1) ACCESSORIES
On the side of the stairs there is a rigid pipe that takes the water to a nozzle, operated by remote control. Thus, the combatant does not even need to climb. It is also possible to attach other items to the end of the ladder, such as a platform or a basket, to facilitate rescues at height. On the platform there is also a control panel.
2) DOUBLE CABIN
In addition to the driver, who is a fireman trained to drive this type of transport, the ABE can carry up to five fighters. In the double cabin, each seat has special backrests, with slots for respiratory protection equipment: the fireman can put on PPE before entering and finish equipping inside the truck, on the way to the fire.
3) CONTROL PANEL
It is the control center for the water pump and other equipment. There are the manometers (pressure indicators) of the water outlets, valves, hour meter (a type of usage clock), foam system controls, voltmeters, etc. There is water and foam outlets to fit the hoses – the larger nozzles are for refilling the tank.
4) SWIVEL LADDER
In general, ABE trucks are imported and arrive in Brazil assembled. In this model, the revolving ladder is made of aluminum, has a length of up to 19 m, rotates 360 degrees and its hydraulic control is located at the back of the vehicle. A security system prevents the truck move with the ladder raised.
5) TANK
As the ABE takes a ladder and other equipment, there is little space left for the water tank, which only holds 1,800 liters. But it can be recharged using a hydrant on the street, another vehicle (such as a truck-pipa) or sucking water from pools or rivers. There’s also a smaller liquid-to-foam tank that makes water yield up to six times more.
6) WATER PUMPS
It has pressure of up to 3,785 liters per minute, but this power is hardly used, because it would empty the tank in 30 seconds! At this force, the jet coming out of a nozzle can reach more than 70 m. A smaller caliber hose, called “little mango”, is used to put out isolated flames and in aftermath work.
7) STABILIZATION SHOES
Before lifting the ladder, it is necessary to increase the stability and level the truckplacing chocks on the tires and extending four supports: the gannets. They extend the support base of the ladder, preventing it from making a lever and overturning the vehicle. The shoes are mounted on large wooden shims, which prevent the floor from sagging.
OTHER TRUCK TYPES
In the infographic above, did you meet the ladder autopump (ABE), a versatile vehicle that “blends” qualities from other models. Check them out:
A) Emergency self-help (ASE)
Agile and versatile vehicle, full of cabinets to take equipment to different types of occurrences, from traffic jams to searches in flooded areas. It may have a water tank and carry extrication tools, towing, first aid and fire extinguishers, among other things.
B) Staircase (AE)
For rescues at height, firefighters can carry this truck of support. Your revolving ladder has up to 60 m (equivalent to a 20-story building) and can support up to 400 kg of weight at the tip or 800 kg along the length. It also supports accessories such as a platform, basket or stretcher. On the other hand, it doesn’t have a water tank.
C) Tank Autopump (ABT)
Its function is load maximum water and foam. The tank can hold up to 6,000 liters of water. With foam liquid, this volume is multiplied up to six times. Two gauge hoses (38 cm and 63 cm) are stored on the sides, along with nozzles, adapters and connectors, keys to open hydrants and other equipment.
SOURCES Superior School of Firefighters of São Paulo It is Sao Paulo Fire Department It is of the Federal District; websites pierce, AND-One, Magirus, Iturri, iveco It isHolmatro
CONSULTANCY Captain Diógenes Martins Munhoz, Lieutenant Diego Assunção Verde, Sergeant Hélio Pires Braz Filho, Marco Mello, Iveco director for firefighting vehicles, It is Cassio Rockenbach, commercial manager at Mitren