not only wanted to pinpoint each employee’s location on a map but also to provide rich visual details about the location, such as zoomable street and satellite views. Solution  Blackline chose to work with Google Maps Engine to integrate the most accurate, real-time maps for into its platform. Google Maps Engine interfaces directly with BlackLine’s web and mobile app, allowing customers to interact with the maps via any device. Blackline's location beacons on installation provide precise positioning of employees where GPS does not reach “Since all the data is stored in the cloud with Google Maps, our customers can click on and zoom in on maps in real-time from desktop or mobile devices,” said Brendon Cook, CTO of Blackline. "With Google Street View and Satellite View, Blackline customers get a clear view of the terrain where each worker is located, spotting buildings, roads, and other landmarks that might help responders find an employee more quickly in an emergency,” said Cook. Blackline app Full integration of Google Maps Engine with the Blackline app allows customers to easily layer their own data on top of the maps, adding employee names, locations, roles, territories, and tasks. That way, when customers monitor employees on the map, they get a quick visual snapshot of what each employee is doing, where, and why. Blackline also layers other critical data onto the maps, including information on the battery power and signal strength of each device, as well as the location of nearby employees. Inside buildings, Blackline provides ‘location beacons’ that can be installed to provide precise positioning of employees where GPS does not reach. Soon, customers will be able to upload their interior building floorplans into the Loner safety monitoring app so they appear on the Google Maps interface, achieving full situational awareness to keep employees safe even when working indoors. Results As part of the Loner safety monitoring platform, Google Maps can quite literally help save lives. AltaGas Utilities Inc. issues Blackline Loner devices to field operations workers. Every worker who works ‘alone’, from meter readers to technicians, carries a Loner device. AltaGas Utilities Inc. deployedthe devices three years ago, and currently has 146 in use. Dave Koopman, Manager, Environment, Occupational Health and Safety at AltaGas Utilities Inc., says the visibility provided by Google Maps within the Loner safety monitoring application is critical when it comes to keeping workers safe. Authority comments One can even visualize where the closest fire and police departments are located for the worker in potential distress “If the Loner device sends out an alert for any reason, our team is immediately notified via text message and email, and those messages contain a clickable Google Map and URL,” says Koopman. “Wherever I am, whatever device I’m using, I can just click the link to see a map with a green dot on the exact longitude and latitude of the individual’s location.” Though AltaGas Utilities has, thankfully, yet to receive an alert for a life-threatening emergency, Koopman says they are fully prepared to respond if they do. “With Blackline and Google Maps, we can not only see with precision where a person is located but can zoom in on Google Maps street view to get visibility into surrounding landmarks and buildings, so we can tell emergency responders where to go and what they might encounter when they arrive,” says Koopman. “We can even visualize where the closest fire and police departments are located in relation to the worker in potential distress.”

Comelit-PAC has been working with partners - GB Integrated Systems to fit the latest fire safety systems at the Hop House in Deva City Office Park, in order to ensure the safety of all who work and visit the unique work environment. Part of the former Threlfalls Brewery, an iconic feature of the Manchester city skyline, Deva City Office Park presents an eclectic mix of business space presented in a Grade II listed Brewery building or 17 high-spec self-contained office units. Balancing modern design GB Integrated System worked directly with the site management team to upgrade the addressable panels With the need to offer 24 / 7 security and fire safety, GB Integrated System worked directly with the site management team to upgrade the addressable panels, and specified Comelit-PAC’s latest LogiFire solution. Iain Taylor, Director of Asset Management at Northwood Investors International Limited, said: “We knew we had complex requirements for Deva City when it came to security and fire safety, with each individual business on site needing its own risk assessments. This was set against the buildings themselves, where any upgrades had to be sympathetic to the specific interest Grade II classification and balance modern design and use of technology.” Easy fire safety solution Iain Taylor adds, “GB Integrated Systems made it a priority to understand this and work with us right from initial design and specification to implement a bespoke solution that could accommodate our requirements. From a fire safety perspective, Comelit-PAC was recommended, to ensure we could reduce installation time and minimize disruption to business activity for the benefit of our occupiers.” GB Integrated System specified Comelit-PAC’s LogiFire Easy fire safety solution. The office park required a stand-alone 1-loop analog addressable panel. Fire safety solution We recommended Comelit-PAC’s Logifire solution essentially because of its simple design" Mike Gray, Technical Director at GB Integrated Systems, stated: “We recommended Comelit-PAC’s Logifire solution essentially because of its simple design, and ability to easily install using existing cabling, so as not to interfere with the style of the development and its unique character. From the owner’s perspective, its style and flexibility of use means that it is the best fire safety solution to protect the occupiers collectively and blend seamlessly with its surroundings.” Logifire addressable system, has been designed to offer a simple to install, fire safety solution that is compliant with BS and EN standards. It is complemented with a range of detectors, offered with award-winning designs to ensure systems blend with their surroundings. Mind fire safety Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Manager, concluded: “When it comes to fire safety, the market is growing rapidly amid greater awareness of the need for risk assessments, remediation work, building upgrades and ongoing maintenance in the new-build sector as well as at existing sites. What our work with GB Integrated Systems at Deva City Office Park demonstrates is the need to assess each development as early as possible in a works program to ensure solutions meet exact requirements." She adds, "We understood that any upgrade had to be carefully considered with regards to how it will impact on the aesthetics of the overall premises. Together, we identified how LogiFire as a single solution, could be installed quickly and effectively for the benefit of all who work on-site. It allows for total peace of mind fire safety.”

Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation announces Airservices Australia has issued a purchase order for four Oshkosh Airport Products Striker® Volterra™ 6x6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric vehicles. These environmentally advanced fire apparatus will be deployed at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), set to open in 2026. Striker Volterra 6x6 The Striker Volterra 6x6 comes equipped with an Oshkosh-patented hybrid-electric drivetrain, featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission. This enables zero-emissions operation through the integrated onboard batteries and uninterrupted power supply by coupling with the internal combustion engine for pumping and drive systems. innovative design  Airservices Australia is making a significant investment to support the development of an 'airport of the future' WSI is a transformational infrastructure project expected to boost economic activity, provide local employment opportunities, meet Sydney's carbon-neutral sustainability initiatives, and meet the area’s growing aviation needs. Airservices Australia is a government entity making a significant investment to support the development of an 'airport of the future', featuring world-pioneering technology, innovative design, and a sustainability plan incorporating assets like the Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles.  sustainability "As the first airport built in Australia in over 50 years, WSI is not just an airport; it's a statement of intent for a more sustainable future,” said Dave Archer, Vice President of Engineering for Oshkosh Vocational. He adds, “The Striker Volterra vehicles, with their hybrid electric technology, align perfectly with Airservices Australia and WSI’s goals. These vehicles are not only an asset to emergency response capabilities but also play a crucial role in larger environmental sustainability initiatives." environmentally conscious choice Dave Archer continues, "They symbolize a dedication to intelligent design, energy optimization, fire crew safety and efficiency, and ultimately, a carbon-neutral future." Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles demonstrate the most advanced acceleration and reduced fuel consumption compared to our standard diesel models, making them an environmentally conscious choice for emergency response services. Striker Volterra features Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to the standard diesel models WSI’s four new Striker Volterra 6x6 vehicles will feature an industry-pioneering modular cab design, TAK-4® all-wheel independent suspension, and a 50’ Snozzle® High Reach Extendable Turret. They each house an 11,356-liter (3,000-gallon) water tank, a 1,590-liter (420-gallon) foam tank, and a 7,570 lpm (2,000 gpm) water pump, along with a 250 kg (550 lb.) dry chemical powder system. Accelerating from 0 to 80 kph (0 to 50 mph) in under 25 seconds, the Striker Volterra ARFF demonstrates a 28 percent improved acceleration compared to the standard diesel models when fully loaded. training, implementation, and service support Dave Archer said, “The collaboration between Oshkosh Airport Products and Airservices Australia marks a significant step forward in the aviation industry's commitment to sustainability." He adds, "We remain committed to a strong partnership, providing world-class training, seamless implementation, and unwavering service support to ensure these vehicles exceed expectations in the critical missions of ARFF crews.” By leveraging new technologies and innovations like Oshkosh Airport Products’ Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicles, WSI will showcase the feasibility of low-carbon operations and set a new standard for airports worldwide.

