Community Response
Developments
After extensive trials at Winchester and Andover Fire Stations we have purchased from Sew Easy, Southampton, colour coded GP sheet kits for use at RTAs. The kit contains three sheets:
Blue canvas bag - this bag has been designed so that it's large enough to fit over the biggest of car doors. When the bag is held in position with the spring loaded clip, the glass is broken in the normal way and the bag will then catch all of the debris which can be disposed of safely, it is also large enough to be laid out flat and used as a sheet for glass containment.
Buff with green cross - casualty care
Green - general use
RTA Kit (25 kb)
The sheets can be held in place on the vehicle with the provided spring loaded clips from the windscreen protection kit.
Both the windscreen protection kit and colour coded sheet kits will be stowed on all WrT and WrL with RTA capability.
We have purchased five 110v Makita reciprocating saws, one for each Special Equipment Unit (including the spare vehicle). The Service has also purchased two Lightning Diamond Cutting Discs for the Partner Power Saws which have the capability of cutting through a combined mix of steel and concrete.
A fireground drinking water system supplied by Premier hose technologies is on trial at Basingstoke Fire Station. It is stowed on the Water Tender Ladder. This system is designed only to be used direct from a hydrant and it works by directing water through micron filters to produce pure drinking water.
Fireground Drinking Water System (25 kb)
As a result of evaluation information gathered by our own UK Urban Search and Research Team, the Service will be purchasing the Paratech Rescue Support System supplied by Aireshelta. The equipment will replace the Acro jacks on each of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's five Special Equipment Units (including the spare vehicle) and will be used for urban search and rescue purposes, stability at RTAs and construction of a tripod for working over pits.
Two struts using the ratchet belts for side stability - click for larger image of 67 kb Tripod conversion kit used over a pit with rope pack - click for larger image of 92 kb Tripod conversion kit used over a pit with a tirfor - click for larger image of 86 kb Vertical struts used to support upper floors with 4" x 4" posts top and bottom - click for larger image of 67 kb Double strut ready for clam access - click for larger image of 71 kb.
Two struts using the ratchet belts for side stability Tripod conversion kit used over a pit with rope pack Tripod conversion kit used over a pit with a tirfor Vertical struts used to support upper floors with 4" x 4" posts top and bottom Double strut ready for clam access.
Two styles of wildland firefighting jacket are also being put through their paces as part of an ongoing project to identify suitable PPE to wear when tackling fires on open heath. Light coloured Nomex could be used to help reflect radiated heat by having a difference in colour, the lighter tunic could not be used accidentally for other types of firefighting.
We are currently reviewing the policy for the provision of chemical protective clothing to our appliances and are considering both the scale and type of suits issued. Allied to this, we are also reviewing decontamination procedures with a view to utilising our knapsack pumps for this purpose. Our current decontamination procedure employs the Hughes Portaflex shower which uses large amounts of water and presents a problem should the contaminant need to be contained.
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