Jet boat fights fires and rescues injured

Citation

(2002), "Jet boat fights fires and rescues injured", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 11 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2002.07311aab.006

Jet boat fights fires and rescues injured

Jet boat fights fires and rescues injured

Torrential rains cause a river to overflow and flood the downtown, stranding residents on the upper floors and roofs of buildings. Even worse, one of the buildings is on fire, and normal fire department vehicles cannot get to it. What can the authorities do? They can call out the world's first jet drive, quick response, patented emergency vehicle. The Rescue Jet will put EMS and fire personnel on the scene quicker than any other competing product on the market.

Because of its speed and versatility, the Fire Rescue Jet is also the ideal craft for fighting fires on board other boats or rescuing accident victims, whether offshore or on inland waterways. This is extremely helpful to local fire departments, EMS and parks and recreation personnel. The Rescue Jet, with its helicopter lifting points, can even be transported to remote locations where other craft cannot be mobilized in a timely manner.

With its 3.7m overall length and 2.4m beam, it is the only craft of its size and design in the world. Its patented, progressive V-hull provides incredible stability while performing in as little as 25cm of water. It can reach speeds up to 89kph. The Fire Rescue Jet is also a highly manoeuvrable craft that combines the handling characteristics of a PWC with the power of a 175hp Mercury Marine Sport Jet engine. The jet drive enables it to operate in areas where submerged objects such as street signs, mail boxes, vehicles, rocks or logs will interfere with other craft. Onboard space accommodates two 1.8m spine-boards for transporting injured passengers.

The Fire Rescue Jet's extinguishing systems feature Mercury Marine single-stage, axial now pumps with 18.4cm stainless steel impellers. A 50hp auxiliary engine operates the fire apparatus, supplying up to 2,839L per minute of water. The Fire Rescue Jet can also be equipped with a customized Elkhart foam fire suppression system, as well as dual water discharge fittings to fight fires on the shoreline or in high-rise buildings.

Sonic Jet Performance offers the Fire Rescue Jet in two models – the Rescue Jet 1200 and Fire Rescue Jet 1250. The difference between the two models is that the 1200 is strictly for rescuing without fire equipment, and the 1250 comes with the auxiliary motor and fire-fighting apparatus.

Both models include many standard and optional features. Among the standard features are navigation lights, 100W siren/warning system, 122cm emergency light bar, six clear halogen work lights and a 120L fuel tank. The 1250 model is equipped with a 50hp, high-torque engine coupled to a brass Hale pump designed especially for Sonic Jet, providing a potent 2,839L water output.

Optional equipment includes standard VHF radio and bracket, two automatically retracting boarding steps, notation spine-board, three-point push bumper, single or tandem galvanized trailer, matching full or half cover for travel or storage, four-point helicopter lifting rings and a patient retaining helicopter basket and stand.

Sonic Jet Performance is dedicated to producing cutting-edge, state-of-the-art boats and watercraft, joining the highest design and performance standards with award-winning quality. The Rescue Jet series combines power, handling, safety and stability in rough water with high-speed performance. Sonic Jet Performance is a leader in the industry, offering superior products at a fraction of the cost of larger fireboats. Sonic Jet Performance also manufactures the innovative, European-styled Vortex 22 recreational boat.

For further information contact: Sonic Jet Performance, Inc, 15662 Commerce Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. USA. Tel: 714-895-0944; Fax: 714-895-7139; E-mail: info@sonicjet.com; Web site: www.sonicjet.com