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I've seen a lot of repeat questions asked all over on forums, youtube, etc. So here's me attempt at a comprehensive FAQ; feel free to add anything else you want to see added/corrected.
Post 1: Fire Operations and Special Operations | Post 2: Communications and Apparatus | Post 3: History
Fire Operations
Terms and Terminology:
Q: What is BI?
A: BI (or officially BISP) stands for Building Inspection Safety Protocol. This was implemented in 2007 following the death of 2 firefighters at the Duetsche Bank Fire, and replaced the old AFID program. Conducted every weekday, companies go out and inspect buildings in their first due response area to gather CIDs information and inspect for violations. When a unit is delayed due to BI it is usually because they have members inside a building and/or are responding from different parts of their area. At around 10:15 hours and 13:15 hours each day a roll all is taken over the air in each borough to check the 10-10 (location) of all units on BI.
Q: What is the FAST truck?
A: FAST stands for Firefighter Assist and Search team. While usually a truck company at times engines and other units can be FAST. A FAST truck at a box stands by in case a firefighter becomes trapped, injured, etc.; they are tasked, along with the Rescue and Squad, with locating lost firefighters and removing them safely.
Q: What is MUD?
A: MUD stands for Multi-unit Drill. Conducted every weekend, it is usually a drill excercise run by two or more houses that run 1st and 2nd due together on multiple boxes (e.g. E297, E295, L130, and TL144 in College Point/Whitestone).
Q: Primary/Secondary searches? What do they mean?
A: Primary searches are basically a quick sweep performed by truck companies while a fire is still burning. Secondary searches are a more careful, meticulous search after most fire has been put out for victims and extensions.
Q: What is Decon?
A: Decon, short for Decontamination, is generally used in two ways. The more common one is used by Engine companies following EMS runs when firefighters may need to clean off blood or other bodily fluids. The less common use is in a HazMat situation where both civilians and FDNY personnel may become contaminated by chemical agents. In that instance decon is usually done on-scene with one of the mobile Decon Shower trucks.
Q: What is [insert building type]?
A: There are several terms used to describe buildings. They include but are not limited to:
- Class 1: A (usually) more modern building made of fireproof material
- Class 3: A (usually) older building made of non-fireproof material
- SRO (Single-resident occupancy): A multiple dwelling with 1 occupant per room.
- OMD (Occupied Multiple Dwelling)
- PD (Private Dwelling)
- Commercial
- Mixed - Occupancy
Operations and Special Units:
For basic information on what companies do what, the FDNY has released educational videos on their website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/media/video/fdny-series/index.shtml
Q: What is a "Ladder Pipe Operation"? What's a stang and a multi-versatile?
- Ladder Pipe: Aerial Ladder companies do not have a pre-piped waterway attached to the aerial. In exterior operations tower ladders are usually used to deliver water to the fire. However, sometimes an aerial might be located in a way that it can reach the building where a tower can't, at which point a ladder pipe is put into operation. Ladder pipes consist of a nozzle with pre-attached length of hose, usually stored next to the aerial. The nozzle is attacked to the tip of the ladder and the hose stretched down the aerial, thus providing a fixed elevated water distribution point.
- Stang: A stang is the term for a deck gun. It can refer to the fixed deck gun on the engines or a portable one carried by engine cos. Because stangs are weighted down or fixed they can be used to deliver more water than regular handlines at exterior operations.
- Multi-versatile: These are carried and supplied by the satellite companies. A variety of lines can be supplied from 1 multi-versatile, making them useful in areas where hydrants may be limited.
Q: What is the job of a Squad company?
A: A squad responds as either an engine, truck, or special unit. They respond as engines to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd due boxes (with the exception of Squad 1), and as a special unit on All-Hands in their response area. Squad crews are also trained as HazMat techs and receive extensive SOC training.
Q: What is a Satellite?
A: The Satellite system actually consists of 2 parts: a 2000 gpm engine and a Satellite unit. The Satellite carries a deck gun with changeable tips; when fed by the engine it can feed water at rates around 5000 gpm. The Satellite rigs do not have pumps themselves; rather, they rely on the engine or a combination of engines to provide water. The Satellite also carries extra foam, hoses, manifolds, and multi-versatiles. The Satellite companies are E9/Satellite 1, E72/Satellite 2, E284/Satellite 3, E324/Satellite 4, E159/Satellite 5, and E207/Satellite 6. Each Satellite also has a backup engine, these are Engs. 24, 97, 330, 291, 152, and 210.
