12 replies to this topic

[Xplorer4x4]

http://www.fireappar...and-oregon.html

A tiller...but not a ladder truck. Thought this was interesting.

[randomperson139]

Interesting, I have seen similar with Fire Department using a truck and trailer for HAZMAT or Rescue purposes. But they are simply truck and (modified! ) trailer, not a tiller, so that is certainly something different!

 

 

[gunswat]

Both units look amazing I suppose the hazmat has more equit ment than others?

[MCERT1]

Both units look amazing I suppose the hazmat has more equit ment than others?

 

 

 

I've seen one of these used exclusively as a heavy rescue in Ashland, KY it was very nice. You can carry quite a large amount of equipment, plus they usually have a small command post in the back of the trailer. Here's Ours:

 

Our has a full compressor to fill SCBA bottles which is a big deal on any major scene, plus the bulkier containment barrels, pump-off equipment, Class A and B suits, and a ton of absorbent material. It still can't carry everything though, and we have a second smaller trailer that carries all the decontamination equipment.

 

I like Portland's idea because it seems like a great way to have heavy duty rescue crane, and all the necessary accessories that you need at any incident you'd utilize it at.

[gunswat]

Why two classes of suits? Can some class b get destroyed with class a and vice versa?

[MCERT1]

Why two classes of suits? Can some class b get destroyed with class a and vice versa?

Suits of different classes are designed for different hazards. Class or level A suits are vapor protective, it's a fully encapsulated suit like the ones you see in the game, and can protect you against essentially everything, but they're hot, stuffy, very expensive, and require a high level of training to wear. Class or level B are not fully enclosed, have scba, but protect you from liquid spills and splashes. They are slightly cheaper, easier to move in, and require less training to use.

 

Beyond that there are also different materials used in different A and B suits to protect against certain chemicals. There's a lot of personal protection equipment, and the goal is to wear what will protect you, but also be the easiest to use.

 

The guy in yellow is in a Level A, and the other two are in Level B suits.

[gunswat]

Ah right thanks and also thanks that pic really helped me out more

[MCERT1]

No problem, 

 

Hazmat stuff gets very technical, requires a ton of resources, and a ton of money.... That's why most agencies simply don't do it because of the cost and rarity of calls. My department often talks about reducing our hazmat capabilities and placing our speical rescue tools; SCUBA, confined space, and high angle rescue equipment on the semi, just because of how hard it is to maintain the training and equipment for only a handful of incidents a year.

[gunswat]

I suppose tho in the day and age we need hazmat incase of terriost attacks and such

[MCERT1]

I suppose tho in the day and age we need hazmat incase of terriost attacks and such

That's the argument, our unit was the direct result of Homeland Security grants, which paid for the unit and supplies not the long term upkeep. We are reimbursed  a modest amount for responses by the government. The problem is the initial training for a technican costs around $1,000-$2,000 , $800 per person for a yearly physical, about $2,000 for a single certified level A suit that only lasts a few incidents and must be maintained at around another $500 dollars a year, specialized radios are about another $800 a piece, and tons of other special equipment that costs several thousand dollars more.... It's just a very expensive proposition, our truck cost around $1 milllion before even adding in the equipment and training costs.

 

That's why very,very few independent volunteer agencies in the US will ever have a full hazmat team. So you'll see them either being a joint effort among multiple agencies, owned by large professional departments, and even some states have their own funded response teams to support what smaller agencies have.

[gunswat]

They earn more money aswell

[MikeyPI]

Under the grants alot of agencies purchased equipment they neither needed nor could afford once the money ran out, helos and high tech gear have high tech costs.. Such is why most departments simply won't ever operate anything that is a high maint. cost... Alot cheaper to roll your SWAT in regular cars than special purpose APCs.  In reality true HAZMAT where you need the NBC protection is rather rare, most the time normal gear and a cautious attitude will suit just fine.  The problem with all depts are when it's christmas and they have the money pouring in grants they forget that money will eventually dry up and someone has to pay to keep the things running thereafter.. Shame but unfortunately everything costs money.

[MCERT1]

The worst part of it all around here, is just our response area. We have the potential for some incredibly volatile and dangerous situations and the local departments are forced to be independent for the first several hours of many technical incidents. My agency is luckily able to support the necessary equipment, but it's a hard job to keep volunteer personnel prepared for those levels of standards. Even paid departments struggle to afford it, and meet appropriate standards. It's unfortunate that grant money to sustain what at the time they approached us and identified as a critical need has fallen by the way side.

 

Here's a picture of that beast's crane extended