Department Apparatus

/Department Apparatus

Department Apparatus

Valuable Assets

The most valuable asset of any fire service organization are the firefighters who carry out the necessary tasks every day. In order for the firefighters to be the most effective they can be, tools and equipment are required. The firefighters are extremely skilled in the operations of this equipment, some of which is very complex. 

A fire engine is a good example. Not so many years ago, fire engines were fairly simple pieces of equipment to operate that would pump 500 – 1,000 gallons of water per minute. Today, they are controlled by computerized electronics and safety features and are capable of pumping 2,000 gallons per minute. While fire engines are very expensive to purchase initially, their useful life is calculated to be 25 years. 

Another good example is the ambulance. When EMS started in the fire service in the 1970s, many departments worked out of converted Chevy Suburban’s or Cadillac station wagons with a limited amount of equipment. Today, ambulances are nearly rolling emergency rooms with sophisticated equipment and paramedics.

Go Right for Lights and Siren

Every day, emergency vehicles respond to urgent requests for help from the public. The call may be for a fire alarm or someone having a heart attack. All drivers must know their responsibilities when approached by an emergency vehicle with lights flashing and siren sounding.

  • Don’t panic and slam on the brakes.
  • Pull as near as possible and parallel to the right-hand edge or curb and stop.
  • Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
  • Don’t stop in the middle of a curve.
  • Don’t stop on or while cresting a hill.
  • Precious minutes lost while responding to an emergency can be the difference between life and death. Help us help others by pulling to the right and stopping!

Ambulances

The ambulance has become one of the most identifiable pieces of a fire department’s equipment due to the high frequency demand. Approximately 80% to 85% of the emergencies Newburgh Heights Fire Department responds to are EMS related. 

While hospitals no longer provide ambulance services, they are still very much connected to the patient through the work of paramedics. Paramedics operate under the direction of a physician and serve as the eyes and ears of the emergency room doctor.

Newburgh Heights Squad 51 – 2003 Wheel Coach

Paramedics undergo over 1,500 hours of training and possess special skills in administering medications, interpreting heart monitors, and trauma care just to name a few.

Contemporary ambulances carry a myriad of specialized medical equipment. From heart monitors to breathing equipment, our paramedics have the most up to date equipment and training to provide you with the best service possible.

 

Newburgh Heights Squad 52 – 2006 Road Rescue

 

Fire Engines

A fire engine is and has been for all of American history a wonderful weapon used to fight battles against an old enemy, the red devil – fire. These rigs are special and have a glitter and glory that most machinery cannot match. They hold a special place in our hearts as we watch them glide by, lights blazing and sirens wailing, while going to an emergency.                                                                                                                                                

                                NHFD 1952 Ahrens Fox Fire Engine                                

 

  NHFD 1965 Mac Fire Engine

Contemporary fire engines carry their own water, a pump to move the water, and hose. Water tank sizes can range from 500 – 1,500 gallons. Pump capacity is measured in gallons per minute (gpm) and most pump capacities are between 1,000 gpm – 2,000 gpm. 

In the fire engine’s side compartments are the tools necessary to get any job done – forcible entry tools, lights, nozzles, adapters, hand tools, breathing apparatus, vehicle extrication tools, and  foam equipment just to name a few.

Newburgh Heights Fire Department also equips the Engine 54 with limited medical equipment. This is done so if there is a medical call and the ambulance is on another emergency, paramedics can respond in the Engine 54 and begin treatment. Another ambulance from a neighboring fire department will then respond to transport the victim to the hospital. While returning to their station, the firefighter/paramedics are ready and equipped for another emergency be it fire or medical.

Newburgh Heights Engine 54:

500 Gallon Water Tank

1,250 Gallons per Minute (GPM) Pump