6 Gadgets That Can Make Every Fire Department More Efficient

There’s no doubt firefighters have to be on top of their game. The problem is, even though the fire department team is super talented and energetic, if they don’t have efficient gadgets, they will be slowed down a lot.

Thanks to some advanced gadgets, fire departments around the globe are becoming more efficient than ever before. Talk about faster response rate, fluid communication, and more lives saved.

Below are six gadgets that are a game-changer for firefighters.

1. The Leader Scan

The Leader Scan can find people trapped or buried under rubble, such as after an earthquake or building collapse. It uses Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology to detect very small movements, such as breathing, up to 100 feet away. It is especially sensitive and can even pick up hand or finger movements. The Leader Scan is patented and is the only device of its kind.

2. Scott Sight

Scott Safety launched a thermal imaging technology called Scott Sight in 2016 that firefighters can wear in an SCBA facepiece.

Known as the firefighter of the future initiative, Scott Sight is the first in-mask, hands-free thermal imaging camera. The technology has received recognition from Popular Science magazine, which included it in its annual “Best of What’s New” issue in the security category.

3. All-in-one two-way radios

Firefighters often have to switch between many smart devices when acquiring the data and intelligence required to respond to an emergency. Thanks to technological advancements, firefighters can now get all the information they need from an all-in-one fire department radio. These two-way radios have a plethora of apps built into them. Such apps can help first responders acquire vital information, pinpoint GPS coordinates, and interact with other nearby first responders.

One such two-way radio is the APX XE, which has in-built SmartLocate, ViQi, and SmartMessaging.

4. Life Guard Hood

The Life Guard hood is designed to protect against dangerous gasses and toxins that are released when modern materials burn. It is worn with a self-contained breathing apparatus and turnout gear.

Cancer is a significant threat to the health and safety of firefighters, and the face, jaw, neck, and throat are particularly at risk. The traditional knit hood is not effective at protecting these areas. The Life Guard hood is lighter and more comfortable to wear and provides better protection.

5. The Cold Fire Extinguisher

The cold fire extinguisher revolutionized how fire extinguishers work. This new equipment is designed to extract heat from the fire, break the chain reaction, and enclose the fuel source to avoid re-ignition. One of the benefits is that it requires less extinguishing agents than traditional fire extinguishers. Another advantage is that it removes heat quickly from fires, thereby quelling the destructive effect of the fire. What’s more, the cold fire extinguisher works on all classes of fire.

6. Little Giant Ladder

The Little Giant Ladder solves a significant challenge that has always bugged firefighting: getting a high enough ladder into tight corners. This ladder is small enough to go into an elevator and reaches up to 17ft when extended. It is compact and easy to carry into tight compartments during intense rescue missions.

The fire department is crucial to the lives and safety of the locals in any community. Since it is a public service, the governments involved must do their best to equip these first responders with all they need to be at their best.

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