Firefighter/medic question....?

Just a few add ons to Anthony D.

Truck is an older term for ladder companies and the firefighters called 'truckies'.

Engine is same as a pumper. Pumper is another older term.

My area has RIT (Rapid Intervention Team). These firefighters have special training in rescuing other firefighters.

There is a lot of different fire dept. info available. Like an engine can cost $250,000 or more and a ladder $700,000 and up or over $800,000 for airport crash truck !

Take some time and visit your fire dept. They will love to show you around the apparatus and equipment.

Every department is different but at the same time are somewhat similar. I will explain what these are for my dept.

Battalion- The battalion in our dept is third in command. Only inferior to the Chief and Deputy Chief. He/she assists mostly in manpower and command. Secures areas in case of arson and also assists in crowd control. In our dept this person would go to your house/building with the deputy chief to check building codes, fire extinguishers and smoke/fire alarms.

Ladder- Ladder companies most often respond to all fires and alarms. They are used mostly for strength in numbers but also for height rescues. Could be casualties in a tall building or structure.

Squad- Squad is a truck that holds firefighters and equipment. They hold vehicle extricaction equipment such as Jaws of life, airbags, ropes, generators, saws, axes, KEDS, backboards etc. In my dept you must be at least an EMT or medic to work in this beautiful creature.

Truck- Never heard of just a truck.

Engine- Always responds to a fire and medical emergencies in my dept. A main problem with the engine is most of them are reliant on fire hydrants or even rivers, lakes to retrieve water from. Has tools needed to gain entry into a structure.

Rescue- This is what i work. In my dept it is the ambulance for Medics.

Safety Battalion- Holds the same responsibility as the battalion. Inferior in ranks.

Unit- The only thing i can think of is the fire investigation units. These are used for investigating fires.