May 2024:

• Drones in Fire Service
• New Vendor: Hy-Conn
• Vendor Highlight: AMKUS Rescue
• Featured Item: FAST Board
• Funding & Grants Workshops
• Mobile Apparatus Repair
• HEN Nozzles Update

Drones in Fire Service

Drones are increasingly marking their mark on fire service by providing real-time situational awareness, mapping the fire perimeter, identifying hot spots, and much, much more. They've been utilized to varying degrees in first responder scenarios of all kinds in recent years, including: industrial & structural fires, search and rescue, wildland fire overhead, hazmat response, swift water rescue, investigations/building inspections, technical rescue, and natural disaster response.

Check out our latest blog post all about how drones are used in fire service, why departments choose to use them, what considerations there are if you're thinking about implementing a drone program, and more!

New Vendor: Hy-Conn

Traditionally, connecting a fire hose to a hydrant is a process that requires precision and can take valuable minutes. On average, this task can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the situation, including the threading and tightening of the connection. During an emergency, these minutes are crucial. Considering that the average fire truck tank holds approximately 500 to 750 gallons of water, which can be depleted in just a few minutes, the need to establish a steady water supply quickly is critical.

Hy-Conn is an innovative connector that reduces the connection time dramatically—from minutes to mere seconds. With Hy-Conn, it takes only 3 seconds to connect a hose to a fire hydrant and just 1 second to disconnect. This rapid action can significantly change the outcome of firefighting efforts, giving teams a head start in controlling and extinguishing fires.

Vendor Highlight: AMKUS Rescue

Check out our newest video, featuring one of our amazing vendor partners, AMKUS!

Musicbed SyncID: MB01XTPPBMHEU9L, MB018ERCG4F92EU, Created by: Woven Film Co.

The Original FAST Rescue Board is the ultimate rescue platform designed for maximum versatility and ease of use. Originally designed for Rapid Intervention in firefighter rescue, this system also excels in the fields of Confined Space, Hazardous Materials, Active Shooter Response, and all other areas of patient packaging, extrication, and transport. With the addition of the FAST Flotation Device the FAST Board is setting a new standard for water and ice rescue. Constructed with industry standard webbing and hardware, the innovative rapid packaging features will have your patient packaged and moving in seconds.

The Original FAST Board is equipped with durable spun mood plastic construction, Kevlar® lashing, rescue rated hardware, 4-point hoisting bridle, ARS Multi-Loop Drag Strap, and AWOGS decal package.

When seconds count, the need to pinpoint your cadre, your patients, and your equipment is obvious. As such, FAST Rescue Solutions has also created a FAST LITE board, with the addition of a lighted system, allowing the FAST LITE Board to become a beacon for rescuers engaged in “Saving Our Own, FAST.” The FAST LITE Board is equipped with fully integrated internally mounted LED lighting.

Funding & Grants Workshops

Have you been to one of our Funding and Grants Workshops yet? During these events, Chief Jeff Bryant talks through local, state, and federal funding opportunities and the excess property program to help your department or organization on the next steps to take to help your department gain the equipment you need to protect your citizens and district. There is no cost to attend, and enrollment is open to anyone wanting to learn more about the ways to help their department obtain funding. Check out our events page for all upcoming workshops and events, or contact your rep to get one scheduled in your area for 2024!

• May 2, 2024 – Reinbeck Fire Department Funding & Grants Workshop – Reinbeck, IA
• May 9, 2024 - Hancock Fire Department Funding & Grants Workshop - Hancock, MI
• May 11, 2024 – AMKUS Extrication Training – 2407 Dick Drake Way, Muscatine, IA
• May 21, 2024 – EV Extrication Training – 2300 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL  
• May 23, 2024 – Southern Brown FD Funding & Grants Workshop – Nashville, IN