SAN ANDREAS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Procedures
This page shall serve as the official Tools, Equipment & Terminology Policy for the San Andreas Fire Department:
Last Updated: 12/13/2022
By: Kidd B.
16.1- Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to educate members on tools, equipment, and terms utilized within the fire service
16.2- Resources/References
16.3- SAFD Terminology, Tools, Equipment
COLOR KEY
RED = Actual Props, Scripts, Etc. that SAFD has IN CITY
BLACK = IRL firefighter things / terms, use this for RP purposed (/me "pulls out ___")
SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. A common mistake is to think that there is only oxygen in the cylinder. There is not. The cylinder the firefighter wears is filled with the same air everyone breathes. Imagine the amount of air in a box measuring four feet in every direction. That is about how much air each firefighter has. Each cylinder is rated for a specific amount of time, usually 30 - 60 minutes, but that is based upon little or no exertion. A 30 minute SCBA may only last 10 minutes under some conditions.
Water Supply
The source of water for firefighting operations. Typically a limited supply of 700ish gallons of "on-board" water on engines, water tankers, fire hydrants, or natural sources
Rural Water
This term is used for areas not covered by fire hydrants. Tankers or natural sources need to be used during "rural water operations"
Aerial Ladder / Platform
Also known as a ladder truck, aerial ladder, or just plain truck. A hydraulically powered ladder or articulating platform, mounted on a vehicle that also carries several different length extension ladders, and possibly extrication gear, ventilation equipment, and lighting Some trucks can reach as high as 200 feet!
Ladder Pipe
A master stream water nozzle mounted on an aerial ladder used for large elevated water streams
Deck Gun
A master stream water nozzle mounted on an engine used for larger water streams
Water Monitor
A master stream water nozzle that is portable and used for larger water streams
Master Stream
A water nozzle designed to flow more than 350gal/min. Needs to be secured mechanically, can not be handled by a firefighter
Supply Line
Hose lines used to bring water into fire engines. Usually 4inches in diameter or greater
Attack Line
Hose lines used by firefighters to extinguish fires
Extinguisher
Device containing fire suppressant, often pressurized to expel suppressant when triggered by operator or an automatic release mechanism
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Ventilation of an area by the use of a fan to push clean air into that space and controlled use of openings for the escape of smoke and gasses.
Airbags
Inflatable device used for lifting or spreading
Wheel Chocks
Metal wedges placed underneath vehicle tires to prevent the vehicle from moving
Hydraulic Tools
Hydraulic rescue tools, also known as jaws of life, are used by emergency rescue personnel to assist in the extrication of victims involved in vehicle accidents, as well as other rescues in small spaces. These tools include cutters, spreaders, and rams. Such devices were first used in 1963 as a tool to free race car drivers from their vehicles after crashes.
Struts
Metal cylindrical tubes with various attatchments used to stabalize a vehicle from rolling or a structure from collapsing
Foam
This is a mixture of water and a product that causes foam OR reduces the surface tension of the water. The mixture of foam concentrate can be from as much 6% to as little as .3%. The lower concentrations are to cause the water to be able to penetrate burning substances by reducing the surface tension. This is especially valuable in situations where there is debris. It is difficult to extinguish bales of hay or tires without foam. A mixture of 3% might be used for a liquid hydrocarbon fire while 6% is used for burning alcohol.
Booster/On-board Tank
A pump, water, and a small, pre-connected line is often called by the name "Booster"
Charged Line
A hose line that is being pressurized by a water pump
Drafting
Pulling water from a source other than a hydrant or another fire apparatus. Cisterns, lakes, ponds and swimming pools are often used in drafting operations. Many departments in rural areas and without fire hydrants use drafting.
Extension Ladder
Halligan Tool
An all-purpose steel prying bar used as a forcible entry tool. It looks like a adze with a point on the side. The story is that it was invented by a New York City firefighter named Huey Halligan. In some circles it is known as a "Pro Tool". Often this tool is married together with an ax. Together with possibly some other forcible entry tools, this is often referred to as "Irons".
NY Hook/Pike Pole
A pike pole could be any number of designs for a piece of equipment used for overhaul. Most often it is use for the opening of ceilings. Of all the tools of the fire service, the pike pole is probably among the most often used. It is often the practice to have one carried in by a firefighter at all structure fires. The most common design is a hook with a point. See illustration. But there are many styles and designs. The pike pole is the "mouse trap" of the fire service. It seems that almost everyone believes that they can create a better one. The Dallas Fire Department is famous for one that looks like a harpoon that has a hammer type of handle. If you have ever seen a dent puller with a slide hammer type of handle, you can get the picture. A few designs are pictured.
Overhaul
The systematic search for hidden fires or for fire extension. It is generally a damaging process. If the fire impinges upon a wall, that wall will probably be opened to insure that the heat and fire hadn't communicated through to the inside.
Extension
Fire spread
Re-Kindle
When a fire was not completely extinguished and a smoldering ember re-ignites a fire
Nozzle
A device attached to the end of a fire hose that directs, shapes and regulates the flow of the water or fire fighting agent pumped into the hose.
PASS Device
iFAK
"First Aid Kit". These are for personal use only and will replenish health, hunger, thirst, etc.