Quint fire truck1/16/2024 ![]() ![]() The common misconception that many departments make during the purchase of these units is that the crew is equipped to handle both engine company and ladder company responsibilities on the fireground. First and foremost-and this goes for any piece of apparatus-fire apparatus do not put out fires: competent, trained firefighters do. While the deployment of these units definitely have merit, there are operational deficits that must be identified. In the event the quint arrives after the first engine, the crew may need to begin the primary search and ventilation of the fire. Should they wind up first on the scene, the crew may be required to establish a water supply and stretch a handline in to extinguish the fire. This flexibility allows the first arriving units to be adaptable to the needs of the incident, depending on when they arrive. In the era of tough economic times, some will argue that having an apparatus that is equipped to handle multiple functions on the fireground is a good thing. This apparatus can combat structure fires, provide continued elevated egress, and serve as an elevated master stream all within one unit. There have been great advancements in reach and stability, shorter wheelbases, and higher powered diesel engines have made these units more capable of any task on the fireground that is required. The quint has also become more user-friendly over the years. ![]() These five basic components are what define the quint's capabilities. There are some departments that provide their firefighters with apparatus and equipment that can accomplish most of these tasks with one unit and they are referred to as quints.Ī quint is a motorized fire apparatus that has five features: a permanently mounted fire pump, an on-board water tank, an area for hose storage, an aerial/elevated platform with a permanently affixed waterway, and an ample supply of ground ladders (see Photo 1). Truck companies specialize in supportive operations, such as forcible entry, laddering, utility control, ventilation, and search and rescue. Engine companies are responsible for securing water at the fire scene, putting initial handlines in position, protecting exposures, operating master streams, and extinguishing the fire. At the basic level most departments consist of mainly engine and truck companies. A fire department is composed of many functional units, referred to as companies. ![]()
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