If you’ve ever wanted to get an idea of what it’s like to ride in an electric fire apparatus or what to expect in future fire station designs, then you might have attended the Fire Rescue Station of the Future, part of the Lucas Oil Experience at FDIC International 2023 in April.
It was a full-scale fire station replica located in Lucas Oil Stadium. The station incorporated modern design concepts with advanced technologies to improve safety and efficiency. Architect-guided tours brought attendees through the futuristic station to explore the building and room designs, each with new equipment and products on display including electric apparatus, robots, drones, decontamination, command and dispatch, advanced training, well-being, and more.
Attendees learned how current fire/rescue station designs will evolve to accommodate new needs, how to manage the electric service of a building while dealing with local codes and ordinances for proper fire separation and fire suppression systems, if fire stations can accommodate battery storage technology, and if drones and robots will become common. Will biometrics become the new standard for measuring the health and well-being of responders? They also learned how to retrofit existing stations with these ideas and equipment.
Explorable spaces included bays with brand new electric apparatus, robots, drones, and the state-of-the-art apparatus support; decontamination and transition zones and laundering facilities that brought visitors from the traditionally “dirty/red” side of the building to the “clean/green” side; cutting-edge training rooms where presentations were offered throughout the conference; a command and dispatch center; modern living quarters and exercise room; and an outdoor/well-being area.
Following are some of the highlights from sponsors/participating companies.
Ready Rack
Ready Rack was proud to participate in the Fire Rescue Station of the Future at FDIC 2023. Over three days, the company showcased its Red Rack™ PPE Storage Systems and its proprietary Decon Ready™ Decontamination Solutions and officially launched the new Smart-Wash 40 PPE Extractor and new Smart-Dry 6 All-Purpose Drying Cabinet. All the products and technology on display helped shape the immersive experience.
United Safety and Survivability Corporation
United Safety and Survivability’s Active Air Purification System treats both the air and surface with an active agent that is pushed out into the atmosphere to eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, and other odors and contaminants. Using safe levels of hydrogen peroxide, this agent actively works to neutralize all these contaminants, including some carcinogens.
This system is also Environmental Protection Agency-registered with significant third-party testing showing how effective this system is, exceeding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention threshold for an effective viral mitigation strategy.
ImageTrend
ImageTrend Continuum in the Chief’s Office: Modern fire departments are harnessing the power of their data and using Continuum® to turn raw data into actionable insights. From accreditation to standard reporting to continual near-real time awareness of department performance, Continuum is taking the manual effort out of crunching the data you need. As part of Continuum’s Fire Content Package, access maps, trends, stats, and benchmarks based on response categories defined for your department’s standard of cover. Limited on resources or burnt out sifting through spreadsheets and generating pivot tables? See how fire departments of the future are crunching their data.
ImageTrend Elite in the Bay: Fire departments are controlling the heat with ImageTrend Elite™, a complete fire record management system and more. Elite supports department initiatives and their service to communities through dynamic data collection, analysis, and reporting tools. Built-in personal exposures tracking allows departments and individual responders to stay in the know of potential long-term effects of past events, and available ePCR functionalities make Elite the one connected solution departments are looking for.
H2M architects + engineers
H2M architects + engineers partnered with Clarion Events to design and create the Fire and Rescue Station of the Future. Much of the focus in the design was to look at current trends; technology; and the trajectory of health, well-being, and safety and then project out what these could be in the foreseeable future.
As an example, H2M evaluates gender equity and sleep deprivation issues when designing bunk rooms. For the bunk rooms, introducing natural light, warm colors, and materials; careful use of electric lighting; and how alarms are transferred are some of the design issues in play. Additionally, H2M evaluates individual temperature and air controls; audio systems that allow touchless, instant communication; the possibility of single bunk rooms that allow for privacy, cleanliness, and protection from outside health-related issues; and other issues of importance to the end users.
To create this environment and enhance it in the future, H2M foresees the possibility of touchless entries, smart doors, no-touch readers, and smart walls that can show weather and time-of-day conditions. H2M predicts new bedding materials that stay sanitized (for health and comfort) and negate the need for clothes dryers after washing; sensors to detect carcinogens in room air and adjust the intensity of the air pressure differential or filtration; various forms of white noise, lighting colors, and wall colors or graphics that can be programmed for each individual on a shift; biometric measuring systems (that can read skin temperature and cleanliness, pulse rate, and level of anxiety); dry mist showers as part of the room that clean and sanitize; and smart walk-off mats at entry doors and bunk room floors that collect and automatically dispose of dirt and contaminants.
