{"id":1148,"date":"2017-05-15T10:19:25","date_gmt":"2017-05-15T15:19:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.websitepreview.dev\/?p=1148"},"modified":"2020-09-30T13:16:19","modified_gmt":"2020-09-30T18:16:19","slug":"rescue-pumper-vs-pumper-should-you-go-with-a-multipurpose-fire-apparatus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/rescue-pumper-vs-pumper-should-you-go-with-a-multipurpose-fire-apparatus\/","title":{"rendered":"Rescue Pumper vs. Pumper: Should You Go with a Multipurpose Fire Apparatus?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In today\u2019s fiscal climate of tight municipal budgets, there is often less money for new fire apparatus. This trend has led many fire departments to turn to multifunctional fire trucks, as opposed to traditional specialty rescue and fire apparatus, in an attempt to cut costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/preowned-inventory\/pumpers\/?category=All\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quality rescue pumper<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> generally provides all of the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.firerescuemagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-5\/issue-2\/speccing-buying\/the-multipurpose-vehicle-trend.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class A<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fire suppression capability of a traditional pumper, along with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/safety-first-importance-regular-extrication-tool-maintenance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">extrication ability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of a rescue, all in a single rig.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But is a multifunctional vehicle the right choice for your department? Here are some crucial considerations to guide your decision when buying fire trucks.<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#1: What Are the Needs of Your Community?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a number of features that may affect the emergency response needs of the communities you serve, and the apparatus you need to respond to them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These might include the area\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-19\/issue-3\/features\/smaller-more-agile-pumpers-make-a-comeback.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">geography<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and population size, as well as the types of structures that need protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you serve an <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-19\/issue-3\/features\/smaller-more-agile-pumpers-make-a-comeback.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urban area<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, for example, you might have to contend with crowded downtown streets, tight suburban neighborhood roads, roundabouts, and similar features that require an apparatus with easy maneuverability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes small <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-16\/issue-9\/features\/rescue-pumpers-show-strength-vs-heavy-rescues.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rural<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> roads aren\u2019t large enough to accommodate multiple apparatus responding to a single call. Compact vehicles with multiple functions on a single rig may be one option for overcoming this limitation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smaller multifunctional pumpers may be perceived as more maneuverable when navigating <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-19\/issue-3\/features\/smaller-more-agile-pumpers-make-a-comeback.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bridges<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, overpasses, and trees with overhangs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your community has <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">busy roadways and a high number of <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-16\/issue-9\/features\/rescue-pumpers-show-strength-vs-heavy-rescues.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">car accidents<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you may need rescue and medical response capabilities, leading to a greater emphasis on rescue pumpers over traditional pumpers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#2: How Well Does the Apparatus Accommodate Personnel?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of whether you specify a traditional pumper or a rescue pumper, your apparatus must be configured with firefighter safety and other personnel needs in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It takes fewer people to drive a single multifunctional apparatus instead of multiple individual specialty vehicles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For responses that only require <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.firerescuemagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-5\/issue-2\/speccing-buying\/the-multipurpose-vehicle-trend.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">limited personnel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a single multitasker may prove more efficient than bringing along multiple individual specialty rigs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to a heavy rescue apparatus, a rescue pumper may be <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.firerescuemagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-5\/issue-2\/speccing-buying\/the-multipurpose-vehicle-trend.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">easier to drive<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for personnel in your department who were trained to drive a standard pumper.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you need space for <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marionbody.com\/fe_blog\/rescue-pumper-or-heavy-rescue\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">commanding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a rescue, or other responses that require a larger team on the scene? A rescue pumper that combines rescue and fire suppression equipment may lack the space for everyone who needs to be there, when compared with a specialized heavy rescue vehicle. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#3: What About Equipment Needs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more functionality packed into a single rig, the more challenging it can be to make sure all necessary equipment fits onboard &#8212; without compromising the different response roles the rig is intended to serve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the rescue pumper you\u2019re looking at have enough storage space for fire suppression <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rescue equipment? Will the water tank, hose, and ladders leave room for enough large air bags and <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marionbody.com\/fe_blog\/rescue-pumper-or-heavy-rescue\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cribbing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Will there need to be <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-16\/issue-9\/features\/rescue-pumpers-show-strength-vs-heavy-rescues.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical equipment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> onboard as well?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All equipment must be <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-18\/issue-10\/features\/is-it-a-pumper-rescue-or-a-rescue-pumper.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stored<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so that it can be easily and safely deployed and reloaded without interfering with the response effort. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#4: How Will the Apparatus Affect Your Standard Operation Procedures?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What will be the exact role of the multipurpose rig in your department?