If there's one trend in emergency apparatus it's safety. Manufacturers are doing everything they can to keep firefighters, paramedics and other emergency responders safe as they do their jobs.

Going hand in hand with that trend is efficiency. Apparatus today will do more with less space and cargo, and will even perform more efficiently and cleanly than ever before. Stringent new clean-air regulations make the air we breathe healthier for everyone.

Today's apparatus are complex machines filled with gadgets, electronics and gee-whiz components, all designed to either improve efficiencies or keep operators safe. Many do both very well.

Each year, an average of 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. Far too large a percentage are killed in apparatus crashes and mishaps. Technology is being developed at a fast pace to reverse those numbers and, perhaps one day, eliminate responder deaths attributed to vehicle accidents.

Seatbelt monitoring is one example of simple technology being employed to keep apparatus occupants safe. While such technology doesn't physically strap apparatus occupants in place, it does provide information to the operator and officers regarding who is compliant with seatbelt requirements and who is not.

For years, many in the fire service have strongly encouraged firefighters and responders to use their belts to no avail. Last year, the apparatus committee of the National Fire Protection Association passed a requirement that apparatus built after Jan. 1, 2009, must be equipped with seatbelt-monitoring devices, which help officers enforce department rules regarding seatbelt use. They can't make anyone wear the belts, but the threat of suspension or job loss might.

In an effort to keep firefighters in their seats and belted, there's a growing trend to remove SCBA from the cabs and put them in compartments in the body. One option that's growing in popularity is putting SCBA in compartments under the seats in the cabs on slide-out trays. That makes the devices at the ready as firefighters exit the cabs, but prevents donning until the apparatus is stopped and parked, as the cab door must be open to access the SCBA.

Electronic vehicle-stability control is another way apparatus manufacturers are keeping responders safer. Each year, more than 5,000 emergency vehicle accidents are reported. Many can be blamed on operator error. Heavy apparatus traveling at unsafe speeds under poor road conditions are a recipe for disaster.

Both custom and commercial truck makers are using systems that monitor a variety of vehicle parameters, such as speed, angles and suspension components. When apparatus reach critical stability thresholds, such as imminent roll-over, built-in electronic systems essentially take over vehicle operations by selectively applying vehicle brakes and de-throttling the apparatus at a rate that is typically much faster than the driver. The result is drivers stand a better chance of regaining control of the vehicle, thereby preventing an accident.

If an accident is unavoidable, many manufacturers are making airbag occupant-protection systems available. Some are making them standard equipment in apparatus.

Many apparatus manufacturers offer side-impact airbags, which deploy in roll-over or severe side impacts providing protection from head injuries. A few are offering front-impact airbags for head-on collisions and other impacts.

At least one ambulance builder introduced this year an airbag system to keep EMS providers safe in the box, with side-impact protection at the attendants' positions.

Even simple components like hydraulic ladder racks and portable tank racks keep firefighters safe by mechanically lowering heavy equipment to manageable heights for easier deployments and stowing.

Cameras and dashboard monitors provide visual cues for operators when they must maneuver apparatus in reverse. Some systems even provide views of the apparatus sides, reducing blind spots for the operator.

Many of those same dashboard monitors provide vehicle-control panels with multiplex systems that put apparatus functions at the finger tips of the operator, and in some cases the officers if the apparatus is so equipped.

Apparatus electrical systems are high tech and efficient, with multiplexing and devices that draw low amperage. For generations, apparatus electrical systems have been challenging. In the past, motorized warning lights and sealed-beam lights drew an extraordinary amount of current from batteries, while sirens drew so much they killed batteries, sidelining apparatus until they could be serviced. Those days are drawing to a close with the advent of LED lights, electronic sirens, high-efficiency alternators and multiplex systems that can shed electric loads, keeping vital vehicle systems operating even when battery supplies are depleted.

Electronics also are making pump operations safer and more efficient. Most apparatus with pumps today have electronic pressure governors which take a lot of guesswork out of pump operations by automatically adjusting pressure. As firefighters demand more water from various lines, engine speeds ramp up to provide the required volume and pressure. And, as firefighters close lines, the engine speed drops and pressure-relief controls kick in, eliminating dangerous surges in other lines that may still be operating.

Engine controls that interface with the pump make that possible, as well as assist in making engines run more efficiently and cleaner.

EPA requirements have mandated that apparatus pollute less and operate more efficiently. Engine and apparatus makers have met those requirements using electronics and exhaust-treatment systems, all designed to conserve diesel fuel and reduce emissions.

Individual apparatus makers are building little features into their trucks to keep the users safe and the apparatus more efficient.

Manufacturers are doing their best to keep apparatus accessible with lower steps to get into the cabs, and some even are building platform steps to make tools and equipment in the bodies readily available and easy to reach. Many are using tool board and roll-out trays to provide even more accessibility and organization. Years ago, responders got open cabinets with a set amount of cubic feet for storage — and it was their responsibility to organize it to get the most out of the space provided.

For nearly as long as there's been motorized apparatus, there's always been conflict with weight and space issues. Today's trend is to get the most out of the space available using the lightest, yet most durable materials and construction designs available. Manufacturers are adjusting pump locations to find more space, putting the pumps under the cabs or in the rear of the apparatus, all in the name of space conservation and improved efficiencies.

In the name of safety, hose beds must be covered to be in compliance with NFPA requirements, and apparatus builders are trying different ways to secure hose loads with everything from cargo netting to expertly crafted metal covers integrated into the body design.

Access to the tops of vehicles, especially rescue apparatus, has become a science, with some builders constructing tread-and-riser-style staircases into the bodies, with rails and fall protection throughout — all with an eye to keeping the responders safe.

Traffic directional arrows on the backs of apparatus — as well as special chevron striping on the fronts and rears of apparatus — help keep responders safe from inattentive or distracted motorists by providing visual warnings. The visual aids are used in the hope of diverting traffic away from the scene.

Compressed-air foam systems are becoming more prevalent on apparatus as they gain popularity with firefighters. The systems are complex, but many argue they are extremely effective in fighting fires, making plain water go much further and reducing collateral water damage. Just a few short years ago, installation of on-board Class A foam systems was a trend, but now it's nearly a standard on most Class A pumpers. It's likely CAFS will follow a similar trend.

CAFS is just one example of manufacturers trying to get the most out of apparatus. An ambulance maker recently introduced an apparatus that has all the characteristics of a Swiss Army knife. It's a patient-transport unit, a rescue unit and a pumper with fire suppression equipment. The maker says it is designed to do a little of everything with limited staffing. Just a few responders can take the apparatus and do some rudimentary firefighting, extrication and patient care.

Limited staffing, especially in volunteer departments in the daytime, while not directly related to the building of apparatus, does influence apparatus design. Manufacturers long will be tasked with trying to meet the demands of departments — both large and small, career and volunteer, with shrinking staff sizes — figuring out ways to make apparatus safer and more efficient.

Ed Ballam is a freelance writer.

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