Past Memories of a Fire Department
Growing up as the daughter of a full-time firefighter, I was able to experience some pretty neat things that other kids my age did not experience, such as in-depth tours of the fire department and up-close looks at all of the equipment. Plus, there was the added excitement of watching the firehouse spring into action when the alarm bells rang, as the firefighters jumped into their gear, turned on the lights and sirens and pulled out of the station. My siblings and I would always run to the open door as the truck pulled out to watch it race off down the street. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.
My father is retired now, but he has many friends at his old station. We recently decided to take my two sons, who are 3 and 5 years old, on their own field trip to the firehouse.
Just as I would have expected, the “guys” showed my sons the best time. The climbed all over the trucks, ate a snack in the kitchen, tried on all the equipment, look through the night/smoke vision camera, watch the firefighters demonstrate how to use the Jaws of Life, and so much more. They even got to watch an engine race off to a call! Everything was just as I remembered it – well, almost everything.
What I did not remember from my days of visiting the firehouse was all of the technology!
Each of the 3 trucks, plus the chief’s SUV, was equipped with a rugged laptop, mounted right between the two front seats. I was amazed to find out just how rugged laptops, convertibles, and tablets provide critical information and save precious moments in emergency response situations.
Here are the top 4 benefits of using a rugged laptop on a fire truck:
- Dispatch Information
Information from the central command office can provide the firefighters with up-to-date information as it comes in. For instance, in the event of an EMS call, the crew might be briefed on the cause(s), type(s), severity of injury/injuries, and more – and all it takes is a glance at the computer screen. - Navigation/GPS
This allows firefighters to respond to the correct address as quickly as possible. When my dad was on the department, it was a bit more complicated to find the best route! - Maps
provided to the firefighters also provided specialized information, including building information/diagrams and fire hydrant locations. I remember hearing stories of my father trying to navigate through a large, abandoned building and not being able to see a thing in front of him. It must provide so much comfort to today’s rescue workers entering a blaze with an idea of the building’s layout. - Location (in real-time)
Firefighters have the ability to see where other trucks in the department are. Are the trucks en-route? Already there? Busy at another emergency scene? First responders can also identify the types of equipment that other responding trucks have on-board, which is important when developing a game plan for the rescue.
It can be a bit daunting when in the market for emergency response computers. Should you go with laptops? Tablets? Crossover convertibles?
We can walk you through the process of choosing the best form-factor for your needs, but there is one area in which you can’t go wrong. Go Getac. Getac fully rugged computers are tough, fast, and highly reliable.
Getac’s V110 Fully Rugged Convertible, for instance, is compact, lightweight, and easily transforms from a laptop to a tablet and back again. One thing to note, however, is that without the correct software, any computer would be rendered useless. But don’t worry. That is something we can help with too.
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The boys are already asking to go back for another visit. They loved every minute of being treated like VIPs. It is so great to see the genuine, caring men and women on duty at the local fire department. In a world filled with so much unease, I am thankful to have such an amazing group of people dedicated to public safety!
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About the Author:
Carmella Giancursio is L-Tron’s Public Relations Specialist & Content Editor. When she’s not working, spending time with her husband, or taking care of her 3 young kids, she can be found in the kitchen, channeling her Italian heritage! Email info@L-Tron.com with questions, or call us at (800) 830-9523.