FF Instructions

All Fire Trucks contain the following:

Engines: All LAFD Engines are Triple Combination apparatus, meaning they can pump water, carry hose, and have a water tank. Commonly called, "triples" by firefighters, these powerful fire engines are the core of the city's fire defense system. LAFD engines are designed specifically for the diverse needs of the City of Los Angeles. They are housed in single engine fire stations, as well as at task force stations with companion truck companies. This example is a brand new 2010 KME, one of a series of new KME apparatus, designed and built exclusively for the LAFD. These KME triples are unlike any built for other agencies, including but not limited to the LAcFD. Special features include 4-wheel disc brakes, a brush box (for wildfire equipment) that is built in to the unit (rather than sitting on top, creating more drag and reducing fuel efficiency), and advanced lighting and monitor controls.

HazMat: In the event of a chemical or dangerous toxin emergencies, or a bomb threat, the LAFD will dispatch a HazMat apparatus. Strategically stationed around the City of Los Angeles, these specialized firefighting rigs are an essential component of every L.A. resident's safety.

US&R - this rig is commonly called a U-SAR which is short for Urban Search and Rescue. There are US&R rigs stationed strategically around the City of Los Angeles. These apparatus are critical assets during an earthquake, a train or aircraft accident, or in any situation where people may be trapped. Common uses are for rescue work in trench collapses and significant traffic accidents. A US&R is essentially a huge toolbox operated by "US&R Certified" firefighters. The US&R mission is in alignment with FEMA's rescue initiatives as well.

EMS Supervisor's - in the Los Angeles Fire Department, EMS Captain's play a critical role in serious rescue or medical related situations. An example of such an incident would be a Multiple Casualty Incident, or MCI. All EMS resources within a given area report indirectly to the respective EMS Captain, although primary responsibility remains with the individual company commanders (at each Fire Station). In today's complex and challenging financial situation, EMS Captains have been given a much wider responsibility, often covering three or four Battalions. It's more work with fewer resources, but the public's safety remains the department's singular priority. Due to budget restraints, there are currently two EMS supervisors in each Division of the City of Los Angeles.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance- All BLS Ambulances are staffed by firefighters who rotate through as part of their normal assignments. All LAFD members are EMT-D certified. EMT-D stands for Emergency Medical Technician - Defibrillator, meaning that LAFD fireighters are trained in pre-hospital medical assessment and care with the added skill of operating an automatic external defibrillator.

ALS (Advanced Life Support) Rescue Ambulance - these vehicles are often referred to as "RAs" rather than the FEMA-standard MEDIC used by some departments. LAFD ALS RAs are staffed by two Firefighter/Paramedics.

Division Command Sedan - these are similar in terms of equipment and setup to Battalion Sedans. Traditionally, these sedans have been staffed by an Assistant Chief responsible for one of the city's fire protection divisions, and a "command team" Staff Assistant. Together, the command team is responsible for the administrative and fire/emergency suppression requirements of a large geographic region of the City of Los Angeles.

LAFD Command Unit - the apparatus is used for major incidents within the City of Los Angeles or on request at a unified command post when collaborating with other departments and agencies. The Command Trailers include a wide array of equipment used for planning, communications, and incident management. An Incident Commander (IC) will typically be the person managing a mobile facility such as this.

Command Support Trailer - this apparatus travels with the Command Rig to major incidents. Inside, a series of LAFD officers manage planning, communications, GIS mapping, and other critical functions that support the officers at the Command Post. Captains from the Critical Incident Planning and Training Section typically will man this trailer during a significant incident.