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Fire Department Motorcycles - A Cost Effective Option?
Maybe the time has come for fire departments to do more than just consider using motorcycles for emergency response. This has been successfully done in europe for years and now the UK is giving it a try. Maybe it's time for us to do the same...
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is getting ready to trial a couple of firefighting motorcycle response units. (all photos by Tony Thomas).
The 6-month trial will test two BMW RT1200 police-spec bikes that have been kitted out with two 25 liter water tanks and a 30 meter hose reel.
TCSS,
CBz
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on
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IN the hands of a competent operator there may be some practical use in urban areas.
On the other hand, when you consider how some *firefighters* can plow their POV's into trees and roll over 3000 gallon tankers, these babies would be little more than 2-wheel coffins.
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Permalink Reply by Richard Armstrong on
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Ya I don't think I'd be a big advocate of these myself.Maybe for getting into parks and stuff like that to put garbage cans out but that would be about it.
On the other hand, when you consider how some *firefighters* can plow their POV's into trees and roll over 3000 gallon tankers, these babies would be little more than 2-wheel coffins.
Need I remind you Jack that career guys have wrecks to not just volly depts.
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Richard,
Sure they do but...how many paid guys are out there driving (and rolling) tankers? And how many are responding to calls in their own vehicles? Look at the NFPA stats then get back to me.
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Oh I agree it happens more to volunteers I just notice that every chance you get you always bash volunteer departments and I just wanted to point it out.Just gets old when you're always doing it.You also have to factor in that we have an extra step than full time and we have to drive from work or home so that adds an extra risk factor and with "some" departments that don't see alot of drive time they are at risk due to inexperience.I'm not saying your wrong just tired of the bashing.
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Permalink Reply by Eric B on
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I am sick and tired of seeing the Vollie Vs Paid Rivalry , We are all Human we all get hurt the same way we all bleed the same damn color , Bash me if you will I do not care , its not about the money its about helping the community and feeling good while doing it , you may think i sound soft and crap but so what in my opinion its a PASSION not a JOB , if we didnt wanna do it then we wouldn't
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Permalink Reply by Nenad on
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Two BMW R 1200 RT were delivered for fire department of croatian highways (HAC) in july 15. 2008.
Motorcicles are stationed in firehouses near tunnels Sveti Rok and Mala Kapela. Motorcycle teams have 100-150 alarms per year. Fire motorcycles are very useful in accidents, when the traffic is very dense. Until firetrucks arrives moto team can start the intervention.
Equipment:
IFEX water impulse gun
Fire extinguisher
Hydraulic spreader/cutter (combi tool)
First Aid kit
Light equipment
(source: http://www.vatrogasni-portal.com/news.php?readmore=2218 )
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Permalink Reply by Vic Silverfish on
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Post a link to the NFPA stats - you don't get to quote them without a reference!
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Good one Vic never thought of that.Everyone busts balls on here for not posting proof!!
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This is a terrible idea for firefighting. We have motorcycle paramedics in downtown Sydney, which work really will, but for fire? What sort of calls can they respond too? They barely have the resources for a car or dumpster fire. They can't go to an AFA, because if it's an actual fire, they are boned. I guess you could stick a chief on one, but really, he needs the mobile office that a car provides.
Sexy, I'm sure the chicks will dig it, but it's not a very practical idea. Fire fighting is heavy industry, and that means big toys with tons of kit on board.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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This is nothing less than progressive thinking and preparing for the worst case scenario, which is a reduced response time due to factors that often times include traffic. Getting boots on the ground and on scene in a timely manner is all of our jobs. The use of a motorcycle sure seems like a reasonable alternative to long response times.
What makes my supposition even that much better is having someone like Nenad confirm and validate the concept. And how casually he was able to say... been there done that. Thanks Nenad for your input and photo!
CBz
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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There is a different driving mindset in many other countries compared to the US. There is more driving courtesy shown in the European countries I have been to, than most of the 38 states I've been to in the US. People here are in too big of a hurry, too wrapped up in their own little world to care about other drivers on the road, much less emergency vehicles. Motorcycle officers in my area are involved in crashes on a regular (almost weekly) basis.
As a first responder vehicle on EMS calls, they might be an effective alternative in high traffic areas, however, I am really skeptical to the value a motorcycle would have on the fire side. I also question any cost benefit they might have. While they may be cheaper to operate, and certainly are cheaper to purchase than a fire truck, the expense of insuring the rider and bike alone, might make them cost prohibitive to many departments. Then there is the training aspect of handling a bike modified to carry any extinguishing agent and other equipment. Just because many of us ride bikes including the heavy Goldwings and Glides, does not mean we would be knowledgeable or experienced enough to operate one in emergency operations.
I really would hate to see another category added to the death and injury statistics.
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