Post by chief322 on Jul 28, 2008 2:04:37 GMT -5
This is one type of apparatus that just doesn't seem to die out. With today's economical outlook, more and more departments are trading in the Heavy for a multipurpose rig, hence the Rescue Engine.
I can remember years ago at our Chiefs meetings, the arguements for and against a PR (Pumper/Rescue). Today, this has become a quite common piece of multi-tasked apparatus in our fire service. Even basic engine and truck companies are carrying extrication systems, both for PIA's as well as doubling as a RIT capable apparatus.
Many of our current extrication manufacturer's are making systems that a so adaptable to a combination engine, it is getting harder and harder to justify a full scale Heavy. Situation specific trailers with smaller tow rigs are not the norm, not the specialty.
Years ago, most engine/rescues were basically an extrication piece that got the job started till the Heavy arrived. In todays service, most Heavies are relegated to Squad duties while most Rescue/Engines are equipped to do not only one job, but multiple ones.
When I first got into the Rescue business, this is what I was dealing with:
www.fdnytrucks.com/images/otherstates/pennsylvania/ProgressE321.jpg
This was an attack engine that we put a set of spreaders, cutters and three rams on. This was mid-80's and the Heavy chased us on every call.
In the late 90's we changed to another Rescue Engine, this time with the Amkus Ultimate system. Same attack type of engine, with more defined rescue capabilities and enhanced support capabilities in forms of lighting (light tower, fixed and portable, generation units). Now the Heavy and a support engine were not necessarily needed on most rescue job, plus this tripled as an attack engine as well as a RIT piece.
www.fdnytrucks.com/images/otherstates/pennsylvania/ProgressE32.jpg
I am not in any form saying the Heavy is becoming a thing of the past. It still has its place in our fire services, although I firmly believe in our vollie system, it is becoming the way of the quad.
Tim
I can remember years ago at our Chiefs meetings, the arguements for and against a PR (Pumper/Rescue). Today, this has become a quite common piece of multi-tasked apparatus in our fire service. Even basic engine and truck companies are carrying extrication systems, both for PIA's as well as doubling as a RIT capable apparatus.
Many of our current extrication manufacturer's are making systems that a so adaptable to a combination engine, it is getting harder and harder to justify a full scale Heavy. Situation specific trailers with smaller tow rigs are not the norm, not the specialty.
Years ago, most engine/rescues were basically an extrication piece that got the job started till the Heavy arrived. In todays service, most Heavies are relegated to Squad duties while most Rescue/Engines are equipped to do not only one job, but multiple ones.
When I first got into the Rescue business, this is what I was dealing with:
www.fdnytrucks.com/images/otherstates/pennsylvania/ProgressE321.jpg
This was an attack engine that we put a set of spreaders, cutters and three rams on. This was mid-80's and the Heavy chased us on every call.
In the late 90's we changed to another Rescue Engine, this time with the Amkus Ultimate system. Same attack type of engine, with more defined rescue capabilities and enhanced support capabilities in forms of lighting (light tower, fixed and portable, generation units). Now the Heavy and a support engine were not necessarily needed on most rescue job, plus this tripled as an attack engine as well as a RIT piece.
www.fdnytrucks.com/images/otherstates/pennsylvania/ProgressE32.jpg
I am not in any form saying the Heavy is becoming a thing of the past. It still has its place in our fire services, although I firmly believe in our vollie system, it is becoming the way of the quad.
Tim