APPARATUS INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS

摘要

From Cab Airbags To Remote Monitors, The 2003 Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis this past April kicked off another year of innovations for the fire apparatus industry. As always, there were plenty: cab occupant protection systems, new aerial devices, and new body styles. There were many new or redesigned chassis with features like rear-wheel steering, state-of-the-art suspension systems, and improved ergonomics and engine performance. One could hardly miss these exciting breakthroughs while walking the exhibit hall. Although these introductions were all important to the fire apparatus industry, it was just as interesting and important to observe the little details of the apparatus on the floor. The hall was filled with clever features, the dreams of a forward-thinking firefighter or engineer. I will share some of the many apparatus ideas presented at FDIC 2003 in addition to some of the current trends seen in the apparatus industry this year.