FAMA Forum Articles

In the movie “Money Ball,” Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane uses statistical information to create a winning baseball team. You can do the same with your fire department, company, or just about any organization.

As everyone in this industry is well aware, the rules and regulations governing emissions for all types of vehicles and power equipment-including engines used in emergency vehicles-changed rapidly during the past decade.

It is safe to say the latest generation of first responders grew up with family cars equipped with “state-of-the-art” safety features like seat belts with reminder “chimes,” air bags, automatic headlights, vehicle event recorders, and intelligent “multiplexed” electrical systems.

The most current edition of NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, went into effect in January 2010 and included a number of new requirements.

Picture this: A brand new Air Force recruit finishes up his technical training, where he learns everything there is to know about repairing fire trucks.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee on Fire Department Apparatus is the group that maintains the standards that specify the minimum requirements for automotive fire apparatus and trailers.

During the past several months, I’ve been asked to write articles and give presentations discussing changes in emissions standards set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and fuel efficiency standards set forth by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) that impact fire apparatus.

Has your department ever laid large-diameter hose (LDH) down the freeway at 65 miles per hour (mph)?

It is probably safe to say that just about everyone active in the North American firefighting and emergency services community is aware of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and revisions that are published on a regular basis.

Much work has been done recently relating to firefighters and anthropometrics. What is anthropometry?