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In comparison to the current aerial platform trucks that can reach up about 85 feet, this one goes to 100 feet. “This one actually has a ladder which extends to a platform in which we can do rescues – we can rescue many more people quicker with this type of device,” Hurdon said. “The older trucks work on kind of a 90-degree principle where the booms are at 90 degrees and that definitely lessens their reach in comparison to the ladder.” While its angled ladder makes it an efficient tool to use during high-rise rescues, it can also be used in other scenarios like water rescue. “We have the ability to fully extend the ladder off the truck and have it parallel to the ground so we could have it extend over water,” he said. “There are also anchored points underneath the platform in which we could secure a basket.” It‘s also got some high-tech perks including onscreen monitors that determine the angle of the ladder and the temperature firefighters are working in, making it easier to use and quicker to set up, said Hurdon, noting it can be set up in seconds by a single firefighter. While Hurdon is hesitant to give an exact figure on how much the new ladder costs, similar trucks have been purchased in other North American municipalities for amounts in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some hovering near the $1-million dollar mark. “I think it‘s money well spent, and we‘re definitely going to be able to provide a better service to the citizens of Thunder Bay,” he said. Made by the E-One company in Florida, the aerial ladder truck has been in town for just about three weeks. While it isn‘t in use just yet, all of the city‘s firefighters are doing their share of training to make sure everyone knows how to use it properly. Training components include driving, operating the ladder and pump practice. “It takes quite a few hours to get a firefighter comfortable with using this piece of sophisticated equipment,” said Hurdon, noting the training will be done over the next few months at the North Central station where there is lots of room to set up the gargantuan piece of equipment. “Then when we have the majority of each of the platoons trained, it will be officially placed into service.” Top of Page |
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September 2, 2010, 8:22 am |