Firefighting is an extremely dangerous and demanding profession, both physically and mentally. However, help is at hand: Teledyne FLIR designed its K-series of professional yet affordable thermal imaging cameras to take the strain, assisting firefighters in navigating through smoky conditions while searching for hot spots and measuring temperature from a distance. The team at Solna Fire Station in Stockholm, Sweden, is a case in point, where the use of a FLIR K-series camera recently helped one of the team’s smoke divers save four lives in a city center fire. Greater Stockholm’s Fire Service Storstockholms brandförsvar (Greater Stockholm’s fire service), covers 10 municipalities in the city, including Solna, located just north of the center. When a recent large fire began downtown, Solna’s fire crew responded to the call. “We sent in two smoke divers, both with FLIR K-series cameras,” explains Tomas Bellander, a Firefighter and Instructor at Solna Fire Station with 22 years of experience. FLIR Thermal Camera Upon approach, his FLIR thermal camera showed what looked like an arm in the doorway" Tomas Bellander continues, “One smoke diver spotted an elevator with its doors slightly open. His instinct drew him towards the elevator and, upon approach, his FLIR thermal camera showed what looked like an arm in the doorway." He adds, "It turned out there were four people in that elevator, all of whom were saved by our smoke diver and his FLIR camera.” Smoke Diving Like any fire station, Solna has a range of conventional firefighting tools at its disposal but relies on FLIR thermal imaging cameras to locate fires and pinpoint anyone trapped or in need of assistance. However, while the main application for FLIR cameras at Solna Fire Station is smoke diving, the crew also uses its cameras as part of other rescue activities, such as locating people on train tracks or next to the water. FLIR K55 High-Performance “It’s a lot easier than using our own eyes and a flashlight,” says Firefighter - Simon Zettergren, adding “We can quickly see if there are any temperature shifts to detect human presence.” Zettergren says Solna Fire Station takes advantage of FLIR K55 high-performance thermal cameras, retaining two in each vehicle. Charging takes place inside the truck. “We typically deploy teams of two smoke divers: one with a hose and the other with a FLIR K55,” he explains. Easy Smoke Detection They display crisp thermal images on a bright LCD, helping Solna’s fire crew to navigate better FLIR K55 cameras allow Solna Fire Station to attack fires with a better strategy, maneuver through smoke more easily and save lives. They display crisp thermal images on a bright LCD, helping Solna’s fire crew to navigate better and expedite critical decisions. “A lot of thoughts go through your head when there’s a real fire,” says Tomas Bellander. Situational Awareness With Limited Visibility He adds, “You have to execute your strategy while simultaneously receiving commands from the lieutenant and making real-time judgments about situational awareness with limited visibility." Tomas Bellander concludes, "The stress factor is high, so you must call upon your equipment and training. If you can do that, the outcome will likely be positive.”

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) has selected edge control room solutions from Frequentis to enhance service delivery for the communities it safeguards through better resource allocation and coordination between emergency services when responding to emergencies. WYFRS WYFRS is the fourth largest fire and rescue service in the country, responsible for the safety of over 2.2 million residents and the protection of 800 square miles of land, covering five major metropolitan districts. The diverse landscape, which encompasses everything from vast rural countryside to towns and major cities, presents unique challenges: Frequentis' expertise in providing comprehensive control room solutions and dedication to delivering innovative technology to emergency service organizations has played a vital role in this successful collaboration. Efficiency, Communication And Resource Allocation We are aiming to enhance the efficiency of our emergency response even further, and improve communication" “By implementing the Frequentis systems, we are aiming to enhance the efficiency of our emergency response even further, improve communication and coordination among emergency responders, and optimize our resource allocation,” says WYFRS Area Manager, Scott Donegan. He adds, "Ultimately, this will enable us to be even better at protecting the millions of residents, the communities, and businesses we serve here in West Yorkshire." Cloud-Based Mobilizing Solution The contract marks a significant milestone in West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service's journey toward modernizing its control room capabilities. “By adopting the Frequentis Microsoft Azure cloud-based mobilizing solution, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will benefit from a comprehensive communication and incident management platform, LifeX, and unique-mobilization solution provided by our recent acquisition, Regola," says Andy Madge, Managing Director of Frequentis UK & Ireland.  A System-As-A-Service Approach We continue to provide modern control room solutions for safety-critical customers" Andy Madge adds, "The 'System as a Service' approach aligns with the managed service requirements, eliminating conventional concerns and costs associated with ongoing IT management and security." He continues, “This partnering approach represents a significant step forward for Frequentis as we continue to provide modern control room solutions for safety-critical customers.” Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system The new systems include a replacement Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that is Emergency Services Network (ESN) ready, an Integrated Communication and Control System (ICCS) for seamless telecommunications, radio communications, and data communications, as well as a mobilizing system for efficient resource allocation to incidents. The implementation of these cutting-edge systems will enable WYFRS to respond even more effectively to emergency calls, whether the resources are mobile or stationed at various premises, and the mobilizing system will streamline the assignment of resources and personnel.

Technology has played a role in firefighting since the beginning; in fact, portable water pumps were found among the ruins of ancient Egypt. As bucket brigades gave way to electric pumps and internal combustion motors displaced horse-drawn fire engines, firefighting has benefited in terms of greater efficiency and lives saved at each point along the way. Technologies boosting the efforts of firefighters include drones, robots and other high-tech innovations. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Which technologies will we see in ‘the future of firefighting'?

Thermal imaging is an advantageous tool for firefighters on the frontline. As thermal cameras have become more compact and affordable, their availability has expanded, along with their usefulness. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How does thermal imaging serve the needs of firefighters and how is it changing?  

Ensuring the health and wellness of firefighters is a burden shared among equipment manufacturers as well as the fire departments and individual firefighters. Thoughtful design of equipment and other products used in the fire service can be a positive factor as firefighters and other first responders face dangerous situations every day. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What steps can we take to better ensure firefighter health and wellness?