Fire fighting in buildings

One must be ready for everything. And be sure to absolutely rely on the equipment.

Every second counts. The moment the fire department is called, hurrying-up is imperative: Don the prepared personal protective equipment, turn out and get to the place as soon as possible. On the way, the respiratory equipment is put on, the thermal imaging camera is taken along and the radio communication is tested. After only a few minutes, the fire brigade arrives on-site at the place of action. While the firefighting is prepared, the head of the operations inspects and evaluates the situation, also by using the thermal imaging camera. When the orders are given, the operation starts: Monitoring of the respiratory equipment, connection of the breathing apparatuses, fighting the fire. From this moment, all senses are extremely in demand.

The constant radio contact between the head of operations and the respiratory equipment team ensures that the operation can be adjusted at any time and provides for increased protection of the team. Dräger communication systems – as fully integrated mask communication systems, for example, or for integration into the firefighter helmet – ensure a clear and reliable communication.

Heat, flames and smoke are common obstacles when fighting fires in unknown building surroundings. Safely protected by helmet and work wear, the first team is guided by the thermal imaging camera. Dräger thermal imaging cameras are developed in particular for the rough conditions and daily operations of fire departments. So, even if the sight is extremely poor, it is possible to visualize the surroundings.

When using respiratory equipment during the firefighting inside of buildings, the monitoring of the respiratory equipment is absolutely vital. The Dräger state-of-the-art respiratory equipment monitoring technology provides for essential signaling and warning functions, such as the indication of cylinder pressure and of the remaining time period of use. The electronic monitoring unit is also equipped with an integrated emergency warning element, which can be triggered manually or by means of an immobility sensor. An alarm of the device can also be send to the telemetering respiratory equipment monitoring of the head of operations.

Not all operations run smoothly and without problems. Quick action is required in the event of sudden incidents such as the collapse of parts of a building, for instance, which may lead to an emergency of breathing protection. The job of special rescue teams on standby or of a quick-action team, which is coordinated by the head of operations directly on-side of large locations, is to bring the person who had an accident out of the area of danger. In this respect, the Dräger breathing protection emergency bags are a great help.

According to the vfdb directive 10/03, it is stipulated that respiratory equipment (such as Dräger filters when completing fire-extinguishing tasks) still has to be worn for a certain time at "warm" places of operation after the "fire is put out".

The mission is completed, the fire brigade moves off. The job of the firefighters is done, the one of the service personnel starts right then. Dräger offers complete workshop equipment and solutions for the maintenance and servicing of respiratory equipment and masks as well as for the filling of breathing air cylinders. The training in one of the Dräger exercise facilities represents the optimum preparation for the next operations. After all, no operation is like the other.