TFT
TFT is focusing to help a future firefighter be healthier and more informed. Today’s firefighters understand they face risks every day, but they lack a comprehensive framework to assess the biggest problem areas and uncover solutions that work for their department. TFT recently introduced the Continuum of Health, which identifies awareness, actions, and outcomes for firefighter health on the apparatus, at the incident, and back at the station. There are also tools to identify where risks like poor air quality are greatest and even an air card kit for fire departments to test air in various areas. Armed with fire department-specific data, future firefighters can pinpoint problem areas and solutions that fit their specific needs.
For decades, firefighters have had to “guesstimate” using formulas to determine what they are flowing and at what pressure. Old formulas are no longer capable of predicting things like friction loss because of vastly different hose construction and coefficients of friction. Standard flowmeters and pressure gauges require close visibility for readings, and firefighters must scribble various numbers onto paper and still make calculations. TFT has now introduced a Bluetooth®-enabled flowmeter and pressure gauge that delivers results to any smartphone or tablet. Available in seven languages, the free app and devices help future firefighters determine with precision actual flow rates and pressures for fire hoselines and nozzles, true pump discharge pressures, nozzle reaction, and hose friction and even allows for real time National Fire Protection Association flow testing.
Safety Components
Safety Components takes great pride in producing responsible, U.S.-based fabrics with an eye toward sustainability and preserving our natural resources. Safety Components flame-resistant (FR) fabrics are critical to protecting first responders and military personnel.
Safety Components is committed to finding new solutions that provide superior protection while improving performance. The development of a water-repellent finish that is produced with chemicals free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) reflects its drive for industry firsts. Safety Components PF Zero™ patent-pending technology was the first nonfluorinated, durable water repellent finish developed specifically for personal protective equipment (PPE) fabrics. Today, every FR fabric made by Safety Components for the North American fire service uses PF Zero water-repellent chemistry.
Shark Robotics
The earth is burning, and natural disasters are becoming more frequent. How do we face them? Thanks to the development of new technologies such as robotics and AI, firefighters now have the ability to save lives and be more efficient. Many countries have already taken this step, and the United States must now lead the way in this area.
In just a few years, robots became tools for firefighters, able to perform multiple tasks such as extinguishing, inspecting, and generally getting closer to the danger. Every day, robots intervene in the world to make it safer. Acculturation to the use of these new tools remains a major challenge, but their benefits are no longer in doubt. Robots can go where humans can’t, where humans don’t need to be.
Everyone remembers the terrible fire in the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. Did you know that robots played an important role in this tragedy? At a time when the nave was in danger of collapsing and the environment was so dangerous for Parisian firefighters, the use of robots became obvious and natural to be efficient and protect their lives. On that day, robotics demonstrated to the world the ability to save lives and a World Heritage Site at the same time, working for 10 hours in an atmosphere of 1,500ºF.
Robots protect against immediate dangers but also against more insidious dangers that may emerge years later. An unfortunate example of this is the inhalation of toxic fumes, which causes many fatal diseases.
CoachMePlus
CoachMePlus is contributing to the future of the fire service by providing firefighters with the health and wellness tools they need to optimize their performance and aid in injury prevention. Its mission is to connect firefighters with their coaches and practitioners to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. It offers an app that enables agencies to track and analyze performance data through a wide range of modules imperative to firefighters, such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, wellness, injury prevention, and recovery.
An example of improving human performance factors is through monitoring hydration. Firefighters face unique challenges when it comes to hydration, as they often work in high-temperature environments that can quickly dehydrate the body. By using the CoachMePlus hydration station module, firefighters can monitor their hydration levels before and after a call and ensure they are staying properly hydrated for the next time they need to perform. This hydration station provides valuable data that can be used to optimize performance and resiliency and aid in injury prevention.
CoachMePlus offers a range of other fitness tools and modules specifically tailored to the needs of firefighters, such as nutrition tracking. The other modules also include strength and conditioning programs, injury prevention strategies, recovery protocols, and movement assessment integrations. Fire departments can improve their overall performance and reduce the risk of injuries with CoachMePlus, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of their firefighters.
