On the occasion of the release of the movie “Notre-Dame brûle” by Jean-Jacques Annaud, Shark Robotics unveiled a video showcasing the daily contributions of the Colossus robot to the efforts of Paris and Marseille firefighters.

The objective of the Colossus? Protect and support humans in hostile environments.

In April 2019, Colossus was employed for 10 hours in support of the Paris Fire Brigade during the Notre-Dame de Paris fire. The use of the device came at a time when the situation was becoming too dangerous for the firefighters: the temperature exceeded 800 degrees, the roof of the nave was threatening to collapse, and molten lead was falling inside the cathedral. With its 500 kg, Colossus participated in the preservation of the works thanks to the detection of hot spots and the extinction of the fire, towing hoses normally requiring the strength of 15 firefighters. The Notre Dame fire confirmed that the use of the Colossus not only protects humans, but also preserves heritage and the environment.

Awarded “innovative technology” by the American Association of Mechanical Engineers, Colossus is the Swiss Army knife of firefighters with more than eight patented mission modules. The robot is capable of detecting a hot spot, extinguishing a fire, transporting equipment, providing respiratory assistance, and many other missions. The Paris Fire Department has six Shark Robotics robots and the Marseille Marine Fire Battalion has two robots.

Three years later, Shark Robotics has just been ranked as the world leader in firefighting robots, and France is the first European country to use firefighting robots and the second in the world, with robots exclusively from Shark Robotics. How did this happen? Thanks to the foresight of and the engagement between the fire departments and Shark Robotics, linking innovation to the needs of the field in order to have useful and efficient robots. The benefits of robots go beyond protecting humans; they provide operational support by intervening like a surgical strike as close to the danger as possible, saving water, minimizing pollution, and protecting property.

The Bridgeport Fire Department has opened a new facility to train more women firefighters.

The specialized training center is designed to help people who want to become firefighters pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test, News12 reports.

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Tailor Your Training for a Diverse Workforce at FDIC 2022 with Lines, Ladders, Victims, and Access: Street Drills

Description

In the fire service, there are many ways to complete tasks, but given the variance in diverse crew structure, not every technique works the same for every firefighter. This class emphasizes alternative methods, considering body mechanics and variability in size or age, for techniques to accomplish engine and truck company tasks. Training and reinforcement of basic, but perishable skill sets are crucial for success on the fireground. Members are challenged and unable to perform efficiently when they are fatigued, crew structure/staffing is reduced, or there is a rapid change and escalation of the incident. This class will review and practice methods in which to overcome these difficulties.

Methodology
This course will utilize the instructor led method of instruction. The instructors will present information and interactively demonstrate skills relevant to each topic. The students are then given the opportunity to practice and skills and apply the techniques they’ve learned in a fireground operations scenario.

Learning Objectives

Residential victim removal and VES: Enhancing victim survivability by rapid packaging and strategic removal from structure.
Hoseline management: Techniques and considerations for rapid deployment and advancing lines with limited manpower.
Ladder Placement and Carries: Practices to remove ladders from apparatus, carry, and place utilizing body mechanics for quick and efficient deployment.
Forcible Entry: Rapid door size ups and components, structural integrity, best method to gain access.

The Caledonia Fire Department has received a $20,000 grant from the Geiger Family Foundation, in addition to other donations, to purchase a utility terrain vehicle, reports journaltimes.com.

The apparatus, which will also be used by the police department, will be the third purchased in the past five years by a public safety department in southeastern WI via the foundation’s help, the report says.

The department expects to purchase the UTV in the coming days and have it in service by the summer.

“A huge THANK YOU to the Geiger Family Foundation!!!” the department writes on Facebook.

Lead Instructor: Battalion Chief (Ret.) Leigh Hollins, Cedar Hammock (FL) Fire Department

Instructors present challenging, difficult extrication scenarios requiring advanced skills to stabilize the vehicles, gain entry, and remove patients entrapped and entangled in the wreckage. There will be plenty of “tool time” for all students. This class is an advanced class that may include cars, SUVs, vans, and school buses. Students rotate among four stations.

FDIC International 2022 takes place April 25-30, 2022.

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