High-Tech and Specialized Equipment

There are items of equipment used by the department, which, while perhaps not unique, are unusual enough to rate special mention. This equipment is either relatively new, or not widely used by most other departments.

Thermal Imaging Cameras (abbreviated "TIC", pronounced "tick") use infrared (heat) imagery to allow firefighters to see in the dark and in smoke-filled environments. Since they see heat, not light, they also allow firefighters to locate "hot spots" or smoldering fires within walls. They are sensitive enough to pick up footprints minutes after a person has walked across a concrete floor. All apparatus within the department have been issued a TIC. Some of the TICs have transmitters, allowing the Battalion Chief outside the building to see exactly what the firefighter inside is seeing. This particular model is a Marconi Argus 2. Although bulky, it is fairly lightweight, and built tough and "firefighter resistant".

FF/E (now Captain) Brian Brackbill demonstrates a TIC at Winchester Station.

This is an example of the display provided by the TIC. The hotter an object, the brighter it is represented on the display. A flame would be bright white. Notice that exposed skin is light, while clothing-insulated parts of the body are darker. The dark rectangle to the right of the firefighters in this image is a cool refrigerator.

The TIC comes in a hard-shelled padded case, and is supplied with both rechargable batteries and adapters to allow the device to run on over-the-counter alkaline batteries if necessary.

All apparatus in the department are equipped with GPS tracking. This allows the dispatchers to keep track of the positions and status of all apparatus, and automatically dispatch the nearest available unit to an event.

Named after it's inventor, the Caldo torch was developed by the Navy during World War II, to allow divers to cut through the hulls of sunken ships. A lightweight system consisting of an oxygen supply, a 12VDC electric current, and hollow cutting rods similar to welding rods, the Caldo torch burns at approximately 6000°F (3315°C), and, since it was intended to penetrate battleship armor, will cut through just about anything, including steel and concrete.

The above photo shows all the parts of the Caldo torch system. From left to right: torch tip with rod installed, spare rods, 12V motorcycle battery, safety goggles, ground strap (black), oxygen supply hose (green) with valve, storage box, oxygen bottle, and more spare rods. Although used infrequently, the Caldo torch is a useful backup tool when nothing else will work. After ignition, the rod will continue to burn until the oxygen supply is cut off. Each rod only lasts for about 20 seconds before requiring replacement.

A closeup of the cutting rod with protective hand shield, grip and trigger. When being used, welders glasses are necessary to protect the operator's eyes. Caldo torches are carried on the department's trucks and rescue units.

Several of the department's rigs regularly have to drive on narrow, winding mountain roads. They have extra lights mounted in front, that point diagonally "cross-eyed" across the headlight beams. These lights, which are connected to only come on when the high beams and a deadman foot switch are activated, help the driver see around sharp corners when the headlights point straight ahead. The apparatus with these special lights can be seen at Redwood and El Monte stations. The photo above is of Patrol 14, at El Monte.

Although not used in all areas of County Fire's jurisdiction, all apparatus are equipped with electronic and/or optical strobe traffic preemption. When approaching an intersection where traffic preemption is installed, detectors at the intersection pick up either a radio signal or see the strobe light, and give the approaching emergency vehicle a green light, stopping all other traffic. Shown above is the strobe on the roof of Los Altos Station's Engine 115.

Engine 4, based at Redwood Station, has to deal with many automobile accidents along the notorious highway 17. Because it is often working in traffic, it is equipped with an illuminated, animated light board across it's rear that displays a number of prepregrammed traffic advisory and incident command messages, such as "left lane closed ahead", "road closed", "triage", "command center", etc.

photo: Revivant

All of the department's engines are now equipped with Revivant AutoPulse Resuscitation Systems. These devices, strapped to a patient, provide automatic CPR chest compressions more effectively and continuously than a human rescuer, as well as an extra set of "hands" at an emergency medical scene.

Many of the department's wildland rigs carry Barricade Fire Protection Gel a biodegradable concentrate that when mixed with water forms a protective gel that is sprayed onto structures that are threatened by wildfires. It can also be used to form fire breaks.

Not flashy, but a useful device to have. Most of the department's trucks are equipped with a Load Minder, a device which, when the aerial device is in use, senses when the truck's load is approaching it's maximum rating. As the ladder or aerial platform is swung to the side, and weight is put on it, the Load Minder will let the truck's engineer know when the weight limit is being approached or exceeded. This reduces the potential of the vehicle tipping over.