Fire Apparatus and Abbreviations

Question 1

A

Answer 1

Aid car

A basic life support (BLS) unit

Question 2

AMB

Answer 2

Ambulance

A basic life support (BLS) unit-privately owned

Question 3

AIR

Answer 3

Air Unit

A vehicle designed to carry self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles and/or an air compressor

Question 4

B

Answer 4

Battalion Chief

Supervisor who directs, manages and provides assistance to fire department operations

Question 5

BOT

Answer 5

Boat

This could cover a multitude of watercraft that are used to recover patients in the water

Question 6

BR

Answer 6

Brush

A 4-wheel drive vehicle that is equipped with fire suppression capabilities

Question 7

CAR

Answer 7

CARES

Units are operated by the Bellevue Fire Department in support of fire and police operations. The staff could be social workers. They provide referrals to outside resources. (Only Bellevue Fire)

Question 8

DCN

Answer 8

Decontamination Unit

A utility truck with a trailer that has been designed as a part of the Eastside Fire & Rescue Hazmat team. The goal is to be able to decontaminate a large number of firefighters in a short span of time

Question 9

DIV

Answer 9

Dive Unit

A unit with equipment to support divers (underwater) for search, rescue and recovery operations

Question 10

E

Answer 10

Engine

Known as a “Fire Truck”- this apparatus is a traditional fire attack vehicle that carries between 500-1500 gallons of water

Question 11

HM

Answer 11

Hazmat

This is a specialty unit that is staffed by trained Hazardous Materials Technicians.

Question 12

L

Answer 12

Ladder

This large fire apparatus Carrie’s an aerial device that goes 65’ or higher and carries an extra compliment if ground ladders. *BEFD ladder units are actually two apparatus, a ladder truck and an engine to pump water

Question 13

M

Answer 13

Medic

This is an advanced life support (ALS) unit that is run by personnel who have earned their paramedic certification. They care for more critical patients and are operated by one of the three Medic One programs from our Fire Departments (Bellevue, Redmond, Shoreline)

Question 14

MCI

Answer 14

Medical Supply Unit (Multiple Casualty Incident)

This unit may be a vehicle or a trailer. The purpose is to store and transport a large amount of medical supplies

Question 15

MIH

Answer 15

Mobile Integrated Health

MHI units are operated in support of fire and police operations. Their staff may include social workers and firefighters.

Question 16

MSO

Answer 16

Medical Services Officer

This is a paramedic supervisor who responds to certain types of advanced life support incidents to help facilitate pre-hospital medical care and triage. Each Medic One program has an MSO

Question 17

MIDI

Answer 17

Midi

A fire engine on a short chassis. This unit was designed by Mercer Island Fire Department to reach addresses with narrow, winding driveways

Question 18

R

Answer 18

Rescue

This apparatus is specially equipped with various equipment used for extraction or rescue circumstances

Question 19

RHB

Answer 19

Rehab

This rig is designed to carry the materials needed to keep the firefighters on scene of a large event in good health and well supplied. It contains extra supplies, water bottles and other similar items

Question 20

TN

Answer 20

Tender

A water tender is a large truck with a take of water, but without the pump necessary to supply water for fire suppression. Tenders will be dispatched on calls in areas without fire hydrants

Question 21

TNE

Answer 21

Tender Engine

Currently only used by the Skykomish Fire Department, this apparatus has the pump and hose-carrying capacity of a traditional fire engine, with an expanded water supply

Question 22

UAS

Answer 22

Unmanned Aerial Systems

A drone, piloted (often) by volunteers. May have photo, video or thermal imaging capabilities that are useful for fire responses and investigations