The COVID pandemic has transitioned the multistep process of purchasing and building a firetruck and an ambulance–from preconstruction and factory visits, all the way through to final inspection and training–to a predominantly “live” and party-to-party experience to one that is almost completely virtual. This has been a challenge since most customers feel a need to Continue reading
As new technologies continue to expand apparatus safety features, Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) member companies must stay informed and constantly adapt. Part of FAMA’s work is to ensure that new technologies are shared and explored with member companies so they can understand the opportunities, considerations, and potential value of new options as they emerge. Continue reading
Each year, along with Fall comes the cold and flu season and for 2020 specifically a second wave of COVID-19. It is always difficult to project the future for the fire service, but we can reflect on the past to help give us some clues. The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) has been collecting data Continue reading
There’s a whole lot more to marker lights than you might think! Here are some key points to consider. The topic may seem trivial, but those five little amber lights on the front of your apparatus cab are extremely important. Coupled with the other marker lights on your apparatus, they’re designed to keep you and Continue reading
Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment. The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) has been promoting firefighter ergonomics for decades through its own firefighter survey and in cooperation with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). One application of ergonomics in apparatus design involves the configuration of hose storage Continue reading
A previous FAMA Forum article focused on air disc brake maintenance and the industry trend towards converting conventional drums to disc brake systems. This article will focus on the vehicles with conventional drum brake systems in service today and stress the importance of regular maintenance on these brake systems to ensure long-term safety and performance. Continue reading
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association’s (FAMA) goal is to provide tools and information to promote fire apparatus safety. Safety begins at the firehouse and must extend to every fireground and emergency medical services call. Clean cab design and enhanced field decontamination procedures are two examples of how the fire service is evolving to reduce the Continue reading
Of the thousands of fire apparatus purchased in North America each year, about 30 to 40 percent are mounted on a commercial chassis. “Commercial chassis” is simply the U.S. fire apparatus industry’s—and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association’s (FAMA’s)—term to describe any truck chassis not specifically designed for emergency service use, e.g. Ford, Navistar, Freightliner, Mack, Continue reading
Lithium ion batteries have entrenched themselves in our everyday lives. From cell phones to laptops to cameras to passenger vehicles, lithium ion batteries have transitioned from “future technology” to technology of today. Lithium ion technology has significantly evolved in the last decade and is now a viable option on fire apparatus. Before we get into Continue reading