Firefighting is becoming more advanced day by day, with the integration of advanced technology that helps reduce chances of fires breaking out. It is also due to quickening response time to fires. Advances in technology allow for fast detection and suppression of fires, while also making it possible to rescue people much more quickly. These are some of the latest equipment that any firefighting trailer unit ought to have to be safer and more efficient:
1. Heat-resistant clothing
Firefighter uniforms have improved by leaps and bounds since the early days of the profession. In some places, firefighters need to wear flame-resistant clothing as part of compliance regulations and guidelines. Even in places where this is not a requirement, having flame- and heat-resistant gear is extremely helpful because it saves lives. This material prevents the uniform from catching fire and burning up. It is light, so it is possible to be active in the field while wearing it. It is also breathable, which makes working in smoke-filled and adverse environments possible. Firefighter uniforms are a better investment than regular uniforms as the former are longer-lasting.
2. Backpack pumps
Backpack firefighting pumps are not too recent, though they have been improved greatly. While older backpack pumps are heavy to use, the latest technology allows one person to carry at least 20 litres of water. Made out of flame-retardant material, this technology is very useful for putting out small embers and forest fires that might be smouldering. Some of these backpack pumps can even be flexible, so they are easy to store. They can be carried around in small vehicles such as ATVs to travel over distances and put out fires. When combined with other fire-suppressant mechanisms such as backfire torches, these backpack pumps are very effective in flame control.
3. Self-rescue systems
These keep firefighters safe and allow them to get out of a fire if it gets unmanageable. These include harnesses with leg straps and waist belts that are on the outside of the uniform. These can be customisable, and the most advanced technology allows for various storage options, as well as options for descent control and measuring distance along the way.
4. Thermal imaging
Thermal imaging cameras—at first starting out as a military invention—are now a must-have for any good firefighting station. These cameras can be used to map out the trajectory of the fire from a safe distance outside, such as from helicopters. This allows firefighters to plan the best route for rescue and escape, as well as tells them which firefighting activity should be concentrated on to prevent further spread. The most advanced thermal imaging cameras can take 360-degree photos and videos. They can also be portable, which means that they can be used even inside a room on fire to look for more victims who might be hidden behind smoke and debris.
Every little advance in firefighting technology saves lives. This is why it is ever so important to keep every unit and station up to date with the best firefighting gear.