Q: What is a Purple K Unit?
A: Purple K unit carries several pounds of dry chemical retardent which is used instead of water on certain chemical and electrical fires. These rigs are assigned to an engine company and are staffed by members of the Engine.
Q: What is the High-Rise Unit?
A: High Rise Units are assigned to 10-76s and 2nd Alarm 10-77s citywide. They carry equipment, lights, and generators that are used in combating high-rise building fires. The High-Rise units are with Engs. 3 and 39, with Engs. 33 and 22 as backups.
Q: What do the High-Rise fire designations mean?
A: The high-rise designations are as follows:
- High-Rise Nozzle Engine: There are several engine companies citywide equipped with a High-Rise Nozzle, a long, bent nozzle that can be used to fight a fire via window from the floor below. A nozzle can be seen here here stored above the hosebed of E14. Usually the 4th-due Engine.
- CFRD Engine: Because EMS workers are not equipped with SCBA, at high rise fires an engine company is assigned to perform CFRD work on the upper floors where SCBA may be required to operate. Usually the 5th-due Engine.
- Lobby Control Engine/Chief: A High-Rise situation can be chaotic, both with the number of residents and responders. Lobby Control crews are responsible for maintaining the lobby, assisting residents out and keeping the lobby clear for other crews.
- Safety Officer: Works with the Safety Battalion to ensure the safety of members while operating.
- Ventilation Support Co.: A company equipped with a large Tempest Fan.
Q: What are the Thawing Units?
A: One in each borough, the Thawing Units are staffed only in the winter time and perform a "hydrant patrol" in which they thaw out frozen hydrants. They respond on reports of frozen hydrants at working fires, and can be special called to assist with the thawing out of hydrants, connections, and hoselines.
Q: What are the Highway Units?
A: The Highway units at L159 and L170 are used for responses on the Belt Parkway. They carry a compliment of truck tools and are used to access stretches of the Belt where weight requirements on the bridges do not permit a regular ladder apparatus.
Q: What are the RAC Units?
A: "RAC" stands for Recuperation and Care (or Rehab and Comfort depending who you ask). One is assigned on all incidents of All-Hands or greater. They carry a variety of replenishing fluids to supplement the cooler tanks carried by companies and provide a place for firefighters to take a breather during an operation, and are staffed by a single light-duty firefighter.
Q: What exactly is "The Rock"?
A: The Rock is the FDNY Training Academy on Randall's Island, located between the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. New firefighters receive basic training here, companies conduct drills here, and several SOC and HazMat units are quartered here. The Rock is also home to Chauffeur Training School (CTS) where firefighters train to operate the rigs. Oftentimes brand-new rigs will go to CTS before being sent to companies so that newer trainees could become familiar with them. Unused rigs that are not kept as spares or reserve companies are usually assigned to the Rock.
Special Operations Command
Q: What is SOC?
A: SOC stands for Special Operations Command. The Rescues, Squads, HazMat Units, and a variety of other specialized units fall under this Division.
Q: What are the various SOC companies?
A: There are a variety of units marked "SOC." The most common ones are:
- SOC Logistics Van: Basically assigned to assist with logistics at operations, carries extra supplies such as lights and batteries
- SOC Compressor Unit: This unit carries a large air compressor.
- SOC Dewatering Unit: A combination of the Dewatering Support Unit and a Tactical Support Unit, this company carries a dewatering pump to supplement those carried by engine companies for water removal operations.
- SOC Scuba Van: Technically a training unit now since all the Rescues are scuba-trained, this unit carries equipment and personnel for dive rescues as needed.
- SOC Decon: A decon unit similar to those quartered citywide.
- SOC Collapse POD: This is a combination company. The first part is the POD (Point-of-distribution) carrier; there are two of these, one at the Rock and the other on SI. The second part are the collapse PODs located throughout the city. Each POD can be loaded onto the carrier (a la dumpster style) and transported as needed.
- SOC Battalion (Rescue Battalion)
- HazMat Battalion
- Marine Battalion
Q: What are the Collapse Rescue Units?
