Keeping It Safe Robert Tutterow
In the late 1970s when I first got involved in specifying new apparatus, a wise veteran firefighter said that just when you think you have specified more than enough compartment space, specify some more.
I think that statement is as true today as it was then. Certainly, as the role of the fire service has expanded through the years, the equipment, supplies, and protocols have evolved that support the need for as much compartment space as possible and for maximizing the space as much as possible.
As I share this thought, I am occasionally perplexed at the lack of compartment space on apparatus in some of the largest metro departments. Maybe their responses are more “cookie cutter” than the rest of the country. No doubt, they probably have many specialty vehicles at their disposal whereas smaller departments tend to use their apparatus as “Swiss Army Knives.”
The need for additional compartment space has increased and continues to increase at a faster rate than in previous years. This is because of one area we are now addressing—contamination. If you are a believer in the “clean cab” (notice I did not call it a “concept”) where dirty personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are kept out of the cab, then you must have a space to place this equipment. You might say, well we put our dirty stuff in a bag, or we do preliminary exposure reduction (PER) on scene before we put it back in the cab. This is still not optimal, and what about the SCBA? We know it is the most difficult PPE item to clean.
Okay, now what about that second set of PPE that many departments have or will have? Is that carried on the apparatus or left at the station? Some departments want this on their rigs so they can be ready to respond should another call come in before they return to the station. Then, what about the “shower within an hour” concept? Some departments keep their units out of service until the members have had a chance to shower within the hour. Other departments insist that they must be ready to respond without delay. How often does any fire unit get back-to-back working fires within the hour? I suggest it is fewer than we think, even for the busiest metro departments. This is a decision based on each department’s value system. This is certainly a topic for a great debate, and I will say that both sides have valid points. And remember, how clean is clean?
The second set of gear issue has another chapter to the story. There is strong science and logic in providing emergency responders with PPE that is not designed for structural firefighting for that 80% to 90% of calls that are not structural fires. PPE can be purchased for wildland firefighting, urban search and rescue, and EMS calls. The National Fire Protection Association has developed standards for nonstructural PPE, and these can be independently third-party certified. Manufacturers offer nonstructural PPE that is dual-certified to meet more than one of these standards. In my mind, this type of PPE makes a lot of sense for most departments. Think about it, why should firefighters wear structural gear (which is likely partially contaminated despite cleaning attempts) to treat an EMS patient?
The nonstructural PPE also brings into question where it is stored. It seems to make sense that a unit should have space to store both structural and nonstructural gear. And, for departments in areas more prone to wildfires, what about the wildfire gear? As someone recently suggested in jest, maybe it’s time we hooked a “wardrobe trailer” to the tailboard of the apparatus!
Regardless of how your department approaches contamination, the need for as much compartment space as possible seems to be a righteous endeavor. A few equipment manufacturers, such as PPV blowers makers, have redesigned their equipment to take up less space. We are learning more and more about maximizing our space through roll-out shelving and slide tool mounting boards.
The future of apparatus design holds promise. I think most of us can easily see the day coming soon where the pump panel will be a handheld tablet held untethered in the operator’s hand. This should allow for more storage without lengthening the wheelbase. And, it opens the possibility of relocating the pump.
Another area that holds promise is the electric fire truck. Though too expensive for most departments at this time, it is my belief that electric fire trucks will be the wave of the future despite our kicking and screaming. The cost will come down, and the technology and design will continue to improve as they have with almost everything electronic—think thermal imagers, computers, and color TVs to name a few. And, a battery can be configured and placed in ways internal combustion engines cannot, thus creating more space for compartments.
The takeaway from all of this is to pay very close attention to compartment space. Specify as much as you can and maximize the space you have.
ROBERT TUTTEROW retired as safety coordinator for the Charlotte (NC) Fire Department and is a member of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Editorial Advisory Board. His 44-year career includes 10 as a volunteer. He has been very active in the National Fire Protection Association through service on the Fire Service Section Executive Board and technical committees involved with safety, apparatus, and personal protective equipment. He is a founding member and president of the Fire Industry Education Resource Organization (F.I.E.R.O.).
