Hot Products at FRI 2014

The 2014 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire-Rescue International (FRI) Conference and Exhibition in Dallas, Texas proved once again to be a hotbed of new products for the fire service. While there were many products on display from big and small manufacturers alike, I’m only able to highlight a few in this article. If you are looking to attend a fire service show next year, adding this one to your list will not disappoint. Just take the time to visit all the vendors and see what they have to offer.

PIERCE

Pierce displayed seven custom firefighting and rescue vehicles at their booth this year. Among the highlights were the new Saber and Enforcer custom chassis, both introduced earlier in the year. The chassis are compact and provide distinct engine options, allowing for a higher level of performance and value in the long run. These apparatus also feature the best-selling cabs in the lineup, newly designed for more room.

KME

KME had three units on the floor: a custom pumper from Montebello, Calif., a medium-duty rescue for the U.S. Navy, and a 102′ AerialCat platform. Of the three, the most interesting was definitely the rescue truck. The U.S. Navy has updated their medium duty rescue fleet to include a custom fire cab/chassis. This change required the Navy to include a heavy duty platform to this model of apparatus.

SPARTAN

With Spartan seeing increased demand for aerial apparatus lately, ladders took the spotlight at FRI. Since January 2013, the company has shipped or is in the process of building more than 50 aerial units, including a mix of mid-mount and rear-mount platforms, rear mount aerials and tractor-drawn aerials. On the floor, Spartan featured a recent delivery-a 103′ rear mount ladder made for Red Oak, Texas, with a great deal of compartment space, a 2000gpm pump, 400 gallons of water and a 10.5kw Harrison generator.

E-ONE

Of the several units E-One had on display, the highlight of course was their redesigned Quest chassis, as seen on a custom pumper from Montgomery, Ala. It was very well received by attendees due to the many unique features of the custom cab, such as better visibility, ergonomics, and more storage space. The apparatus featured a 2000 gpm pump and 530 gallon tank, capable of holding 500 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam. On the fun and flashy side of things, their new style of grill now comes with two options.

Rosenbauer

Rosenbauer is no stranger to new products and engineering, and this was reflected at FRI with two vehicles on display, both featuring the company’s new Commander chassis. The Commander cab pumper represented with a 1500 gpm pump, 1000 gallon tank and FX aluminum body, and a 109′ Viper Quint for the city of Plano, Texas was featured with a 1250 pump and 300 gallon tank.

ResQTec

ResQTec is one of the leaders in extrication equipment, a fact clearly apparent in their new Octopus Heavy Rescue System. The Octopus is an easy and smart integration of shoring, lifting and hydraulic rescue, composed of struts, lifting bags and a cribbing setup that allows for virtually unlimited applications for responses such as auto extrication, wall support during trench operations, and other types of USAR ops. Operators can control the unit from a safe distance if needed, and the equipment on display looked well made, capable of holding up very well when put to the test. If you’re in the market for a new rescue tool setup or just need an extra set of tools, definitely check out the Octopus system.

FLIR

What amazes me about thermal imaging cameras (TICs) in general is how the cameras have evolved over the past five years from being bulky, cumbersome and expensive to the sleeker models of today. If you want to enter the next generation of thermal imaging, check out FLIR’s new K Series. The K40 and K50 thermal imaging cameras were featured on the floor at FRI, both of which were considerably smaller and lighter than most TICs. At a weight of only 2.5 lbs., they have a bright 4″ LCD screen, storage for 200 jpegs, and the five different operational modes have larger controls for use with gloved hands.

Holmatro

Along with equipment, Holmatro featured a new book and interactive app for iPad and Android users. The book is intended for rescuers of all levels of experience to use as a resource and basis for training and development. All vehicle extrication techniques in the book are complemented by pictures and/or QR codes that bring up videos on YouTube, further demonstrating how to perform these procedures.

Though I was only able to browse through the book briefly at FRI, I would certainly consider purchasing it for my fire service library. Whether you have a Homatro rescue system or not, the book and the cooresponding apps present a wealth of information for anyone charged with training firefighters in vehicle extrication.

Tempest

The Tempest VSR power blower fan is new to the market, a compact and powerful fan for fireground and hazmat use. It is available in 16″ to 24″ diameters, and although the 2.0 hp motor is operated on 110-volt AC power, from what I felt on the floor it is just as effective as a gas-operated fan. The VSR has a tilt-down handle for a lower profile, saving compartment space on an apparatus, and variable speed control and can be tilted to five different positions. Larger wheels make it easier to move around the fireground as well.

Deus

For those in the process of equipping firefighters with bailout and rescue harnesses, the new Deus X Class is the way to go. These harnesses are built for rugged operation, and while I didn’t actually wear one at the show, you can tell by the craftsmanship that they are sturdy and well built. The harness comes in three different models: a Class I belt version, a Class II belt and leg loop version, and a Class III full body version. All are easy to don and have quick-connect buckles for ease of operation. Additional features could go on and on, but a downloadable PDF brochure from their website can give you more than enough information if you don’t have the good fortune to try this product in person.

Fire Com

As we all know, communication and interoperability on the fireground is an important aspect of command operations. These new wireless headsets from Fire Com can be operated up to 1600 feet away from an apparatus, making command a lot easier. Available in sets of four to 12, the headsets are wireless, come with a portable command hub, and are packed into a compact, rugged Pelican case. With interface cables these headsets can be operated with virtually any radio. Considering that your firefighters will not only have the means to communicate, but are provided with hearing protection as well, a wireless, hands-off approach is a very good idea.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

With a show like FRI, you’d have to take the full two days to visit all of the vendors on the floor. If you end up going next year, make sure you outline in advance what products you have the most interest in, so you can take a targeted approach to gathering the necessary information before you purchase. In any case, you definitely won’t be disappointed.