Friday, July 18, 2008
Image Conscious
By Hezedean Smith
The Orlando Fire Department built a program to install and replace thermal-imaging cameras on all its units....
NFFF, Fireman's Fund Announce Thermal Imager Grant
More than $100,000 is available in the first phase of the "Into the Fire" grant program. The allotment comes from initial DVD sales, T-shirt sales, screening events and other fund-raising related to the Into the Fire documentary....
First Responder Input Needed for Tech Ideas
The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has established a program, TechSolutions, to support the first responder community by accelerating delivery of emerging technologies. TechSolutions is designed to collect technological requirements and provide solutions for first responders. ...
The Little Guys
By Chris Cavette
Weight and clearance restrictions are the driving forces behind the purchase and use of smaller-scale apparatus. ...
Task Master
By Chris DeChant
It may seem like there’s little time to answer those lingering e-mails, but a simple system can help you manage your inbox....
Urban Legends
By Mary Rose Roberts
A collaboration between a university and a fire department has yielded a new wireless sensor system using interactive floor plans that increases situational awareness and aids in decision-making....
Ambulance Chaser
With the rise in fire department patient transport, NFPA apparatus chair Donald Frazeur sees the need to look beyond current GSA standards....
Colorado Springs Scales Many Peaks
Successful EMS, public-education, GIS and wildfire programs make the Colorado Springs (Colo.) Fire Department one to watch....
Little Cost, Big Improvement
By Chris Cavette
You may want to consider some upgrades for improved safety and performance...
Bottle Service
Self-contained breathing apparatus are right beside radios in the quest for interoperability and interchangeability...
Speed of Ideas
By Ronny J. Coleman
Technology can’t be avoided and instead should be embraced for the opportunities it offers...
A Fresh View
By Chris Cavette
In the past, many departments viewed skid-mounted pump and tank units as something to be used by the state forest service or rural fire districts because...
A Little Light Here
My mother, cousin and I recently went to a mega-movie complex near my home. Before the previews, there was the standard safety warning to "Please note the exits in the theater." Thus reminded, I quickly looked for the exit signs but didn't see them...
By the Numbers
By Chris Cavette
Every department should have a preventive maintenance program to keep its vehicles and equipment in top operating condition. A good preventive maintenance...
Pressure Precepts
By Kriss Garcia & Reinhard Kauffmann
As more incident commanders turn to positive-pressure ventilation as part of their firefighting attack strategy, the potential for injuries rises. ...
NIST Tests PPV in High Rise
By Kevin Daniels; Managing Editor
Recent positive-pressure ventilation experiments in an abandoned Chicago high-rise have helped to put some hard numbers behind experience and anecdotes....
On the Road Again
By Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
Geographic Information Systems have become an essential tool in organizing and analyzing information for better decision-making. They're like real-time encyclopedias that can be invaluable, particularly for public safety agencies. To learn more, I attended the 2006 ESRI Homeland Security GIS Summit in Denver...
Image Ready?
By David A. Little
The move toward standardization for thermal imagers begins — but at a cost....
High-Rise Pump Panels
By Chris Cavette
Traditional side-mount pump panels are designed to put the operator close to the pump controls and gauges. Unfortunately, in many situations they also...
Beyond First Aid
By Mary Beth Michos
A comparison of EMS 50 years ago to today brings an appreciation for some big advancements....
OSHA Releases Fire Protection Design Manual
Information contained in a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration manual may help increase the safety of building occupants and emergency responders, according to its publisher. Fire Service Features of Building and Fire Protection Systems is designed to help streamline fire service interaction with building features and fire protection systems....
Now Hear This
By Courtney DeWinter
Public safety departments today face very real resource challenges. The emergency call volume of most departments has risen due to population increases,...
Smart Talk
By David Holmberg
Today's modern buildings function with multiple control systems programmed to run different building systems. Network communications carry commands from...
Here They Come
By Chris Cavette
Several manufacturers showed their new engines at the Fire Department Instructors Conference earlier this year, which has generated a lot of discussion...
HSC Recognizes Fire Safety Products
Four companies manufacturing fire safety products have received Commendation Awards from the Home Safety Council for their efforts to advance consumer safety in and around the home....