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anytime you bring in a new apparatus that differs from what you\u2019ve used in the past, you must consider whether and how it will change your department\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.firerescuemagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-5\/issue-2\/speccing-buying\/the-multipurpose-vehicle-trend.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">standard operating procedures<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some questions to consider when developing <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-18\/issue-10\/features\/is-it-a-pumper-rescue-or-a-rescue-pumper.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">specs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and making the purchase decision:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How would a pumper-rescue fit into day-to-day operations, compared with a traditional pumper or heavy rescue?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What would be the primary function of the pumper rescue &#8212; fire suppression or rescue operations such as extrications?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where would the rescue pumper fit into the running order for different types of responses, such as structure fires or car accidents?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will the rescue pumper perform the same function and same equipment as other pumpers?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the rescue pumper you\u2019re looking at comply with protocol for mutual aid and mutual assistance?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#5: How Well Does the Apparatus Balance Pumper and Rescue Roles?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your multipurpose will be called upon for both rescue and pumping roles, how quickly can it <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.firerescuemagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-5\/issue-2\/speccing-buying\/the-multipurpose-vehicle-trend.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">convert<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from one to the other during a response? Can it handle both roles at once if asked to do so?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Putting out a fire and rescuing victims are two <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marionbody.com\/fe_blog\/rescue-pumper-or-heavy-rescue\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">different jobs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If your multitask vehicle is only able to perform one of these roles at at time, do you have enough other apparatus to take on the other jobs &#8212; safely and efficiently?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While a rescue pumper may be very helpful under some circumstances, a multitask vehicle may be less appropriate for more highly specialized jobs. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#6: What About Your ISO Rating and NFPA Requirements?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re not super well-versed in ISO and NFPA terminology, consult an expert who can walk you through the rules when laying out specs for your next apparatus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ISO\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-18\/issue-10\/features\/is-it-a-pumper-rescue-or-a-rescue-pumper.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fire Suppression Rating Schedule<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (FSRS) calls for a minimum of a three-apparatus response on an initial alarm to a reported structure fire. The ISO requires that two of these apparatus must satisfy criteria for a pumper and the remaining rig must qualify as a ladder or service company.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The apparatus you choose will affect your community\u2019s ISO rating, which helps determine the insurance premiums residents will have to pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-18\/issue-10\/features\/is-it-a-pumper-rescue-or-a-rescue-pumper.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NFPA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does not have a specification for rescue pumpers because there are too many variations in each individual configuration to arrive at one-size-fits-all standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, NFPA 1901 includes requirements for traditional pumpers and what it calls \u201cSpecial Service Fire Apparatus,\u201d described in Chapter 10 as a multipurpose vehicle \u201cthat primarily provides support services at emergency scenes\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you specify your rescue pumper as a special service apparatus or pumper? That depends largely on the unique roles, features, and capabilities that will be included.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, use caution and <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-18\/issue-10\/features\/is-it-a-pumper-rescue-or-a-rescue-pumper.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">consult<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with an expert when writing your purchase specifications. What goes into those documents will determine how it is classified for regulatory purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#7: How Will the Apparatus Affect Your Budget?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And last, but certainly not least, there\u2019s the reason so many departments are turning to multitaskers in the first place &#8212; the desire to cut costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A rescue pumper often does save money up front compared to expensive specialty apparatus that only do one thing at a time. It may allow you to <\/span><a href=\" http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-16\/issue-9\/features\/rescue-pumpers-show-strength-vs-heavy-rescues.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduce<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the size of your fleet while maintaining the same response capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.firerescuemagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-5\/issue-2\/speccing-buying\/the-multipurpose-vehicle-trend.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rescue pumpers do cost more than a traditional pumper, depending on the specifications included.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, a multipurpose rig may end up responding to a greater variety and volume of calls, so that wear and tear adds up quicker than on a specialty apparatus. This may raise your costs if you have to buy a <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marionbody.com\/fe_blog\/rescue-pumper-or-heavy-rescue\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">replacement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sooner than planned. So is it really cheaper if it shortens your replacement schedule?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not sure if you should go with a specialty or multipurpose?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/contact\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Jon\u2019s Mid America. We\u2019ll go over the needs of your departments to help you with your fire truck purchase. Choose the right rig to meet your requirements and those of your community.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s fiscal climate of tight municipal budgets, there is often less money for new fire apparatus. This trend has led many fire departments to turn to multifunctional fire trucks, as opposed to traditional specialty rescue and fire apparatus, in an attempt to cut costs. For example, a quality rescue pumper generally provides all of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1720,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[732,733],"tags":[745,789,790],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1148"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1148"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1148\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1720"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}