The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) is committed to the manufacture and sale of safe, efficient fire apparatus and fire equipment. Its goal is to provide tools and information to promote fire apparatus safety. With that goal in mind, member companies have been learning about the need to better protect firefighters from exposure to contaminants Continue reading
When the call for emergency responders rings, the women and men who jump into action know there may be danger at the scene. But, the highest potential for danger actually occurs on the way to the call through collisions with motorists on the road. In fact, collisions are a leading cause of injury and death to emergency personnel.
The topic of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), or Responder-to-Vehicle (R2V) communication for emergency responders, continues to rise. To advance and protect the interests of the fire and emergency services community, we look to the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) to help facilitate healthy dialogue of such important and emerging safety topics. This article provides a general overview of R2V technology, why it’s important, and why solutions today simply aren’t doing enough.
Members of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) are experts at building big trucks with big horsepower and big water flow. These capabilities are exactly what the fire service needs for putting out big fires. It is not, however, what you either need or want for testing hose, nozzles, and couplings.
While the primary focus of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) involves fire suppression and rescue products, several of our FAMA member companies also support the industry with emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles. FAMA members continue to be involved in ambulance standards committee work, and we all are interested in those safety technologies that can Continue reading
Experience is a good teacher until technology changes. With recent advances in chemistry and engine technology, things can get pretty confusing. There are also some common misconceptions that can lead to expensive repairs. You invested in the latest technology for your apparatus—it might be time to review the more common engine maintenance oversights. Fire Apparatus Continue reading
Beginning with the 1991 edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, safety has been a focus for apparatus design. Over the years, the NFPA addressed many of the issues facing the industry. A number of Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) member companies sit on the NFPA 1901 committee and Continue reading
Not all firetrucks need a pump. Not all trucks need a ladder. But, one thing every fire apparatus needs is a set of headlights. In the United States, virtually every area of the fire apparatus has been enhanced, improved, and given significant funding by spec committees to improve the safety of the crews. In an Continue reading
For many years, numerous speakers at virtually every major fire service gathering have focused on data and data analytics. Interpreting and using data have become routine in fire service management. Decisions on a wide range of critical issues such as funding, apparatus purchases, station placement, and staffing are backed and validated using data obtained from Continue reading
Fire departments worldwide are rapidly embracing the use of video on their fire apparatus to increase safety and security. Video and recording technology is quickly evolving from basic backup cameras to multicamera video systems that provide operators greater visibility and high-tech recording and that deliver much more than the video. Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) Continue reading
Anyone involved in the emergency response service should be familiar with the standards that are promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Whether you are a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, a safety officer, a fire chief, or an emergency vehicle mechanic, NFPA standards have a significant effect on your job. What you may not realize is how simple it is for you to have an effect on the standards. Manufacturing representatives from the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) are involved in the development of relevant NFPA standards and encourage you to also get involved.