U.S. and European differences

[Firediver]

I need to get some differences between U.S. fire depts./firefighting and European dept's/firefighting for a class.

Thanks in advance.

[BoxAlarm187]

The UK puts all of thier steering wheels on the wrong side.

Seriously, the first things that come to mind are some of the differences in building construction; building access in the UK due to older, narrower streets; drastically different apparatus designs; the fact that in the UK, the FD brings thier fire hydrants with them; and a more defind command structure.

This is just based on my limited reading and knowledge of the topic, I'm sure there are many others that can shed a lot more light on this....

[len1582]

g.p.m....l.p.m.

[FireDawgEMT22]

PSI vs. KPa

[cap6888]

A lot of them speak different languages.

They also wear those silly helmets!

[firemonkey311]

Different style of fire apparatus. Looks wise. I dont know anything other than that. Also i have heard that they dont do vertical ventilation unless they have to.

[FlyingKiwi]

A lot of them actually speak english properly.

[backsteprescue123]

They love their fog streams and while some departments do here, ask any big city guy and he will swear by his straight stream.













Bless me father for I have sinned!

[jonnyirons2]

Interior vs Exterior attack.

[len1582]

A lot of them speak different languages.

They also wear those silly helmets!

But they have better looking vests.

[backsteprescue123]

But they have better looking vests.

What vests?

I like our new ones.......

[firehick]

A lot of them speak different languages.

They also wear those silly helmets!

Those silly helmets have found their way to Ohio. I was watching the news a couple of weeks ago and saw a department perfoming overhual and I had to do a double take to make sure.....yep.....thats actually what I saw.

[SteveDude]

Interior vs Exterior attack.

That's not fair...I've been to the USA on a number of times and have seen plenty of interior Firefighting...

Just like we've been doing for hundreds of years???


Anyway,
for a true view of Firefighting in the UK...which is pretty representative of the rest of the civilised world apart from the US/Canada, my article here explains fairly well and even in simple terms for those who might struggle with their understanding of anything that happens beyond the big ocean!!

UK Firefighting

[SteveDude]

A few photos...

[frenchfireball]

the firetrucks are different from the american trucks.the fire tactics also.

site of the french brigade of Paris:

http://www.pompiersparis.fr/bur_serv...p106/index.htm

site of a friend of mine with different gears,the guys and gals can wear:

http://pompiers-saintsymphoriensurco...d=46&Itemid=39

[frenchfireball]

I need to get some differences between U.S. fire depts./firefighting and European dept's/firefighting for a class.

Thanks in advance.

you can also write in your report that RIT/RIC,Fast teams,do not exist in the french fire service.

[volfirie]

Thanks for the link Steve - very interesting article. Even if I did have translate back from yank-speak a few times...

I was asked once on a forum if firefighting in Australia was along the North American or European lines. Definitely along Brit lines (I've been told numerous times that our methods were all taken from the Manual of Firemanship in the beginning. At least I think that's the name of it?). Very much multi-discipline, no such thing as truck, engine, squad or whatever crews. Some States have retained firefighters, but here in Vic we only have career and volunteer (no pay for us at all, so they never mind having us work overtime...).

I know the original question only mentioned the USA and Europe - but I have to jump up and wave the flag so that we don't get totally forgotten! Anyway Firediver, I think Steve has provided you with what you need!

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

Another difference between US and Euro firefighting is preconnected attack lines. Most Euro fire apparatus have a booster line as the only preconnect on the rig. They stretch rolls of hose as needed, while in the US and Canada we use preconnected hose lines.

[Geinandputitout]

After speaking to some UK guys their work rules are very specific. How often and how much you can work. What kind of work you can do and for how long. Maximum loading and lifting requirements.

[ChicagoFF]

A few photos...

Nice pics - How did you photoshop the trucks in?