Firefighter Equipment

Firefighters carry well over 100 pounds of equipment with them at all times, including their thermal suits, helmets, and other protective clothing. Other equipment must also be carried to help the firefighters carry out their mission efficiently and safely.

Leak Seal Kit

Leak sealing equipment is used where non sparking equipment is needed. Oftentimes firefighters are in essence preventing a fire, and using tools that emit sparks can sometimes lead to serious consequences. A leak seal kit is full of items such as patches, plugs, screws, and other items that could be used to plug a hole or open area.

Plug and Wedge Kit

For such a simple kit, this set of tools packs some punch. A plug and wedge kits is a set of rubber wedges and a hammer that can be used to plug leaks in gas lines and other dangerous holes.

Non-Spark Tools

Non-spark tools are used most often by the Hazardous Materials team which works in explosive situations. Any spark could be disastrous so their tools must be specially made so they will not emit sparks of any kind. Included in this group of tools are: axes, wrenches, a shovel, a pry bar, and often a scrub brush.

Sully Kit

Sully kits may have a fancy name, but do you know what they are used for? To open the doors of locked cars. That is correct, if you lock your keys in your car, then you can call the local fire department and they will help you out with their trusty sully kit. This may not seem like a very intense situation, but imagine you lock your keys in the car with your toddler inside as well. In that situation it will be necessary for the firefighters to get in your car quickly and safely without incurring damage.

Red Medical Bag

The red medical bag is one of the most important pieces of equipment used by firefighters. Inside the bag are medical supplies that can be used to treat a number of injuries including cuts, burns, and smoke inhalation. Included in the kit are: an oxygen tank which is used to operate the bag valve mask, an assortment of airways which can be used if a victim cannot breath properly, a v-vac, which is used to suck debris and mucous from the throat and lungs of a victim, and a simple first aid kit filled with bandages, gauze, and antiseptic.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

The most effective way of finding victims or other firefighters in a situation where there is a lot of smoke, is to use a thermal imagery camera. These cameras pick up on a person's body heat when you may not be able to actually see the physical person. These cameras can also be used to find "hot spots" or areas where the fire could again flare up and become potentially dangerous.