FirstNet, Built with AT&T
FirstNet®, Built with AT&T—the only network built with and for America’s first responders, provides public safety with reliable connectivity and innovative capabilities to strengthen their incident response.
Burgeoning technologies like 5G, AI, drones, robotics, and solutions like Z-Axis will provide firefighters with increased situational awareness (on the ground and in the sky) to stabilize incidents, conserve property, and—most importantly—help ensure the safety of those on scene. As the ecosystem evolves and 5G becomes more ubiquitous, the speedy, secure, and low-latency technology is poised to unlock a wide array of new tools centered around the instant transmission of video, data, and voice. Think thermal imaging devices, camera-equipped drones, and augmented reality command centers to provide a live view of wildfires and other incidents.
Z-Axis allows public safety to not only pinpoint responders on a map like you would through any GPS-based method but also provides the third dimension: their elevation in the building.
Toxic Suppression
Toxic Suppression was in the apparatus bay featuring the Sentinel IQ powered by Attune, the first of its kind real-time air quality monitoring and alerting system for stations and apparatus. The system is plug-and-play and wireless and features a sensor pack that includes Temperature/Humidity, tVOCs, CO2, PM 1.0, PM 2.5, PM10, optionally ion concentration, and CO, not to mention many hazardous gases. The system communicates seamlessly to the cloud where data are analyzed, monitored, and alerted on.
The Sentinel IQ powered by Attune features a real-time Ventilation Performance Index that provides an idea of air quality, a mold growth indicator that alerts if the conditions for mold growth are right, and a Lobby View that can be streamed to a monitor for public display. The company also showed the first ceiling-mount Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization fan unit in the kitchen area with the Sentinel Tile powered by GPS Air. The Sentinel Tile delivers an ion concentration of more than 20,000 ions/cm3 directly to any room up to 1,500 square feet. NPBI technology requires no filters, bulbs, or maintenance while improving filter performance, controlling odors, and offering proven pathogen reduction.
Autel Robotics
Autel drones are changing how fire departments respond to calls. When equipped with thermal cameras, firefighters can quickly inspect structures and locate hotspots, keeping others safe.
Drones provide visual access to areas that are too dangerous or difficult for human firefighters and, with the ability to transmit live video feeds to other teams or departments, all get crucial information to make informed decisions and coordinate their response more effectively. When compared with current manned vehicle options, Autel drones can help save departments money and time while expanding their service capabilities and safety.
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross showcased how it is taking training to a higher standard with its presence in the Triage Room of the Fire Station of the Future. Its Resuscitation Suite™ for BLS, ALS, and PALS set the standard for excellence in resuscitation education with better outcomes and easier administration. The Fire Station of the Future introduced Red Cross Challenge certification courses to attendees. These courses allow fire and emergency medical services professionals to spend more time in the field by skipping the didactic training component and jumping straight to a skills challenge and written exam.
In collaboration with CAE, the Red Cross is transforming the learning experience with the new SMART Manikin. A popular feature in the Fire Station of the Future’s Triage Room proved to be demos of the CAE/Red Cross SMART Manikin. This training solution is transforming the learning experience by offering in-person self-directed skills sessions for Red Cross Resuscitation Suite blended learning courses in BLS, ALS, and PALS as well as workplace first aid/CPR/AED. In addition to compression and ventilation skills, the manikin can test for AED pad placement, infant choking, and direct pressure for bleeding.
Streamlight, Inc.
Streamlight continues its march of innovation, creating even more professional lights and features to further enhance firefighters’ performance. For example, Streamlight recently introduced the compact, right-angle Survivor® X to give fire and rescue personnel an even more powerful and versatile tool to use when operating in trying conditions. It weighs less than previous generations of Survivors to lighten the load firefighters carry. It also is brighter, offering 250 lumens and 50,000 candela on high; has new features for improved operation; and has multiple power options to suit user needs. It is available as a Rechargeable System, which provides a 25 percent cost savings on batteries, or in an economical Alkaline Model, both for use in Division 1 hazardous environments. Also available is the Survivor X® USB, a budget-friendly USB rechargeable option for use in Division 2 environments.
