TOOLS OF THE TRADE

BELOW IS A LIST OF TOOLS AND MEANINGS FOR WHAT A FIREFIGHTER USES THEM FOR.

  SCBA - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus , an air filled cylinder it is equiped with a mask , regulator and it helps the firefighter to breathe in hazardous situations. The air pack also has a warning device when air is low , this give the firefighter enough time to get out before the cylinder goes empty.

  Bunker Gear - The protective clothing worn by firefighters , they are also known as turnout gear. (note picture only shows jacket the trousers are the same material as the jacket) The firemans helmet , boots and gloves are all part of the bunker gear.

  Deck Gun- It is mounted on top of a fire engine and has a large nozzle . It is also know as a monitor.

 Hard Line- the hard line is on a reel. The hose is a 1" diameter line, the line supplies a less amount of water than the larger hoses , it is mainly used on small fires. When a firefighter finishes using this hose the hose is reeled back into the hose reel.

 JAWS OF LIFE - This tool is the main life saving tool that helps a firefighter take out an injured person from entrapment. The Jaws Of Life is a trademark for a particular rescue tool that is manufactured by Hale Products.

   Haligan Tool - A tool that has many uses and is used for forcible entry, such as prying doors , windows etc...etc.

 Biel - This tool is another type of Haligan which is designed to perform the same way as the Haligan Tool . It can force open doors, windows, twisting and prying open hasps , light metal cutting .

   Spanner Wrench - a tool used to tighten or losen hose couplings, and they can be used to remove the fire hydrant caps. The second spanner wrench has the hex in the middle with the handle having some threads , this is known as an adjustable spanner with this tool the hex part fits over the hydrant valve , turning the handle clockwise will tighten around the hydrant valve to open or close the valve.

 Pike Pole - A long pole that has a pointed tip with a small hook , this tool has many uses in a fire scene.

  Axe - Every fire engine is equiped with an axe , they are used for a variety of task at a fire scene.

More tools of the trade coming soon.