A: The Collapse Rescue Unit actually consists of 2 parts: the Rescue Company, and the Collapse Rig. The Collapse unit responds to reports of collapses and 10-60s in the response area of the Rescue and carry a variety of planks and tools used for shoring up buildings. Collapse Rescues 1, 2, and 4 are quartered with SOC Support Trucks (L25, L132, L116) that respond with them and assist with collapse operations. CR3 and 5 are quartered with the Rescues. The backups for the CR units are TL14, TL131, L27, TL116, and E160/TL79.
Q: What is the Squad 1 TRV?
A: Squad 1 TRV is a holdover from Squad 1's early days, following the disbandment of the original squads. When Squad 1 was the first squad (and for decades the only squad) reformed, they were given the Technical Response Vehicle as a citywide special operations unit. To this day they continue to respond with the TRV on all 10-60s citywide. The TRV carries technical rescue equipment on one side and HazTec equipment (like those carried by the other squads) on the other.
Q: What are the Tactical Support Units?
A: The TSUs carry a variety of equipment not normally carried by the Rescues, Squads, and SSLs such as a generator, raft, crane, and Spotlights. They respond to all 2nd alarms and special rescues citywide. There are two TSUs, TSU1 on Roosevelt Island/The Rock and TSU2 on Staten Island.
Q: What is a SOC Support Ladder?
A: The SSLs consist of two pieces: the ladder company and a second supply truck. SSLs carry a variety of tools not normally carried by trucks that may come in handy in a special operation, including extra rescue tools. At least 2 SSLs are required to respond on a 10-60. At times when Rescue and Squad companies are busy an SSL may be assigned instead. A list of SSLs can be found here: http://nycfire.net/fdny/soc_truck
Q: What is a Chemical Protective Clothing Ladder?
A: A CPC truck consists of two pieces: the ladder company and a second supply truck. CPC companies carry chemical suits used to mitigate HazMat situations, primarily for decon. They are not the same as the ones carried by the HazMat companies. A list of CPC units can be found here: http://nycfire.net/fdny/hazmat/cpc
Q: What's the difference between HazTec and HazMat?
A: The main difference is degree of severity. A HazTec incident is usually a smaller hazardous material spill or leak. The city's Squads, as well as Engs 44, 165, 250, 274, and Rescue 5 are trained in HazTec operations and have a second piece for handling such incidents. HazMat incidents are usually larger, either in size or danger depending on the chemicals (e.g. an oil tanker leak that cannot be containe by HazTec). These incidents bring HazMat 1 and the HazMat Battalion.
Q: What's a Decon Task Force?
A: There are two kinds of DTFs, the Technical Task Force and the Mass Task Force. Technical Task force consists of a SOC Support Truck, the engine housed with it, and the Battalion Chief for that house. A list of TDTF can be found here: http://nycfire.net/fdny/hazmat/decon_tf . The MDTF by comparison consists of 1 Battalion, 2 engines, 1 CPC Tower Ladder, 2 SOC Support Trucks for gross decon of multiple victims.
Q: What's the difference between Marine 1 and Marine 1 Alpha?
A: There are two kinds of fire boats used by the city: the large, standard fireboat and a smaller attack craft. The large boats, Marines 1, 6, and 9, have several deck guns capable of pumping out massive amounts of water at high pressure. They are staffed full-time and respond normally assigned on all marine incidents and a majority of waterside boxes. The smaller, faster attack boats may be staffed by as little as 2 firefighters, and only have 1 or 2 deck gun(s). Several of them are seasonal companies that are only staffed at certain times of day, such as Marines 3 and 4. Marine 1 and Marine 1A is a combination company, with Marine 1 being the main ship and Marine 1A being a fast attack boat. When Marine 1 receives a box, the members will determine which boat is appropriate.
Q: Why do Marines 3, 4, and 8 go "10-9" at night?
A: These three "light" boats are only in service from 0700 hours to 2300 hours daily, from late spring to early fall.
Q: What is the Command Tactical Unit?
A: Operating out of FD Operations Headquarters at 9 Metrotech in Brooklyn, the CTU is basically a mobile camera van. Staffed by 1 officer and 1 firefighter, it has a variety of wireless and satellite linked cameras, both portable and mounted, that could be set up to provide live video to the vehicle's interior monitors as well as to portable computers that can be set up at the command post. They can also be streamed live to FDOC and remain in contact with FDOC to provide both Operations and the Incident Commander with updated information from multiple angles of the operation, providing both with live video of what was previously only conveyed through radio messages.