Streamlight’s newest light is the Vulcan Clutch®, a rechargeable multifunction lantern that delivers 1,700 lumens on high. Its swivel neck, 340-degree rotating head, and clamping handle enable firefighters to attach it anywhere to provide light in multiple directions while keeping hands free when needed. It clamps onto ladders and buckets and can even be used as a roadside warning beacon with its flash mode technology.
MEIKO
PPE contamination is real, and it’s dangerous. It’s time for professional cleaning and decontamination. MEIKO has nearly 100 years of professional cleaning, disinfection, and warewashing experience. Its TopClean Series Equipment Washers use time, temperature, and chemo-mechanical action to clean self-contained breathing apparatus, PPE equipment, and other firefighting and hazmat-related equipment and gear.
TopClean D’s wash system design generates an enveloping wall of clean that dirt, grime, and other contaminants just can’t hide from. The large wash chamber means easy loading and unloading of masks, SBCA, bottles, helmets, and other PPE gear. In under three minutes, TopClean M can clean and decontaminate breathing apparatus, air bottles, and other equipment. It provides the same high level of protection every time, reducing your exposure to toxins and carcinogens.
Sootsoap Supply Co. Ltd.
Cancer is the number-one cause of line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) for firefighters, but you can reduce the risk. SOOTSOAP is an industrial-strength, all-natural line of products lab-developed specifically for firefighter decontamination.
Not only does SOOTSOAP remove that notorious smoky smell in just one wash (which we know correlates to a 46% increase in PAH toxins in your body), it is proven to elimate 88% of PAHs. It isn’t soap. It’s SOOTSOAP. SOOTSOAP is fire family owned and CertClean certified, with a portion of all proceeds going to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
Watchboard
Watchboard’s dashboard and intranet solutions streamline and centralize mission-critical details so they’re available when needed most, keeping everyone informed of live incidents, news, emerging events, policy updates, and more with checklists, videos, messaging, and more.
Watchboard features include complete software integration (e.g., Active911, Office 365, G Suite, ESRI, Facebook), customization to your color and layout preferences, quick menus that make it easy to access and update your content from any location 24/7, display options for public spaces to feature information you want to share with your community capabilities, shared zoned content relevant to individual departments, shared information across agencies, scheduled and live messages, real-time weather alerts and traffic maps, and more. Update your content from anywhere at any time so that your team and the agencies you communicate with have the latest information at all times. You can zone content, tailoring it to specific facilities, stations, locations, or agencies. Your Watchboard dashboard is always on. Your on-site team and visitors can view your content 24/7 on your large display screens at your station or office. Centralized data software integrations pull data, key metrics, and details from multiple platforms into one place.
The Illinois Firefighters Association
The Illinois Firefighters Association had the first of its kind Green Fire Truck, a classroom on wheels, there for all the participants to view as part of its Go Green Clean Initiative. The goal of the Go Green Clean Initiative is to decrease firefighter cancer and other toxin-related illnesses through awareness, education, and prevention. Currently, 60% of LODDs are attributed to cancer.
FDIC attendees who visited the exhibit learned how they can stop cancer at the door by using simple gross decontamination techniques and inexpensive tools. Using the bright green fire truck to grab their attention, firefighters watched three brief videos on effective interventions. After watching the videos, firefighters received a bucket, brush, soap, hose, and spray nozzle. They then implement these simple techniques as soon as they arrive back at their home stations. Firefighters were encouraged to decon for themselves, their families, and firehouse guests and to sign up for the National Firefighter Registry.
First Arriving
First Arriving’s digital dashboards and Portal Internet are key to how departments communicate with their personnel in today’s high-tech, fast-paced world. Its current and developing solutions for missed and overwhelming communication and lack of real-time data are being used by fire, EMS, and law enforcement departments across North America.
Today’s generation of first responders will have significant information put before them as they get ready to respond to every call. Departments are increasingly adopting new technologies to improve their operations, and the First Arriving dashboards are part of this improvement. Staying up on the latest communication means being able to access and deliver that communication from anywhere and from any device. First Arriving’s Portal pushes critical news and announcements to individual logged-in agency users with an optional required view and the ability to browse, search, and download key agency documents. Platform Connect links all the key platforms in one place whether in the firehouse or anywhere on the go. This latest access and delivery development ensures that there will be no delay in getting vital information in front of your personnel.
