MSA, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are helping volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear through MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. Now in its tenth year, the program has provided over $1 million worth of gear to assist volunteer fire departments in need. In 2021, 13 departments will each receive four sets of turnout gear and four helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA.
The latest recipients of MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway are the Tunas (MO) Volunteer Fire Department and Selden Volunteer Fire Department in Stephenville, Texas.
Tunas Volunteer Fire Department
The Tunas Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) is an all-volunteer department located in rural central Missouri. Founded in 1984 by local landowners and farmers, TVFD protects approximately 1,600 people over an area of 70 square miles, responding to an average of 80 calls annually. The department handles all fire and medical emergencies in their response area, as well as provides mutual aid to surrounding departments.
TVFD is funded solely by membership dues paid by area landowners and receives no local or state government support. Most of their equipment and apparatus were donated by other departments, and as a result, TVFD’s 15 sets of turnout gear are all between 10 and 20 years old. The department is unable to purchase new gear on their own, as much of the funding they receive goes to covering insurance premiums and other operating expenses. Many of the volunteers have even had to acquire their own gloves, hoods, and other items the department is unable to provide.
“Having some newer gear would allow for more of our trained firefighters to engage in interior fire attack,” said firefighter and paramedic Jesse VanMiddlesworth. “The firefighters in our department are very honored to receive this grant and be a part of this wonderful program.”
Selden Volunteer Fire Department
Located in a rural area southwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the Selden Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) is an all-volunteer department composed of 20 members. SVFD’s response area covers approximately 200 square miles and on average, they respond to between 100 and 150 calls annually.
SVFD receives a small stipend from the local government to cover apparatus maintenance and fuel costs. All other expenses must be covered by fundraising efforts and grants. As a result, all their turnout gear is older, mismatched, and out of compliance with NFPA 1851. With new members joining the department, this has created a shortage of gear, exacerbating an already difficult situation. It has also prevented SVFD from responding to emergencies at full strength, which can create severe safety issues when on scene of an incident.
“The purchase of new, serviceable gear is beyond our financial ability,” said firefighter Jason Medders. “We have been raising money for two years to replace an aging and unsafe firefighting apparatus and are faced with a choice: having safe, well-fitted gear or being able to respond to incidents safely on a reliable fire apparatus.”
Additional awards will be made monthly throughout 2021. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site, Dispatch newsletter, and Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as the Read more
- 117
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Oct 18, 2021
Demers Ambulances, a leading North American manufacturer of ambulance vehicles and The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, unveiled today the Demers eFX Ambulance, the first all-electric and purpose-built ambulance.
This new model of ambulances, scheduled to be commercialized in the second half of 2022, was developed with the support of the government of Quebec and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). It is the result of nearly five years of collaborative work carried out by Demers Ambulances and Lion, which also involved direct input from many paramedic technicians and emergency medical service companies. The Demers eFX Ambulance is the first ambulance designed according to the needs expressed by paramedics.
The Lion5 chassis of the Demers eFX Ambulance will be assembled in Saint-Jérôme by Lion, while the medical compartment and final assembly will be carried out by Demers Ambulances in Beloeil. The new 100% electric ambulance will be sold throughout North America, and eventually worldwide, as ambulances sold by Demers and its affiliated brands are already in service in 43 countries. This exclusive mutual agreement between Lion and Demers contemplates the deployment of at least 1,500 100% electric ambulances over the next five years by Demers Ambulances.
A Major Evolution, Beyond the Zero-emission Vision
In addition to being a pioneer in the energy transition of ambulance transport, the purpose-built electric ambulance will also make it possible to achieve significant gains in the ergonomics, safety and efficiency of paramedics, in addition to improving their overall comfort and that of their patients.
In an industry first, the ambulance will be equipped with a custom-designed chassis for use as an ambulance. The research and development teams of Demers Ambulances and Lion have completely redesigned the living space of the two sections of the vehicle and rethought the ergonomics and layout of the ambulance as we know it.
Some of the main challenges that paramedic technicians frequently face are the ability to maneuver freely while the ambulance is in motion to provide care to the patient while sitting with a seatbelt fastened. The Demers Ambulances’ research and development team, supported by numerous paramedics consulted throughout this process, has developed many innovative features which will be unveiled prior to certification and start of vehicle production.
Quotes
“This is a great day for Demers Ambulances! Together with our employees, colleagues, partners, and elected officials who support this project that has become a reality, we unveil our 100% electric ambulance, marking the most important evolution of ambulance transport since the first generation of Demers ambulances 60 years ago. Combining innovation and performance, the 100% electric ambulance is the result of an exceptional collaboration with paramedics and we are particularly proud to see this new vehicle generate so much enthusiasm and excitement from the community! I would like to salute the leadership and genius of the Lion team and thank the Government of Quebec and NRC IRAP for their support from day one of this ambitious project.”
– Alain Brunelle, CEO of Demers Ambulances
“It’s been 5 years since the Lion and Demers Ambulances teams joined forces to develop the 100% electric ambulance that we are unveiling today. Thanks to the Lion5 chassis and Demers’ expertise, this ambulance provides features never seen before. It is with great pride that Lion has participated in this transformative projec
Read more
- 130
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Oct 18, 2021
Pasadena (CA) Fire Department has taken delivery of a Direct Recirculating Apparatus Firefighting Training Sustainability (DRAFTS) apparatus that will save the community millions of gallons every year, according to a report published by pasadenanow.com.
According to the report, the new device could save up to eight million gallons of water annually by recirculating water from firefighters’ hoses back to the engine.
Made by Pump Pod USA, it was purchased with funds provided by the California Firefighter Joint Apprentice Committee, according to the report.
Read more
- 113
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Oct 18, 2021
Firefighters and officials in Springfield (MO) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the city’s 13th fire station on Thursday (Oct. 14), according to a report published by KY3.
The television station reported the new station will be at 1900 West College, part of old Route 66, in an area of the city that has been underserved in response times and has experienced an uptick in fire incidents.
The new $3.15 million station should be completed by fall of 2022 and will be paid for by part of a tax measure voters approved in 2017, the television station reported.
Read more
- 97
- Article rating: No rating