Also see the main site: http://nycfire.net/node/286
Post 1: Fire Operations and Special Operations | Post 2: Communications and Apparatus | Post 3: History
Fire Operations
Terms and Terminology:
Q: What is BI?
A: BI (or officially BISP) stands for Building Inspection Safety Protocol. This was implemented in 2007 following the death of 2 firefighters at the Duetsche Bank Fire, and replaced the old AFID program. Conducted every weekday, companies go out and inspect buildings in their first due response area to gather CIDs information and inspect for violations. When a unit is delayed due to BI it is usually because they have members inside a building and/or are responding from different parts of their area. At around 10:15 hours and 13:15 hours each day a roll all is taken over the air in each borough to check the 10-10 (location) of all units on BI.
Q: What is the FAST truck?
A: FAST stands for Firefighter Assist and Search team. While usually a truck company at times engines and other units can be FAST. A FAST truck at a box stands by in case a firefighter becomes trapped, injured, etc.; they are tasked, along with the Rescue and Squad, with locating lost firefighters and removing them safely.
Q: What is MUD?
A: MUD stands for Multi-unit Drill. Conducted every weekend, it is usually a drill excercise run by two or more houses that run 1st and 2nd due together on multiple boxes (e.g. E297, E295, L130, and TL144 in College Point/Whitestone).
Q: Primary/Secondary searches? What do they mean?
A: Primary searches are basically a quick sweep performed by truck companies while a fire is still burning. Secondary searches are a more careful, meticulous search after most fire has been put out for victims and extensions.
Q: What is Decon?
A: Decon, short for Decontamination, is generally used in two ways. The more common one is used by Engine companies following EMS runs when firefighters may need to clean off blood or other bodily fluids. The less common use is in a HazMat situation where both civilians and FDNY personnel may become contaminated by chemical agents. In that instance decon is usually done on-scene with one of the mobile Decon Shower trucks.
Q: What is [insert building type]?
A: There are several terms used to describe buildings. They include but are not limited to:
- Class 1: A (usually) more modern building made of fireproof material
- Class 3: A (usually) older building made of non-fireproof material
- SRO (Single-resident occupancy): A multiple dwelling with 1 occupant per room.
- OMD (Occupied Multiple Dwelling)
- PD (Private Dwelling)
- Commercial
- Mixed - Occupancy
Operations and Special Units:
For basic information on what companies do what, the FDNY has released educational videos on their website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/media/video/fdny-series/index.shtml
Q: What is a "Ladder Pipe Operation"? What's a stang and a multi-versatile?
- Ladder Pipe: Aerial Ladder companies do not have a pre-piped waterway attached to the aerial. In exterior operations tower ladders are usually used to deliver water to the fire. However, sometimes an aerial might be located in a way that it can reach the building where a tower can't, at which point a ladder pipe is put into operation. Ladder pipes consist of a nozzle with pre-attached length of hose, usually stored next to the aerial. The nozzle is attacked to the tip of the ladder and the hose stretched down the aerial, thus providing a fixed elevated water distribution point.
- Stang: A stang is the term for a deck gun. It can refer to the fixed deck gun on the engines or a portable one carried by engine cos. Because stangs are weighted down or fixed they can be used to deliver more water than regular handlines at exterior operations.
- Multi-versatile: These are carried and supplied by the satellite companies. A variety of lines can be supplied from 1 multi-versatile, making them useful in areas where hydrants may be limited.
Q: What is the job of a Squad company?
A: A squad responds as either an engine, truck, or special unit. They respond as engines to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd due boxes (with the exception of Squad 1), and as a special unit on All-Hands in their response area. Squad crews are also trained as HazMat techs and receive extensive SOC training.
Q: What is a Satellite?
A: The Satellite system actually consists of 2 parts: a 2000 gpm engine and a Satellite unit. The Satellite carries a deck gun with changeable tips; when fed by the engine it can feed water at rates around 5000 gpm. The Satellite rigs do not have pumps themselves; rather, they rely on the engine or a combination of engines to provide water. The Satellite also carries extra foam, hoses, manifolds, and multi-versatiles. The Satellite companies are E9/Satellite 1, E72/Satellite 2, E284/Satellite 3, E324/Satellite 4, E159/Satellite 5, and E207/Satellite 6. Each Satellite also has a backup engine, these are Engs. 24, 97, 330, 291, 152, and 210.
