District apparatus resources include engines, trucks, ambulances, water tenders, and other specialized equipment for rescue, haz mat, communications and support functions. Apparatus are categorized or "typed" (i.e. Type 1, Type 3) by capability to assist with resource ordering. Resource typing definitions provide emergency managers with the information they need to request and receive the specific resources they need during an emergency or disaster. Resource typing also helps to promote common terminology of apparatus descriptions and equipment complements across agencies.

Engines, Type 1

Type 1 fire engines are used primarily for structural firefighting. They are equipped with large diameter supply hose, have very high capacity pumps, and are designed to operate on paved surfaces. The District staffs nine front line Type 1 engines each day. Within the PulsePoint application engines of this type are indicated with an "E" followed by two digits, such as E31 or E32.

Engines, Type 3

Type 3 fire engines are designed to fight fires in areas unreachable with Type 1 engines. Type 3 engines are equipped with four wheel drive, rugged suspension and high wheel clearance for steep, off-road conditions. Within the PulsePoint application engines of this type are indicated with an "E" followed by three digits, such as E331 or E332.

Engines, Type 6

Type 6 fire engines are designed to fight fires in areas unreachable with Type 1 engines. Type 6 engines are equipped with four wheel drive, rugged suspension and high wheel clearance for steep, off-road conditions. They are designed for quick mobile attacks in the grass lands that surround the developed areas of our Fire District. Within the PulsePoint application engines of this type are indicated with an "E" followed by three digits, such as E633 or E630.

Ladder Trucks

A tiller truck, also known as a tractor-drawn aerial (TDA), is a highly specialized turntable ladder mounted on a semi-trailer truck. It has separate steering wheels and drivers for the front and rear wheels. Ladder trucks are by necessity rather long and tiller trucks are far more maneuverable than traditional commercial trucks of similar length. This apparatus is designed and equipped to provide a continuous egress route from an elevated position to the ground, equipped to support fire fighting and rescue operations and capable of discharging water from an elevated position. All front-line District ladder trucks are tillers and each is equipped with a 100-foot aerial ladder. Within the PulsePoint application trucks are indicated with a "T" followed by two digits, such as T31 or T34.

Rescue/Medic Ambulances

Rescue/Medic ambulances are vehicles used to deliver advanced medical care to sick or injured patients and to transport these patients to the hospital. Rescue/Medic ambulances carry sophisticated rescue and disentanglement tools, advanced medical devices such as the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and are staffed by highly-skilled firefighter/paramedics. Five Rescue/Medic ambulances are staffed each day. Additional reserve units can be immediately staffed if required. Within the PulsePoint application Rescue/Medic ambulances staffed with three personnel are indicated with a "RM" followed by two digits, such as RM31. If an ambulance is staffed with two personnel it is consider a Paramedic Unit and is indicated with a designation of "PM" followed by two digits, such as PM32 or PM39. SR31 is a Single Role Paramedic Unit with two paramedics. 

Urban Search and Rescue Unit (USAR134)

The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Unit is a "tool box on wheels" equipped with heavy lifting, core drilling, search, shoring and other specialized equipment to support the District's Rescue Team. Urban Search and Rescue involves the location, rescue, and initial stabilization of victims trapped in confined spaces. The unit also carries equipment to support rope rescue, trench rescue, entanglement emergencies, heavy equipment accidents and flood/swift water rescue.

Hazmat Unit (HM35)

The Hazmat Unit is a specialized vehicle operated by the Hazmat Team equipped to handle hazardous material incidents such as chemical releases. The primary function of the unit is to reduce the impacts of a hazardous materials incident on life, the environment, and property. The unit has an onboard technical reference office which allows fire personnel access to advanced resources and communications. The unit contains a mobile laboratory to test and identify unknown materials on scene. The vehicle carries several types of protective clothing including fully-encapsulating suits. The unit also contains tools and equipment to contain, control and mitigate releases of hazardous materials. HM35 is made available for response throughout Contra Costa County through mutual aid agreements.

Breathing Support Unit (BS31)

The Breathing Support Unit is a mobile breathing air compressor with the capability of providing a remote air supply and of filling multiple self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles simultaneously at an emergency scene. The unit is also outfitted with portable and telescoping lighting equipment and carries food for crews working on extended incidents.

Communication Support Unit (CS131)

The Communication Support Unit is a Type 1 Mobile Command Post primarily for use as a backup emergency communications center. Communication center staff deployed to the unit can remotely answer 9-1-1 and other District telephone lines and maintain radio contact with field personnel. With four dispatch workstations, a small planning room, a kitchenette, a bathroom and emergency power for extended field deployment, the unit can also perform as a Mobile Command Post on large scale incidents. The primary operation of the unit is accomplished through a cadre of communications volunteers who are specifically trained to operate the technology of the unit, serve as radio operators, as well as licensed and trained to drive CS131.

Command Vehicles

Command vehicles are primarily used to transport and support chief officers responsible for operational command and control functions. Within the PulsePoint application the command vehicles are staffed by a Battalion Chief (B31 or B34) or other command personnel (3193).