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History of Firefighting and Technology
This timeline will list some of the dates when technology was adopted by firefighters. -
1731 First Fire Engine in New York
In 1731, NY City ordered two engines from Richard Newsham of Cloths Fair, England. Built in 1725, the Newsham is the first successful and oldest authenticated fire engine in NY State.http://www.fasnyfiremuseum.com/fireequipment.php -
Speaking Trumpets used as early as 1752
Speaking Trumpets were first used as early as 1752 in NY by Fire Chiefs and Officers to shout orders to their men. The earliest were made of tin, then brass and silver of various sizes and shapes. http://www.fasnyfiremuseum.com/fireequipment.php -
Bucket Carriage used in Long Island, NY 1787
Bucket Carriage used by Continental Bucket Co.No.1, of Jamaica, Long Island NY. Iron stanchion in center of machine bears metal plate, “Jamaica 1787-1907”. Four-wheeled carriage equipped to carry 50 buckets to use in places where there were no hydrants. http://www.fasnyfiremuseum.com/fireequipment.php -
1963 Jaws of Life
Hydraulic rescue tools are used by emergency rescue personnel to assist vehicle extrication of crash victims, as well as other rescues from small spaces. These tools include cutters, spreaders, door busters and rams. They are popularly referred to in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as Jaws of Life. The Jaws of Life was first used in 1963 as a tool to free race car drivers from their vehicles after accidents. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaws_of_LIfe -
1st Thermal Imaging Camera
The Seattle Fire Department acquired its first thermal imaging camera in 1997, for a cost of $16,000 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_imaging_camera -
Early 21st Century
GPS or Global Positioning Systems are being installed in cars. Firefighters are using GPS in wild fire location and management.
