Menu

WFC News

Posted: Dec 20, 2017

Camera Systems for Fire Apparatus Provide Safety and Security

fama forum ERIC COMBS
 
Fire departments worldwide are rapidly embracing the use of video on their fire apparatus to increase safety and security. Video and recording technology is quickly evolving from basic backup cameras to multicamera video systems that provide operators greater visibility and high-tech recording and that deliver much more than the video.

Fire departments worldwide are rapidly embracing the use of video on their fire apparatus to increase safety and security. Video and recording technology is quickly evolving from basic backup cameras to multicamera video systems that provide operators greater visibility and high-tech recording and that deliver much more than the video.

Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) member companies are seeing increased interest in camera systems on new apparatus. Let’s take a look at some of these products, their features, their benefits, and what a second set of eyes can do for your safety initiatives.

Driver Visibility and Awareness

The most common use of cameras is to provide the apparatus driver with improved visibility. Relatively inexpensive camera systems may increase safety around the apparatus, avoiding costly accidents. Proximity sensors are also becoming more popular to provide additional awareness to the driver when the apparatus is nearing an object. Common systems currently being used on apparatus in the emergency market include the following:

  • Rear-View Camera Systems: Similar to those used on passenger cars, providing in-cab views and activated by reverse mode.


  • Blind-Spot Cameras: Typically used with a rear-view camera. Second and third cameras mounted on each side of the apparatus are activated by the turn signal to provide views accordingly.


  • Forward-Facing Camera: Usually used with rear- and blind-spot cameras, making it a four-camera system. A forward-facing camera, placed either on the front bumper or top of brow, provides the driver with greater visibility when positioning the apparatus.


  • 360-Degree “Bird’s-Eye View” Camera Systems: Typically four wide-angle (180-degree) cameras mounted on each side of the apparatus. A control module “stitches” images to create one simple view around the apparatus. The resulting image is a 360-degree bird’s-eye view that appears like it is coming from above the apparatus, virtually eliminating blind spots. These systems typically use a split-screen monitor: one side displaying the 360-degree view and the other toggling between the individual camera views. The view selection can be made automatically for the driver based on transmission shift selection (drive or reverse) and turn signal indication (left or right).


Proximity Sensors

A proximity sensor will detect the presence of an object or obstacle. The majority of proximity sensors in use today incorporate ultrasonic technology because of its economical price and good close-range accuracy. Placement can be anywhere on fire apparatus and, in many cases, integrated into a camera system, providing on-monitor sensor location and distance to object.

In addition to hard-wired systems installed by OEMs usua

Read more
Posted: Dec 20, 2017

Camera Systems for Fire Apparatus Provide Safety and Security

fama forum ERIC COMBS
 
Fire departments worldwide are rapidly embracing the use of video on their fire apparatus to increase safety and security. Video and recording technology is quickly evolving from basic backup cameras to multicamera video systems that provide operators greater visibility and high-tech recording and that deliver much more than the video.

Fire departments worldwide are rapidly embracing the use of video on their fire apparatus to increase safety and security. Video and recording technology is quickly evolving from basic backup cameras to multicamera video systems that provide operators greater visibility and high-tech recording and that deliver much more than the video.

Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) member companies are seeing increased interest in camera systems on new apparatus. Let’s take a look at some of these products, their features, their benefits, and what a second set of eyes can do for your safety initiatives.

Driver Visibility and Awareness

The most common use of cameras is to provide the apparatus driver with improved visibility. Relatively inexpensive camera systems may increase safety around the apparatus, avoiding costly accidents. Proximity sensors are also becoming more popular to provide additional awareness to the driver when the apparatus is nearing an object. Common systems currently being used on apparatus in the emergency market include the following:

  • Rear-View Camera Systems: Similar to those used on passenger cars, providing in-cab views and activated by reverse mode.


  • Blind-Spot Cameras: Typically used with a rear-view camera. Second and third cameras mounted on each side of the apparatus are activated by the turn signal to provide views accordingly.


  • Forward-Facing Camera: Usually used with rear- and blind-spot cameras, making it a four-camera system. A forward-facing camera, placed either on the front bumper or top of brow, provides the driver with greater visibility when positioning the apparatus.


  • 360-Degree “Bird’s-Eye View” Camera Systems: Typically four wide-angle (180-degree) cameras mounted on each side of the apparatus. A control module “stitches” images to create one simple view around the apparatus. The resulting image is a 360-degree bird’s-eye view that appears like it is coming from above the apparatus, virtually eliminating blind spots. These systems typically use a split-screen monitor: one side displaying the 360-degree view and the other toggling between the individual camera views. The view selection can be made automatically for the driver based on transmission shift selection (drive or reverse) and turn signal indication (left or right).


