The modern operating environment is increasingly more complex than ever before and will continue to challenge the response capabilities of the emergency services into the future. As a solutions provider, Rosenbauer see it as our mission to establish a shared vision together with our local state fire authorities and through this provide answers to these challenges.
So, what comes to mind when we think about future capabilities? Are these simply a shinier rendition of the old, or are we taking a more revolutionary approach? Meaning that instead of just replacing a capability ‘like for like’ because that’s the path of least resistance, are we taking the opportunity to challenge ourselves, to empathise with our stakeholders and completely break down the process, reimagine the outcome and introduce new technology to pursue even greater capabilities than we ever had before?
In recent years Rosenbauer Australia, based in Brisbane, Queensland has been instrumental in the cultivation of this revolutionary approach among Australian state fire authorities. The collaboration with like-minded stakeholders has resulted to date in the delivery of the most technologically advanced fire-appliance capabilities to the region. None more so than the Rosenbauer Aerial ladder type CAPA appliances. The term ‘CAPA’ stands for Combination Aerial Pumping Appliance. With unmatched cage-load capacities of 500kg and incredibly fast get-to-work times of less than 90 seconds because of world-leading aerial technology. These appliances promise to revolutionize the capability of firefighters in response to imminent challenges. The first Rosenbauer Aerial ladder type CAPA appliances (L20C-FA) were introduced to the Australian market in 2012, with South Australian Metropolitan fire service (MFS), and were originally designed to answer the challenge of urbanization and low- to medium-rise urban residential developments. Since then the capability has been proven time and time again. As a result, this valuable tool in the arsenal of the modern and dynamic fire service has evolved to encompass even greater working heights of up to 32m, including up-and-over capability and an even greater complement of specialist rescue and front-line pumper inventory. Preparedness for wide-ranging types of incidents from technical rescue, house fires, large-scale disasters and everything in between is now greater.
It is safe to say the term revolutionary is in Rosenbauer’s DNA. Its products spark excitement among the industry and encourage fundamental changes to the underlying ways of thinking.
Another example is the Rosenbauer Hybrid electric fire appliance or Revolutionary Technology ‘RT’ as it has been officially named. Such an ‘out of the box’ development may be considered the poster child of design thinking, a non-linear approach to problem solving that considers end users and challenges perceived assumptions to redefine problems through which groundbreaking solutions are generated.
Fundamental improvements in functionality, ergonomics and driving dynamics promise to offer major gains in the health and wellbeing space for our firefighters and emergency services personnel. For example, with the electric drive we not only address the question of acceleration and improved performance (driving dynamics), we are addressing the user wellbeing concerns associated with diesel particulate contamination, traditionally a common point of concern in the engine bays of fire stations and crew cabins. Furthermore, the reduction of noise when driving and pumping leads into further improvement of communication between the crew inside and outside the vehicle. Preparation and coordination of the crew prior to arriving on scene is further encouraged through the innovative cabin architecture, seating arrangement and high degree of connectivity thanks largely to technology integration and digitization.
The RT promises to redefine how we look at the future of fire-vehicle design and encourages us to reimagine the vision of desired capabilities.
Rosenbauer has long been revered as the leader in technology and innovation when it comes to complex and sophisticated fire-appliance solutions. The company benefits from over 150 years’ experience, researching, designing and manufacturing firefighting technology in house.
For more information, go to
https://innovation.rosenbauer.com/en/ or www.rosenbauer.com
