How Fire Trucks Are Used by Firefighters

Fire trucks are one of the most powerful and versatile tools available to firefighters. They carry a wide array of equipment that can be customized to meet a community’s needs, from the type of nozzle and diameter of hose lines to the amount of water in the tank and power-take-off (PTO) pump. A manufacturer like E-One can work with a fire department to configure a truck that meets its needs.

Firefighters use the truck to move to a scene, apply water at high pressure, rescue trapped victims and put out the fire. They also use the truck to transport equipment, including specialized tools for technical rescues and hazardous materials incidents. In addition, they typically carry medical supplies and emergency medical equipment to administer first aid, such as oxygen, bandages and saline solution.

While all fire trucks must meet minimum NFPA standards for basic operations, each department adds on unique gear to match its local needs. For example, departments operating in metropolitan areas may carry hazmat and technical rescue equipment while those operating in the wildland-urban interface need specialized equipment for brush fires. Some common equipment found on fire trucks includes specialized hydraulic rescue tools commonly known as the jaws of life, floodlights, a full complement of ground ladders and a variety of nozzles.

In addition to fire fighting equipment, some fire trucks are equipped with specialized foam systems that can be used to mitigate the spread of flames and control flammable liquids. For example, a fire truck with a CAFS or Compressed Air Foam System can employ Class A and Class B foam to saturate materials to prevent them from re-igniting, as well as neutralize gasses such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride.

A fire truck is also equipped with a hydraulic rescue winch that can pull vehicles out of harm’s way. This capability can save lives when responding to car accidents or other incidents that require quick and safe extraction of a vehicle.

Firefighters also use the truck to access buildings and other hard-to-reach places during an incident by deploying a variety of aerial ladders. A fire department might even combine an aerial ladder with a pumper for a specialty truck known as a quint.

During an emergency, firefighters use the truck’s hoses and pumps to extinguish fires and provide water to injured victims. Depending on the circumstances, they can also use the hoses to clear debris from roads and streets, douse down a forest fire or help evacuate a hospital.

Most fire trucks are fitted with audible warnings that alert people to their presence. While some still have mechanical sirens, most are now electric and can produce a wide range of sounds for different conditions. For example, a loud wail can be used in clear traffic while a slow, rhythmic yelp can be used in heavy congestion.