'New inventors' warning device

CFS_Firey · October 07, 2006, 10:26:12 PM

I was watching the ABC's "New Inventors" program today and saw an invention by a FF from the MFB. He's made a radio transmitter that can be installed on trucks, and broadcasts a recorded message on all FM and AM channels. Basically, it sounds a warning signal then says "Give way to approaching emergency vehicle" (or similar).
It reaches about 300M in front of the truck, a little less to the sides, and nothing at the back, so cars with their radios on in front of the truck, and to the sides (like at intersections) will hear the warning, probably well before they hear the siren.

I see it as a great invention maybe not as usefull in country areas, but its a great idea... what do other people think?

fire03rescue · October 08, 2006, 07:28:01 AM

so what happens if you are sitting at home in your lounge room and the truck goes past:lol:

CFS_Firey · October 08, 2006, 08:25:45 AM

You get warned ;)

24P · October 08, 2006, 09:21:11 AM

The program you watched wasnt a repeat was it? Saw an article about this device some time ago in a CFA magazine.

CFS_Firey · October 08, 2006, 04:59:37 PM

Yes, it was a repeat (from 2004 it seems...)
More info here: Emergalert

5271rescue · October 08, 2006, 05:08:27 PM

was it not a CFA firefighter from dandenong and a fire officer???

CFS_Firey · October 08, 2006, 05:51:53 PM

Could well have been... He said professional fire-fighter from Melbourne, so I assumed MFB... I guess he could have been from anywhere though....

SA Firey · October 10, 2006, 09:26:38 AM

Quote from: 5271rescue on October 08, 2006, 05:08:27 PM
was it not a CFA firefighter from dandenong and a fire officer???

Just confirming that it was a repeat and Don Wilkie is a CFA firefighter and it is Emergalert that distributes it :-D

oz fire · October 11, 2006, 02:26:17 PM

Quote from: CFS_Firey on October 08, 2006, 05:51:53 PM
Could well have been... He said professional fire-fighter from Melbourne, so I assumed MFB... I guess he could have been from anywhere though....

Professional fire fighter - that is CFA, CFS etc - professionalism IS NOT A RATE OF PAY!!!!!!!!!!

and

Yes it's a repeat, the devises have been on display at several conferences and are similar to what is now being used overseas - maybe they stole the idea or the PROFESSIONAL CFA member has found an international market!

RescueHazmat · October 11, 2006, 02:29:23 PM

As both a paid and volunteer Fire Fighter, I agree with your comment OZ, all paid and volunteer services are, and should be seen as professional.

However I don't think CFS_firey meant anything by it..

bittenyakka · October 13, 2006, 08:49:28 PM

Hey what about that BA holder Flex I think it as called? will we see it in action?

CFS_Firey · October 14, 2006, 01:17:18 AM

It'll probably come right after we get carbon fibre cylinders...

CyberCitizen · October 16, 2006, 12:18:27 PM

I Want One For My Car. CFS Member Responding To Incident Please Give Way. :P Still No Speeding Involved But It Would Improve Times To Station As The Slower Drivers Would Be Aware Of On Coming Cars.

SA Firey · October 17, 2006, 12:37:11 PM

Quote from: CyberCitizen on October 16, 2006, 12:18:27 PM
I Want One For My Car. CFS Member Responding To Incident Please Give Way. :P Still No Speeding Involved But It Would Improve Times To Station As The Slower Drivers Would Be Aware Of On Coming Cars.

EMERGALERT needs your support - Please add your comments by clicking below.

CyberCitizen · October 17, 2006, 12:48:20 PM

I Think It Would Be Good For Our Trucks.

oz fire · October 18, 2006, 08:43:18 AM

Agreed - would be great for our appliances - and so what if it broadcasts to people in their homes - its a reminder that we are out, serving our community in their time of need

CyberCitizen · October 19, 2006, 01:31:05 PM

Quote from: oz fire on October 18, 2006, 08:43:18 AMSo what if it broadcasts to people in their homes - its a reminder that we are out, serving our community in their time of need

It Acts As PR. Then All The Little Kids Can Hear It & Come Out To Watch The Truck & We Can Wave As We Go Past. Build Up the PR :P But Would Also Be Good For Parents If Their Kids Are Playing Cause Then They Know A Truck Might Be Coming Though And To Keep An Eye On The Kids.

LFB06 · October 19, 2006, 05:27:07 PM

what about those who live near where MFS are always going past. Like listening to the radio next door to Adelaide station. Every 30mins they keep gettign told theres a fire truck coming!

medevac · October 19, 2006, 08:15:17 PM

oh well... build a bridge.

its benefits out weigh its downfalls

LFB06 · October 19, 2006, 10:37:04 PM

youd get sick of it after a week.

bittenyakka · October 20, 2006, 11:05:13 AM

as the MFS control the traffic lights in the city turn it on once outside the city

Scania_1 · October 20, 2006, 03:55:05 PM

The new MFS BA sets have a bit of `flex` in the harness/bracket set up. Wont know more till I try one out in a couple of weeks.

Robert-Robert34 · October 21, 2006, 05:01:18 PM

Whats the point of having a warning device which broadcast warnings on both radio bands when all you need to do is use the PA option on your siren box and speak out through the speaker just like police do :lol:

2090 · October 21, 2006, 06:14:01 PM

This would be rather intrusive. I understand the need for emergency vehicle right of way, but 300m ahead? Thats an awful long way. What about people listening to the CD Player? Not to mention that it is only slightly projected out to the sides.

Wouldn't the money be better spent on a Traffic light/Strobe control system to ensure Emergency Vehicle right of way at intersections?

CFS_Firey · October 21, 2006, 11:35:45 PM

QuoteWouldn't the money be better spent on a Traffic light/Strobe control system to ensure Emergency Vehicle right of way at intersections?

Traffic lights? You're talking at least $50,000 to install them - an Emergalert would be far cheaper...

300 Metres is a long way though... How about a model that does maybe 150m instead?