Emergency Vehicles & Operations Web Exclusives

  • The Future Of Apparatus - Part 1

    Firehouse® moderates a roundtable discussion with key executives of fire and emergency vehicle manufacturers.

    Article • January 31st, 2000

  • Is The Pumper Really In Pump Gear?

    Editor's note: Many technological changes have occurred in the fire apparatus industry. Because of the wide age differences among apparatus still serving in the field, training and awareness of potential safety issues are key. Much has been done...

    Article • October 31st, 1999

  • The Next Millennium: 2025 And Beyond

    Although the theme of this month's Emergency Vehicle Operations column is the future, we still must report on the present - particularly if the lessons learned will improve the future. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) just released...

    Article • August 1st, 1999

  • A Pre-Emption System Success Story

    The May 1999 Emergency Vehicle Operations column explored the best ways to evaluate an emergency vehicle pre-emption system. The next logical step is to seek out a fire department that has had a pre-emption system online for a number of years so that...

    Article • July 1st, 1999

  • Evaluating Vehicle Pre-Emption Systems

    I have been writing for Firehouse® Magazine for a number of years. In that time, I have forged a lot of friendships and attained close bonds with many fire departments. Among them is the Bowling Green, KY, Fire Department. About two years ago...

    Article • May 1st, 1999

  • Are You Insuring A Car Or An Emergency Vehicle?

    In the past three columns, we have been addressing apparatus insurance issues (see Emergency Vehicle Operations, January, February and March 1999). This month, we take a look at insurance as it relates to the operation of your private car as an...

    Article • March 31st, 1999

  • Insurance: Are You Really Covered? Part 3

    This is the final installment of a series on buying insurance for fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles. The previous installments covered topics that included "totaling" a vehicle, depreciation, indemnification, and replacement cost value and...

    Article • February 28th, 1999

  • Apparatus Insurance: Are You Really Covered? - Part 2

    In last month's column we looked at some often misunderstood apparatus insurance issues. This month we will continue with information so that your fire department can make sound decisions in the purchase of apparatus insurance. Some insurance...

    Article • January 31st, 1999

  • Vehicle Operations Insurance: Are You Really Covered?

    In the July 1998 installment of Emergency Vehicle Operations we examined an accident allegedly caused by a person who was driving a piece of fire apparatus while intoxicated. The apparatus involved was a 1970s-vintage aerial ladder. The apparatus was...

    Article • December 31st, 1998

  • Emergency Vehicle Ops: Pump Operations Practical

    Course: Pumps Refresher Course Session Reference: 3 Topic: Pump Operations Practical Time Required: 6 hours Materials: Four Fully Equipped Pumpers Master Stream Devices Pitot Gauges Reference: Pump Operator Student Manual...

    Article • August 1st, 1998

  • Emergency Vehicle Ops: Pump Operations and Hydraulic Calculations

    Course: Pumps Refresher Course Session Reference: 2 Topic: Pump Operations and Hydraulic Calculations Time Required: 3 hours Materials: Chalkboard Reference: Pump Operator Student Manual, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute...

    Article • July 1st, 1998

  • A Parade, The Fire Chief Or The Good Ole' Boys

    It's that time of year when firefighters and fire departments conduct fund-raisers and participate in musters and parades. This is also that time of year when some firefighters exhibit two behaviors: drinking alcohol while driving fire apparatus...

    Article • July 1st, 1998

  • Response Guidelines For Private Vehicles

    Often, as I go around the country, firefighters will ask me to offer recommendations on procedures and protocols that a particular department may have. Conversely, in traveling around the country, I have observed a variety of ways to do a particular...

    Article • June 1st, 1998

  • Emergency Vehicle Ops: Review of Hydraulics and Pump Components

    Pumps Refresher Course Session Reference:1 Topic:Review of Hydraulics and Pump Components Time Required: 3 hours Materials:Chalkboard Reference:Pump Operator Student Manual, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Preparation...

    Article • June 1st, 1998

  • Braking Procedures

    This month, we continue with the second part of a series of columns on braking procedures for emergency vehicle operators. Part 1 looked at emergency braking procedures (September 1997). Now, we will examine in chronological order those events that...

    Article • October 31st, 1997