Response Standards
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To aid us in emergency response, we have a number of different fire engines that we call "Appliances" or "Pumps". Each vehicle has a specific purpose and varied equipment carried onboard.
Rescue Pump
The most common front line appliance deployed to all emergency calls. It is a general purpose unit capable of carrying and pumping water, carrying rescue and cutting equipment to deal with road traffic accidents and other rescue operations, a large ladder (for example 13.5m) and several smaller ladders and roof ladders. It is crewed by up to 6 firefighters.
Water Ladder
A Water Ladder is very similar to the Rescue Pump, however there is less emphasis on rescue gear and it usually carries a smaller ladder (for example 9m or 10.5m). It is normally mobilised to support the initial appliance or to respond to secondary, less urgent incidents. It is crewed by four to six firefighters.
Light 4x4 Pump
Light Four-Wheel Drive Pumps (L4P) are a smaller version of the front line fire engine. They are usually used in rural locations where they can more easily negotiate tough terrain, narrow streets or remote access to certain areas.
The Light Six-Wheel Drive Pump (L6P) is a smaller version of the front line fire engine. It is usually used in rural locations or areas where access is particularly difficult, as it can more easily negotiate tough terrain, narrow streets or remote access to certain areas, such as railway embankments. This appliance is stationed at Church Stretton as it's suited to the local terrain.
Light Pumping Unit
The Light Pumping Unit (LPU) is used to pump large volumes of water over long distances. It can be used in flood relief or at incidents where water is scarce. The submersible pump makes it possible for 6,000 litres of water to be delivered to the fireground up to a mile away, thanks to a 1,740m length of 6" hose. Shropshire has 2 of these appliances, stationed at Craven Arms and Shrewsbury.
High Volume Pumping Unit
The High Volume Pumping Unit (HVPU) is a larger version of the LPU, and a national resillience asset. It can be used in flood relief or at incidents where water is scarce. The submersible pump makes it possible for 8,000 litres of water to be delivered to the fireground up to over a mile away, thanks to a 3km length of 12" hose. Shropshire has 2 of these appliances, stationed at Prees.
The Water Carrier is a tanker that is used to provide vast volumes of water to locations that may not have a nearby hydrant or open water supply. This appliance is stationed at Bridgnorth.
Aerial Ladder Platform
An Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) is an appliance with a ladder platform capable of extending 32m (or 104ft) in height, being able to deploy an elevated jet of water, or to provide a method of rescuing trapped people.
Incident Support Unit
An Incident Support Unit (ISU) is a 4x4 pick-up used as transport or at incidents where access is restricted. It carries specialist equipment pods for different situations, which can be changed at a moment's notice.