Q: What is a Purple K Unit?
A: Purple K unit carries several pounds of dry chemical retardent which is used instead of water on certain chemical and electrical fires. These rigs are assigned to an engine company and are staffed by members of the Engine.
Q: What is the High-Rise Unit?
A: High Rise Units are assigned to 10-76s and 2nd Alarm 10-77s citywide. They carry equipment, lights, and generators that are used in combating high-rise building fires. The High-Rise units are with Engs. 3 and 39, with Engs. 33 and 22 as backups.
Q: What do the High-Rise fire designations mean?
A: The high-rise designations are as follows:
- High-Rise Nozzle Engine: There are several engine companies citywide equipped with a High-Rise Nozzle, a long, bent nozzle that can be used to fight a fire via window from the floor below. A nozzle can be seen here here stored above the hosebed of E14. Usually the 4th-due Engine.
- CFRD Engine: Because EMS workers are not equipped with SCBA, at high rise fires an engine company is assigned to perform CFRD work on the upper floors where SCBA may be required to operate. Usually the 5th-due Engine.
- Lobby Control Engine/Chief: A High-Rise situation can be chaotic, both with the number of residents and responders. Lobby Control crews are responsible for maintaining the lobby, assisting residents out and keeping the lobby clear for other crews.
- Safety Officer: Works with the Safety Battalion to ensure the safety of members while operating.
- Ventilation Support Co.: A company equipped with a large Tempest Fan.
Q: What are the Thawing Units?
A: One in each borough, the Thawing Units are staffed only in the winter time and perform a "hydrant patrol" in which they thaw out frozen hydrants. They respond on reports of frozen hydrants at working fires, and can be special called to assist with the thawing out of hydrants, connections, and hoselines.
Q: What are the Highway Units?
A: The Highway units at L159 and L170 are used for responses on the Belt Parkway. They carry a compliment of truck tools and are used to access stretches of the Belt where weight requirements on the bridges do not permit a regular ladder apparatus.
Q: What are the RAC Units?
A: "RAC" stands for Recuperation and Care (or Rehab and Comfort depending who you ask). One is assigned on all incidents of All-Hands or greater. They carry a variety of replenishing fluids to supplement the cooler tanks carried by companies and provide a place for firefighters to take a breather during an operation, and are staffed by a single light-duty firefighter.
Q: What exactly is "The Rock"?
A: The Rock is the FDNY Training Academy on Randall's Island, located between the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. New firefighters receive basic training here, companies conduct drills here, and several SOC and HazMat units are quartered here. The Rock is also home to Chauffeur Training School (CTS) where firefighters train to operate the rigs. Oftentimes brand-new rigs will go to CTS before being sent to companies so that newer trainees could become familiar with them. Unused rigs that are not kept as spares or reserve companies are usually assigned to the Rock.
Special Operations Command
Q: What is SOC?
A: SOC stands for Special Operations Command. The Rescues, Squads, HazMat Units, and a variety of other specialized units fall under this Division.
Q: What are the various SOC companies?
A: There are a variety of units marked "SOC." The most common ones are:
- SOC Logistics Van: Basically assigned to assist with logistics at operations, carries extra supplies such as lights and batteries
- SOC Compressor Unit: This unit carries a large air compressor.
- SOC Dewatering Unit: A combination of the Dewatering Support Unit and a Tactical Support Unit, this company carries a dewatering pump to supplement those carried by engine companies for water removal operations.
- SOC Scuba Van: Technically a training unit now since all the Rescues are scuba-trained, this unit carries equipment and personnel for dive rescues as needed.
- SOC Decon: A decon unit similar to those quartered citywide.
- SOC Collapse POD: This is a combination company. The first part is the POD (Point-of-distribution) carrier; there are two of these, one at the Rock and the other on SI. The second part are the collapse PODs located throughout the city. Each POD can be loaded onto the carrier (a la dumpster style) and transported as needed.
- SOC Battalion (Rescue Battalion)
- HazMat Battalion
- Marine Battalion
Q: What are the Collapse Rescue Units?