Proximity Sensors

A proximity sensor will detect the presence of an object or obstacle. The majority of proximity sensors in use today incorporate ultrasonic technology because of its economical price and good close-range accuracy. Placement can be anywhere on fire apparatus and, in many cases, integrated into a camera system, providing on-monitor sensor location and distance to object.

In addition to hard-wired systems installed by OEMs usua

Read more
Posted: Dec 20, 2017

More Departments Choose Smaller Fire Apparatus to Handle Typical Runs

Many fire departments around the country are moving toward smaller fire apparatus to handle emergency medical services (EMS) runs and nonstructure fire calls to lighten the load that’s been placed on first-due engine and truck companies.

Ford F-550-chassis-sized vehicles are becoming popular in that role, meaning fewer hourly operating costs, reduced maintenance costs, and savings in wear and tear on the larger fire apparatus.

Joe Messmer, president of Summit Fire Apparatus, says that when fire departments go to a smaller chassis vehicle, “It’s mostly to lighten the load on engines and aerials that are running on EMS calls. They are having us build rescues on Ford F-550-size vehicles that can handle popping a vehicle’s door and assisting other EMS units.” Messmer notes Summit also has built such rescues on Ford F-450 chassis as well as on Dodge 4500 and 5500 chassis. “With squads, we build an enclosed utility rescue body with six compartments that can be customized for the application the department wants, whether more rescue or more medical.”

1 Alexis Fire Equipment Company built this squad for the Lewistown (IL) Fire Protection District on a Ford F-550 chassis with a four-door cab. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Fire Equipment Company.)

1 Alexis Fire Equipment Company built this squad for the Lewistown (IL) Fire Protection District on a Ford F-550 chassis with a four-door cab. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Fire Equipment Company.)

Cost Factor

Jeff Morris, president of Alexis Fire Equipment Company, points out that economics can be a driving factor when a department chooses a small-chassis vehicle. “The economy is still having an effect on budgets,” Morris observes, “and with the cost of running big rigs out on every call, many departments are looking toward smaller vehicles, which cost less and are easier to maneuver. Departments are comparing $185,000 to $210,000 for a smaller chassis vehicle to a Type 1 custom pumper that costs between $450,000 and $600,000.”

Todd Nix, apparatus consultant for Unruh Fire, echoes the issue of budget restraints having an effect on cities and fire departments. “Many of them are making changes to enhance their response while trimming their budget and lowering operating costs,” Nix says. “That’s where the smaller apparatus come in, which is basically our bread and butter. And, staffing is definitely a part of the trend where across the country volunteer fire departments are seeing fewer firefighters show up. They don’t want one or two firefighters on a full-size pumper to an EMS call when they can jump into a smaller vehicle and do it safely.”

Small Vehicles and Staffing

Brian Connely, account manager for Spartan ER, points out that many departments are trying to squeeze all the equipment from a traditional pumper into a smaller unit. “They want a rig that can be used for an EMS squad, at a motor vehicle accident (MVA) rescue, and for wildland fires,” Connely says. “The cost of ownership is one of the reasons, both for the initial cost and the cost of operation, as well as because of staffing issues. We’ve seen this happen all over the country, very often in rural volunteer departments, but also with some career departments too.”

Mark Brenneman, engineer for 4 Guys Fire Trucks, concurs that the ex

Read more
Posted: Dec 20, 2017

More Departments Choose Smaller Fire Apparatus to Handle Typical Runs

Many fire departments around the country are moving toward smaller fire apparatus to handle emergency medical services (EMS) runs and nonstructure fire calls to lighten the load that’s been placed on first-due engine and truck companies.

Ford F-550-chassis-sized vehicles are becoming popular in that role, meaning fewer hourly operating costs, reduced maintenance costs, and savings in wear and tear on the larger fire apparatus.

Joe Messmer, president of Summit Fire Apparatus, says that when fire departments go to a smaller chassis vehicle, “It’s mostly to lighten the load on engines and aerials that are running on EMS calls. They are having us build rescues on Ford F-550-size vehicles that can handle popping a vehicle’s door and assisting other EMS units.” Messmer notes Summit also has built such rescues on Ford F-450 chassis as well as on Dodge 4500 and 5500 chassis. “With squads, we build an enclosed utility rescue body with six compartments that can be customized for the application the department wants, whether more rescue or more medical.”

1 Alexis Fire Equipment Company built this squad for the Lewistown (IL) Fire Protection District on a Ford F-550 chassis with a four-door cab. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Fire Equipment Company.)

1 Alexis Fire Equipment Company built this squad for the Lewistown (IL) Fire Protection District on a Ford F-550 chassis with a four-door cab. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Fire Equipment Company.)

