Glossary of firefighting equipment

Glossary of firefighting equipment refers to the various tools, devices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) used by firefighters to carry out their duties. This glossary provides a comprehensive list of the most commonly used firefighting equipment.

A

• Axe: A tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle, used for breaking down doors and windows.

B

• Bunker gear: Also known as turnout gear, it is the personal protective equipment used by firefighters.

C

• Cutting extinguisher: A high-pressure water jet cutting system used in firefighting.

D

• Dry chemical: A firefighting agent used in extinguishers to suppress fires.

E

• Extinguisher: A device used to control small fires.

F

• Fire hose: A high-pressure hose used to carry water or other fire retardant to a fire.

G

• Gas detector: A device used to detect the presence of gases in an area.

H

• Halligan bar: A forcible entry tool used by firefighters.

I

• Incident command system: A standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response.

J

• Jaws of life: A type of hydraulic rescue tool used to pry apart the wreckage of crashed vehicles.

K

• K-tool: A tool used to pull lock cylinders.

L

• Ladder: Used for climbing or reaching high places.

M

• Monitor: A device that projects water over long distances at a high velocity.

N

• Nozzle: A device designed to control the direction or characteristics of a fluid flow.

O

• Oxygen mask: A mask placed over the nose and mouth and connected to a supply of oxygen.

P

• Personal alert safety system: A system that emits an alarm when a firefighter becomes immobile.

Q

• Quint: A fire service vehicle that serves the dual purpose of an engine and a ladder truck.

R

• Rescue saw: A saw used for cutting through materials during a rescue operation.

S

• Smoke detector: A device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator of fire.

T

• Thermal imaging camera: A type of camera used to create an image using infrared radiation.

U

• Universal coupling: A coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing for the transmission of power.

V

• Ventilation fan: A fan used to remove smoke and heat from a structure.

W

• Wildland fire engine: A fire engine specifically designed to assist in fighting wildfires.

X

• Xenon light: A type of light used in search and rescue operations.

Y

• Y-coupling: A type of hose coupling with one input and two outputs.

Z

• Z-drag: A type of mechanical advantage system used in rope rescue.