A: The Collapse Rescue Unit actually consists of 2 parts: the Rescue Company, and the Collapse Rig. The Collapse unit responds to reports of collapses and 10-60s in the response area of the Rescue and carry a variety of planks and tools used for shoring up buildings. Collapse Rescues 1, 2, and 4 are quartered with SOC Support Trucks (L25, L132, L116) that respond with them and assist with collapse operations. CR3 and 5 are quartered with the Rescues. The backups for the CR units are TL14, TL131, L27, TL116, and E160/TL79.
Q: What is the Squad 1 TRV?
A: Squad 1 TRV is a holdover from Squad 1's early days, following the disbandment of the original squads. When Squad 1 was the first squad (and for decades the only squad) reformed, they were given the Technical Response Vehicle as a citywide special operations unit. To this day they continue to respond with the TRV on all 10-60s citywide. The TRV carries technical rescue equipment on one side and HazTec equipment (like those carried by the other squads) on the other.
Q: What are the Tactical Support Units?
A: The TSUs carry a variety of equipment not normally carried by the Rescues, Squads, and SSLs such as a generator, raft, crane, and Spotlights. They respond to all 2nd alarms and special rescues citywide. There are two TSUs, TSU1 on Roosevelt Island/The Rock and TSU2 on Staten Island.
Q: What is a SOC Support Ladder?
A: The SSLs consist of two pieces: the ladder company and a second supply truck. SSLs carry a variety of tools not normally carried by trucks that may come in handy in a special operation, including extra rescue tools. At least 2 SSLs are required to respond on a 10-60. At times when Rescue and Squad companies are busy an SSL may be assigned instead. A list of SSLs can be found here: http://nycfire.net/fdny/soc_truck
Q: What is a Chemical Protective Clothing Ladder?
A: A CPC truck consists of two pieces: the ladder company and a second supply truck. CPC companies carry chemical suits used to mitigate HazMat situations, primarily for decon. They are not the same as the ones carried by the HazMat companies. A list of CPC units can be found here: http://nycfire.net/fdny/hazmat/cpc
Q: What's the difference between HazTec and HazMat?
A: The main difference is degree of severity. A HazTec incident is usually a smaller hazardous material spill or leak. The city's Squads, as well as Engs 44, 165, 250, 274, and Rescue 5 are trained in HazTec operations and have a second piece for handling such incidents. HazMat incidents are usually larger, either in size or danger depending on the chemicals (e.g. an oil tanker leak that cannot be containe by HazTec). These incidents bring HazMat 1 and the HazMat Battalion.
Q: What's a Decon Task Force?
A: There are two kinds of DTFs, the Technical Task Force and the Mass Task Force. Technical Task force consists of a SOC Support Truck, the engine housed with it, and the Battalion Chief for that house. A list of TDTF can be found here: http://nycfire.net/fdny/hazmat/decon_tf . The MDTF by comparison consists of 1 Battalion, 2 engines, 1 CPC Tower Ladder, 2 SOC Support Trucks for gross decon of multiple victims.
Q: What's the difference between Marine 1 and Marine 1 Alpha?
A: There are two kinds of fire boats used by the city: the large, standard fireboat and a smaller attack craft. The large boats, Marines 1, 6, and 9, have several deck guns capable of pumping out massive amounts of water at high pressure. They are staffed full-time and respond normally assigned on all marine incidents and a majority of waterside boxes. The smaller, faster attack boats may be staffed by as little as 2 firefighters, and only have 1 or 2 deck gun(s). Several of them are seasonal companies that are only staffed at certain times of day, such as Marines 3 and 4. Marine 1 and Marine 1A is a combination company, with Marine 1 being the main ship and Marine 1A being a fast attack boat. When Marine 1 receives a box, the members will determine which boat is appropriate.
Q: Why do Marines 3, 4, and 8 go "10-9" at night?
A: These three "light" boats are only in service from 0700 hours to 2300 hours daily, from late spring to early fall.
Q: What is the Command Tactical Unit?
A: Operating out of FD Operations Headquarters at 9 Metrotech in Brooklyn, the CTU is basically a mobile camera van. Staffed by 1 officer and 1 firefighter, it has a variety of wireless and satellite linked cameras, both portable and mounted, that could be set up to provide live video to the vehicle's interior monitors as well as to portable computers that can be set up at the command post. They can also be streamed live to FDOC and remain in contact with FDOC to provide both Operations and the Incident Commander with updated information from multiple angles of the operation, providing both with live video of what was previously only conveyed through radio messages.
Also see the main site: http://nycfire.net/node/286
