Changing times

In keeping with the last couple posts, I have decided to continue to note the changes and advances in technology regarding the fire service. Lighting for example is one that is still a mystery to me. A short time ago we had lights that were so dim the watch I am wearing now put out more light and candle power was really CANDLE POWER. The picture above was the latest and most modern equipment of the day (1936) when my department got these (touted as the best equiped ladder truck in Virginia). The light I have clipped to my turnout coat is around 300 times brighter than all of these put together, and might I say a heck of alot lighter and doesn't require a 125 pound generator.

Today is significantly easier thanks to the innovations of brilliant engineers. The advanced equipment we use is a direct reflection of the world around us.

GPS units are installed on ambulances, ladders, and engines. There are mobile computers mounted in trucks to view pre-fire plans and maps. Radios have emergency signals and tracking devices.

SCBA last an hour and are 1/10 of the weight they used to and have lighted displays in your mask to warn you of low air. Gloves have progressed from nothing to light leather to super heavy elbow length asbestos gloves to modern firefighting gloves that allow freer movements and greater dexterity.

Helmets have evolved from nothing to plastic helmets then into ‘spaceman’ helmets that have retractable shields and integrated communication devices. The movement of many departments is towards a more traditional styling and modern appeal is pushed to the side in favor of a traditional helmet with modern construction.

Protective gear has been redesigned to include turnout pants and coats. This is a huge improvement from the ¾ boots and long rubber coats that I donned during my firefighting beginnings. On the subject of boots, the good ol’ days weren’t so good, the ¾ boots made of rubber were cold and made turning your ankle easier and offered far less protection than the turnout gear of today. Today we have leather boots that support and protect our feet and ankles.

All in all the changes we have seen are making things safer and better for all of us. I have said many times that you can’t know where you’re going until you understand where you have been and this applies to incidents as well as the little things we take for granted. Innovations and technological advances are as much a part of history as the men and women we remember for creating the history we venerate.