Cost Factor

Jeff Morris, president of Alexis Fire Equipment Company, points out that economics can be a driving factor when a department chooses a small-chassis vehicle. “The economy is still having an effect on budgets,” Morris observes, “and with the cost of running big rigs out on every call, many departments are looking toward smaller vehicles, which cost less and are easier to maneuver. Departments are comparing $185,000 to $210,000 for a smaller chassis vehicle to a Type 1 custom pumper that costs between $450,000 and $600,000.”

Todd Nix, apparatus consultant for Unruh Fire, echoes the issue of budget restraints having an effect on cities and fire departments. “Many of them are making changes to enhance their response while trimming their budget and lowering operating costs,” Nix says. “That’s where the smaller apparatus come in, which is basically our bread and butter. And, staffing is definitely a part of the trend where across the country volunteer fire departments are seeing fewer firefighters show up. They don’t want one or two firefighters on a full-size pumper to an EMS call when they can jump into a smaller vehicle and do it safely.”

Small Vehicles and Staffing

Brian Connely, account manager for Spartan ER, points out that many departments are trying to squeeze all the equipment from a traditional pumper into a smaller unit. “They want a rig that can be used for an EMS squad, at a motor vehicle accident (MVA) rescue, and for wildland fires,” Connely says. “The cost of ownership is one of the reasons, both for the initial cost and the cost of operation, as well as because of staffing issues. We’ve seen this happen all over the country, very often in rural volunteer departments, but also with some career departments too.”

Mark Brenneman, engineer for 4 Guys Fire Trucks, concurs that the ex

Read more
Posted: Dec 20, 2017

More Departments Choose Smaller Fire Apparatus to Handle Typical Runs

Many fire departments around the country are moving toward smaller fire apparatus to handle emergency medical services (EMS) runs and nonstructure fire calls to lighten the load that’s been placed on first-due engine and truck companies.

Ford F-550-chassis-sized vehicles are becoming popular in that role, meaning fewer hourly operating costs, reduced maintenance costs, and savings in wear and tear on the larger fire apparatus.

Joe Messmer, president of Summit Fire Apparatus, says that when fire departments go to a smaller chassis vehicle, “It’s mostly to lighten the load on engines and aerials that are running on EMS calls. They are having us build rescues on Ford F-550-size vehicles that can handle popping a vehicle’s door and assisting other EMS units.” Messmer notes Summit also has built such rescues on Ford F-450 chassis as well as on Dodge 4500 and 5500 chassis. “With squads, we build an enclosed utility rescue body with six compartments that can be customized for the application the department wants, whether more rescue or more medical.”

1 Alexis Fire Equipment Company built this squad for the Lewistown (IL) Fire Protection District on a Ford F-550 chassis with a four-door cab. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Fire Equipment Company.)

1 Alexis Fire Equipment Company built this squad for the Lewistown (IL) Fire Protection District on a Ford F-550 chassis with a four-door cab. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Fire Equipment Company.)

Cost Factor

Jeff Morris, president of Alexis Fire Equipment Company, points out that economics can be a driving factor when a department chooses a small-chassis vehicle. “The economy is still having an effect on budgets,” Morris observes, “and with the cost of running big rigs out on every call, many departments are looking toward smaller vehicles, which cost less and are easier to maneuver. Departments are comparing $185,000 to $210,000 for a smaller chassis vehicle to a Type 1 custom pumper that costs between $450,000 and $600,000.”

Todd Nix, apparatus consultant for Unruh Fire, echoes the issue of budget restraints having an effect on cities and fire departments. “Many of them are making changes to enhance their response while trimming their budget and lowering operating costs,” Nix says. “That’s where the smaller apparatus come in, which is basically our bread and butter. And, staffing is definitely a part of the trend where across the country volunteer fire departments are seeing fewer firefighters show up. They don’t want one or two firefighters on a full-size pumper to an EMS call when they can jump into a smaller vehicle and do it safely.”

Small Vehicles and Staffing

Brian Connely, account manager for Spartan ER, points out that many departments are trying to squeeze all the equipment from a traditional pumper into a smaller unit. “They want a rig that can be used for an EMS squad, at a motor vehicle accident (MVA) rescue, and for wildland fires,” Connely says. “The cost of ownership is one of the reasons, both for the initial cost and the cost of operation, as well as because of staffing issues. We’ve seen this happen all over the country, very often in rural volunteer departments, but also with some career departments too.”

Mark Brenneman, engineer for 4 Guys Fire Trucks, concurs that the ex

Read more
RSS
First21672168216921702172217421752176Last

Theme picker

Search News Articles