New Technology

In firefighting we are always presented with new technology, which claims to make our job safer and easier.  Look at TIC's for example, a great piece of technology but only when it works.  The point I'm trying to make is that no matter what technology they come out with, we still need to remember the basics of our job.  As I looked over one of my favorite websites today, I saw fellow blogger Dave Statter had posted a link to a story on a new firefighter location technology.

Here's the link: http://statter911.com/2011/12/05/video-mfri-trx-systems-demonstrate-tracking-system/

 This technology claims to be able to help us locate firefighters inside of buildings even when there is no GPS signal.  This is a huge step forward, but many questions still remain like: Where will the equipment mount? How will it hold up to high heat and the abuse of firefighters? How much is it? just to name a few.  It appears to work very well in the video, but you never know until the units are in the field and firefighters wearing them.  I truly do look forward to this technology advancing and hopefully interfacing into the fire service everywhere.
That brings me to my main point, we can't forget the basics.  Even with high tech firefighter locators, you have to understand a primary search, and how to command a mayday or RIT activation.  You can't just dump firefighters in a building and say "go get 'em" without some basic understanding of search beyond looking at a computer screen.  What will we do if the computer dies (which it will)?  What will do if the locator malfunctions (which it will)?  Both of the questions show why we must not ever forget the basics even if we are given the latest technology.  Our training as firefighters gives us the fundamental knowledge to operate the technology and compensate when it fails.  Without a firefighter's knowledge the best technology in the world is crap.  Remember the basics, because when technology fails (and it will) you have to be able to finish the mission or assignment you are responsible for no matter what excuses you have.

Until the next one, stay safe and stay trained.