Fire trucks transport firefighters to emergency locations and can serve as mobile water pumps.
Firefighting is a field that requires the use of many types of tools and equipment. Firefighters use various types of firefighting equipment, including ladders and a hydraulic platform. They must also wear protective equipment that can be considered a type of fire fighting device. Trucks and other specialized vehicles are also a vital part of the equipment needed for firefighting.
Hazmat suits and other safety equipment are elements of firefighting devices.
Ladders used as firefighting equipment include a turntable ladder and a tower ladder. The turntable ladder is attached to a rotating platform, allowing the firefighter to rescue victims trapped inside a tall building that would otherwise be out of reach. An aerial ladder platform is similar to the turntable ladder, although it does not rotate.
Firefighters can use a crane truck to reach fires that are far from ground level.
A fire truck or truck is the primary vehicle used to transport firefighters to the fire scene. The vehicle is equipped with flashing lights and an extremely loud siren to warn drivers and pedestrians of your presence. The fire truck will include a rescue pump platform, separate hoses and a large capacity water tank. In the United States and some other countries, fire trucks are usually red.
Protective gear is essential for firefighters.
An essential type of firefighting apparatus called a utility is a device used to carry firefighting accessories needed by firefighters. Firefighters wear hazmat suits, which are also considered a type of firefighting apparatus. This specially designed suit provides protection against hazardous and volatile materials. It can be manufactured with a very strong polypropylene substrate material for increased durability.
Not all fire trucks are big. Some are designed to fight forest fires and are much smaller. These vehicles are known as wildland fire trucks. Off-road fire trucks like these can operate more efficiently on rough terrain than larger fire trucks.
Not all vehicles used by the fire department are used to fight fires. Crisis response vehicles are another type of firefighting apparatus, not equipped with hoses or ladders, but used for transportation. These vehicles are used to transport cardiopulmonary (CPR) specialists to accident sites. A fire apparatus used for parades and other community events is often called a ceremony truck.
A mobile water supply device extends from a fire truck and is used to extinguish fires at ground level. This type of fire apparatus has a pump, although some smaller models do not. An operator of this type of device must be certified.