General Information | American Trade Mark Co.

8 Essential Firefighting Tools

At American Trade Mark, we know just how grueling but rewarding a career in firefighting can be. That's why we're committed to providing top-notch accountability tools to keep our heroes safe. Ensure your department has these eight essential firefighter safety tools so everyone makes it home. Fire Axes Halligan Bars Fire Hoses Thermal Imaging Camera Personal Protective Equipment Accountability Tags Portable Ladders Incident Command Boards 1. Fire Axes For Removing Obstacles Specialized axes are crucial in firefighting, as they can cut...
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Incident Command: Transferring Management Successfully

According to statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, many of the leading causes of death for both civilians and firefighters can be the result of poor management transfer. Here are the top five contributors. Inadequate Risk Assessment Lack Of Incident Command Systems (ICS) Inadequate Communications Lack Of Firefighter Accountability Lack Of Standard Operating Procedures Transfer of incident command is the process of verbally and physically moving responsibility for being in charge of incidents from one commander...
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5 Tips For Recruiting Reliable Firefighter Volunteers

During one firefighting incident, just five firefighters responded to a call for help about a 100-unit apartment building fire for which 30 firefighters would have been the professional standard. Given the dire shortage of firefighters, the need for reliable volunteers is paramount. Volunteers Could Be The Answer Wondering how reliable firefighter volunteers help improve incident command? These voluntary contributors can be trusted to show up on time and be ready to respond to the incident at hand. All of which begs...
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Assessing Your Natural Disaster Preparedness

Firefighters often arrive first on the scene of not only fires but national disasters of all types. Identify areas where you need to improve your crew's preparedness for the most prevalent weather threats. This might include documenting emergency protocols or procuring the right equipment well in advance of a big storm or earthquake. American Trademark has accessibility tags and incident command equipment that can aid your efforts. What Natural Disasters Happen In The US? It doesn’t take much time to assess what...
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Implementing A Firefighter Fall Prevention Plan On Fire Scenes

Every day, firefighters risk their lives to save people and property, which makes implementing a fall prevention plan essential. While providing a workplace "free of known dangers" is part of OSHA's fall protection guidelines, that's not always possible on a fireground. However, your department can reduce hazards and improve your fall prevention strategy with the right preparation. Issues To Avoid In Your Firefighting Prevention Plan The following issues can stand in the way of a comprehensive fall protection program that works. ...
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Incident Command During A Structural Collapse

A building collapse situation has the potential for serious harm to emergency personnel with extensive damage to equipment. Keeping your team safe is paramount and incident commanders should know where each firefighter is at all times. Incident command systems are important tools in securing your department’s first responders’ safety. Incident Command Systems First responders nationwide rely on American Trade Mark Company for safety and accountability tools like these Incident Command Systems. Safe Practices Minimize Potential For Damage NIOSH Advocates For Accountability ...
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5 Functions Of A Well Designed Incident Command

First Responders should have five functional areas set up within their Incident Command Systems (ICS) to work together to respond to emergencies. Department assets used in response to incidents are organized under Command, Operations, Logistics, Planning, and Admin/Finance. A good ICS will provide guidance to Firefighters, EMS, and Law Enforcement on organizing resources and ways to manage an emergency response across these five areas. Command Operations Logistics Planning Admin/Finance 1. Coordinate Functions With Command The role of command is to define...
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Increase Firefighter PPE Compliance With Accountability Tools

American Trade Mark wants to ensure that every hero gets home safely, which is why we sell top-tier personal protective equipment and accountability tools to fire stations all over the country. However, safety gear is only helpful if your crews are actually using it correctly, so here are some suggestions regarding how to increase compliance. The Importance Of PPE Personal protective equipment (PPE) is important because it helps protect firefighters from injury and death when responding to an emergency. PPE includes...
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Why Is Firefighter Accountability So Important?

At American Trade Mark we know firefighters encounter dangerous conditions on a consistent basis, making accountability extremely important. As many fire departments lack a strong personnel accountability system, many teams do not realize their comrades or their crew members are missing. This has led to needless deaths in the line of duty. However, with a properly, implemented system and related equipment, firefighters can significantly improve their survivability and reduce unnecessary deaths. Why Is Firefighter Accountability Important? A commitment to firefighter accountability means that division officers always know...
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5 Firefighter Retirement Gift Ideas

When it's time for a firefighter to retire, how do you say thank you for a lifetime of service in a way that will last and be remembered for years to come? Whether it's a chief or a team member, we understand that you want your symbol of appreciation to honor selflessness, bravery, and dedication. It may sound like a tall order, but we've put together 5 firefighter retirement gift ideas to celebrate and award your exceptional first responder in...
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