The Problematics of Identifying Firefighters and Vehicles on the Fireground in Hungary

Abstract

The ability to identify and distinguish firefighters and vehicles is a key factor on how transparent the fireground is. Current Hungarian regulations contradict the radio call signs and helmet identification markings of apparatus commander. The members of the incident command system are not marked separately during fireground operations, which can hinder rescue efforts. Firefighting apparatuses often do not have their station and call sign marked which obstructs identifying their affiliation. A survey conducted amongst firefighters reveals that these shortcomings can cause problems in practice, therefore methods have to be researched that can mark firefighters and vehicles unambiguously.