FAS Team Response

[Guest SpecOps]

What kind of vehicles/manpower and how does your department respond to MA requests for FASTeams? Anything you do differently to or with that vehicle or membership?

[Guest DG795]

Up to 2002, the Yorktown FASTeam responded in Rescue 16, this allowed a total of 7 firefighters to be transported (1 Chauffeur, 1 Officer, 5 Firefighters in the walk-in). In 2002, Engine 270 (2002 KME 1250/500) became the 1st Due FAST, with an 8 man cab. Both units have all neccessary FAST equipment, including airbags and hurst tool setups (both of these items are useful in collapse rescue FAST operations). Rescue 16 is still used as 2nd due FAST, if 270 is OOS or on another run. As far as the engine goes, it carries both engine and truck company tools, ventilation and forcible entry saws, search rope and utility rope, thermal imaging camera, EMS equip., FAST bags (include harnesses, webbing, bail out rope, etc), and a total of 7 scott packs. This whole package is on a short 161" wheelbase, giving the vehicle enhanced manuverability and "squeezability". Despite having alot of tools in not much space, the engine if far from crowded or stuffed. With a little creativity, all neccessary tools are mounted and accessible. (If anyone wants to check it out, it can be arranged). Having an engine as FAST has proved to be an asset, 270 has delivered the team, then set up as a pumper to keep the water moving. As far as manpower, the Engine will roll with 6+ men, depending on the amount of personnel that may respond to the scene. additional personnel respond in U36, or with the Chief assigned to the job.

[57truck 1]

Bedford Hills use to respond with Rescue 10 to all FASTeam calls until 57truck was placed in service in 2000. Both trucks carry all the neccessary FASTeam equipment, with the exception that Rescue 10 has LUKAS tools and airbags incase of some type of structual collapse and these tools are needed. When 57truck was placed in service it became the primary FASTeam unit and Rescue 10 as backup unit. Equipment on 57truck consists of a Bullard MTX thermal imager, ventialion vans, various saws for ventilation or forcible entry,Oxy-Acytelene torches for cutting metal objects and FASTeam equipment with (rope bags, search rope, bail out bags, pulleys, webbing, harnesses and various other FASTeam and truck company equipment. Ems equipment is also carried in the FAST compartment which consists of a jumpbag, o2 bag and defib. 57truck can carry 6 personnel and additional personnel will respond with either chief 2031,2032 or 2033 to all mutual aid FASTeam calls.

[Remember585 815]

Since its inception in June of 1998, the Croton FAST has been using Engine 119, a 1984 Mack pumper. The CFDFAST is made up of 21 members, all with the exception of 4 whom belong to Engine 119. (The other four are split, 2 from E118 and 2 from E120.) E119 carries a stokes, rabbit-tool, vent-saw, cordless sawzall, 4 sets irons, hooks, and other vital tools. When dispatched, the TIC from R18 also is brought along, usually by a Chief or Rescue Officer. Additional personnel respond with the Chief(s) responding, or in POV if absolutely neccessary. As of this writing, the CFDFAST has responded mutual aid 14 times this year. E118 is our secondary unit, outfitted the same as E119. If needed, TL44 and/or R18 will be deployed.

[CG206 29]

In Mohegan, the FAS Team responds with either Eng. 255 or Eng. 258 and Eng. 257 is a back-up to the FAS Team. Each Engine has a full sets of hand tools, hydraulic tools, air bags, various saws, Stokes Basket, EMS equipment. Other equipment used includes: 1) FAS Team bags with ropes, pulleys, webbing, harnesses 2) Bullard thermal imaging camara, 3) SCOTT RIT Pak. Members of the FAS Team respond to either Headquarters on Rt 6 or directly to the scene. 6 members are typical wanted, although a minimum of 4 members are needed to cover the call. The FAS Team is made up of about 20 volunteers firefighters, with one career personnel on each call.

[Mofire24 27]

My Dept reponds with an engine on all our Fasteam requests I think an engine is a smart move It's been more than once that the requesting agency needs our engine for hose or too draft for tankers so it almost has a dual purpose instead of striping the same dept for another engine or ladder atleast they can put that unit to work if needed its not like it is doing anything just parked at the firescene it will be there aslong as you are there with the fasteam so why not use it.