PLATFORM ON DEMAND
(Photos by author.)
Platforms on demand (PODs) have made it possible for the Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department to increase response capabilities despite an austere budget. The system features self-contained, demonstrable units brought to the emergency site by a power unit that will transport to the incident scene POD units in the order dictated by the type of emergency. The chassis then can deliver subsequent POD modules to the incident scene as they are needed.
We became acquainted with the POI) system through our participation in the International Officer Exchange program. Members of our department participating in the program first observed these units when visiting the West Midlands Fire Brigade and the Rotterdam (Netherlands) Fire Brigade in the late 1980s. (See “England’s Demountable l nits,” Brian E. Fuller, Fire Engineering, October 1989.)
The two brigades conducted an extensive field exercise that demonstrated the capability of the various subunits in service at that time. Our personnel were impressed by the system’s flexibility, which provided a special response capability not possible with conventional units mounted on individual power units, and the system’s relatively low cost. The significant amount of documentation on the units brought back to the department ultimately was used to prepare our budget and to acquaint senior management staff members with this “highly unorthodox” system and the adaptations needed to make it suitable for our department’s needs.
THE ACQUISITION PROCESS
We submitted a detailed written proposal during the normal budget cycle. The POD system was accepted in principle as a replacement for the department’s aging mobile command bus. To ensure that all staff members involved in the acquisition-approval process understood how the POD system would be employed in our department, we constructed a scale model of the apparatus as it would be adapted for our department The original model, for example, consisted of a widely recognized industrial power unit and a command unit, along with a double-bottom trailer that would transport a hazardous-materials dccon and support unit. The trailer concept, while viable for commercial truck operations, was determined to be unsafe for emergency-response activities based on the rig’s size and length.
A full-length photo portfolio was assembled and used to augment the visual presentation. These visual aids proved invaluable in the actual bidding process because the apparatus market had had no experience with the POD concept. We developed a Request for Proposal and solicited competitive bids, and the selection committee awarded the contract for construction of the power unit and two POD modules.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The construction phase of the project involved three separate, yet interrelated, components: the chassis, the command POD, and the communications POD. The chassis selected for the system was an International Loadstar 5000 with a Cummins engine. The chassis then was sent to another site to have a hydraulic loading/unloading assembly installed. We decided to use this system instead of a cable-loading system such as that used in the roll-on/off solid-waste systems because the hydraulic unit provides more control, a critical consideration when the unit has a number of electronic components installed.
The chassis with the loading assembly installed then was sent back to the contracted manufacturer, where the command and communications POD units were under construction. The two container-base assemblies were identically constructed out of steel and fit-tested to the power chassis to check operational compatibility. This phase of the project proceeded on schedule with no major problems.
THE FIELD COMMAND UNIT
The field command POD, the first unit assembled, is constructed of aluminum. To enhance the unit’s stability, a King post was built in the center of the unit prior to the installation of the walls and roof. The POD is 24 feet long, is 8 feet wide, and has a height on the ground of 7 feet, 6 inches, with a maximum unit height of 12 feet.
To make the unit self-contained, two 7.5-kilowatt diesel-powered generators were installed in the unit’s forward section. A toilet facility that has storage capability for discharge and a small kitchen with a coffee pot, a microwave oven, and a refrigerator are included. These functions separate the command section of the POD from the data-receiving and retrieval component. The data section contains a computer, a cellular phone, a fax machine, and file cabinets for storage of hard-copy support documentation.
The S170,000 cost of the command POD, when compared with the more traditional apparatus approach, represents a significant savings. The module is engineered for a useful life expectancy of 30 years and can be adapted to changing technology. Because it does not contain the conventional power train and chassis of a regular response unit, additional savings in maintenance and capital outlay are realized.
THE HAZARDOUS-MATERIALS UNIT
The next POD placed in service was the hazardous-materials bulk storage unit. The department procured a standard 24-foot heavy-duty refuge dumpster through an existing solid waste contract for approximately S6,000. The box was modified by our apparatus section to include several shelves and holding bins for the bulky pads and absorbents we use. The lighting can be powered by a shore line or power from the mobile fire equipment generators. The unit was painted in the department’s paint shop and, after being lettered, was placed in service.
The cost savings in this case were significant. We estimated that it would have cost approximately 550,000 to purchase a separate vehicle to serve as the hazardous-materials bulk storage truck. We now’ have the response capability without having to add another motorized vehicle to the fleet.
THE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
The next POI) to go on line was the communications module. This unit incorporates many of the same construction characteristics as the field command POD. It is fully equipped and serves as a stand-alone emergency operations center with the capability to receive calls and dispatch apparatus. Communications equipment includes a full range of radio frequency capability in addition to cellular phone service.
If the unit is going to be on an incident scene for an extended period of time, the POD is connected to the existing telephone service. In addition to the radio and telephone capabilities, the unit has a portable fax machine and full mobile data terminal (MDT) service for dispatchers.
The communications POD is powered by two generators and has a full-service toilet unit identical to the one on the command POD. The unit has a unique feature that allows the module to be sectioned off by a dualpurpose radio cabinet door. This option enables the communications staff to distribute and repair radios without interfering with the dispatching efforts of the rest of the POD.
The S171,731 cost of the communications POD, when compared with the S 300,000 cost of a separate communications bus, represents a significant cost savings.
The POD transporter assigned to move the three modules cost SI31,000. In an emergency, it can be augmented with similar units from another county agency.
Two additional bulk storage PODs, which will enable the department to pelletize the international rescue team equipment, are on order. These PODs will be similar in construction to the hazardous-materials POD. The estimated cost of these two PODs is S 16,350; it would cost SI00,000 to
FUTURE APPLICATIONS
In the future, we expect to use POD units to modify two cave-in trailers that no longer can accommodate the growing volume of required heavy equipment. The projected cost for the apparatus-enhancement program is S 16,350 vs. the S 100,000 cost of the alternative: buying two separate trucks.
Due to our close proximity to major airports and railroads and the concentration of a significant number of people in our metropolitan region, our department should have the capability to respond to incidents involving mass casualties. The logistics of providing needed medical supplies in a timely fashion to a large number of victims, for example, would overwhelm the existing support system. One solution would be to prepackage these supplies in rapidly deployable POD units at an estimated cost of 550,000. An alternative would be to purchase a separate response masscasualty truck for SI00,000.
The department also is evaluating the feasibility of using POD units to provide an alternate water supply. This would enable us to establish a reliable water source rapidly should the primary system be disabled, as was the case during the San Francisco earthquake.
The department has made the transition to high-pressure breathing apparatus, and our apparatus section is exploring alternatives, including using PODs, for moving large numbers of spare cylinders and compressors to the scene. In addition, PODs also could be used for flammable materials incidents that require large-scale foam support.
The acquisition of an additional transporter unit certainly also is warranted. The unit would provide greater flexibility for initial response options as the number of POD units and their uses increase. The platform-ondemand concept definitely allows the chief fire officer with limited monetary resources more response options.
