econic firefighting

The Hong Kong fire services department uses the Econic for heat protection and safety.

Hong Kong’s fire services department relies on modern technology – not only during missions, but also afterwards. The firefighters have found a very special application for their Mercedes-Benz Econic. In the metropolis, the fire truck can be quickly turned into a mobile rehabilitation zone that offers exhausted emergency services a refreshing break. But how exactly do they do this?

Econic: Compact companion deployed.

Hong Kong is one of those cities that never sleeps. The metropolis is known for its densely populated areas and busy urban canyons. Its skyscrapers reach the coast and it is home to a population totalling seven million. And this bustling city is frequently the backdrop for exhausting firefighting missions.

The Hong Kong fire services department has to deal with challenging tasks that require a high level of professionalism, power and teamwork, especially in dense road traffic and with the problem of high-rise fires.

Hong Kong firefighters rely on innovative vehicle technology and modern equipment to cope with these arduous conditions. The Mercedes-Benz Econic has proven to be the ideal vehicle for their urban operations. It is not only perfectly tailored to the tight spaces of the megacity, but also to the needs of the fire services department between operations.

Specially equipped: the Econic of the Hong Kong fire services department.

Even professionals need breaks.

Firefighters and emergency services staff often have to work for hours at a time in extreme environments where temperatures can reach hundreds of degrees Celsius. Added to this is the equipment they carry, which weighs over 23 kg and can quickly tire out the firefighters.

A lack of sufficient rest periods not only exacerbates fatigue, but can also increase the risk of accidents. For these reasons, the Hong Kong fire services department has introduced regulations on mandatory rest periods and equipped the Econic with the Work-Rest 15 system.

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The system gives emergency workers a mobile rest zone that can be set up and taken down on site. During scheduled rest periods, they can retreat inside the Econic between work shifts for at least 15 minutes. These brief moments of rest are crucial for the firefighters to recoup their energy and recover mentally and physically before returning to service.

So just how do they recover?

Unique technology, water and shade.

The Work-Rest 15 system enables emergency services staff to recover quickly but intensively between operations. The firefighters can cool down and recharge their energy levels on four specially cooled seats inside the vehicle. The firefighters dip their forearms into tanks of cold water at armrest level.

This is the most efficient way to cool their bodies in the shortest possible time to reduce the risk of heat-related risks such as heat stroke or fatigue. Valuable support – especially during long firefighting missions. The chairs are connected to 320 l water tanks with a 70 mm MRT coupling and so can be filled on site using a fire hose. The water reservoirs at the armrests can be refilled at the touch of a button.

The Econic is also equipped with two extendable electronic canopies measuring 4 x 5 m each, which offer protection from the sun and rain and provide a little privacy when resting. 20 to 22 members can be accommodated under the extended canopies at the same time.

In addition, there are spray mist fans, heat detectors and mobile cooled seats. Together with an adequate supply of drinking water and isotonic drinks, these all contribute to the recovery of the emergency services. Regular rest periods help personnel to maintain their performance and stay focused in the event of an emergency.

During rest periods, specially trained ambulancemen monitor the emergency service staff. They use devices such as carbon monoxide detectors and other diagnostic tools to keep an eye on firefighters' vital signs. This allows medical staff to intervene quickly in the event of signs of fatigue or overheating.

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Humans and machine on a joint mission.

One very special highlight in the interior of the Econic is the integrated extinguishing robot. The small, remote-controlled helper penetrates fires that would be very risky for people to enter.

Equipped with thermal imaging cameras and precision control, the robot effectively helps its colleagues to subdue fires and eliminate hazards. The robot's strengths are especially welcome in the narrow and often hard-to-access alleys of Hong Kong.

Narrow streets, but sweeping views!

In addition to its outstanding equipment, the Mercedes-Benz Econic is also impressive in everyday fire service operations. Its compact design and relatively small turning circle means it can navigate safely through Hong Kong’s narrow streets. The deliberately low panoramic windscreen gives drivers excellent visibility.

It has a low-entry design with a low-floor cab and folding door that opens inwards. This enables firefighters to get in and out quickly during operations, which can be the difference between life and death in serious situations.

Above all, however, the Mercedes-Benz Truck's strength lies in that it can be individually adapted to the metropolitan area’s demanding range of operations: from firefighting to technical assistance and disaster response. The Econic Work-Rest 15 is also used for operations outside the city limits. Its most impressive mission to date was an eight-day mountain rescue operation, in which the vehicle supported the emergency services in remote areas.

The Econic always shows off its best side wherever it goes.

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