Apparatus Gallery

LCC-LFB Breathing apparatus communications set

A Sub Officer from Lambeth's (D61) emergency tender crew demonstrating the Southampton communications equipment that was worn with a full face mask on the Proto (oxygen) breathing apparatus set. The two-way communications enabled a firefighter working in an incident to relay information to a control officer on the outside, or to receive instructions or information from the control officer.

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

Board of Trade Rocket Apparatus for Saving Lives from Shipwr

Engraving showing Board of Trade equipment for use to help shipwrecked sailors, 1886. The items are (from left to right, top to bottom) a whip-block and tally-board; a hawser-cutter; a heaving-cane and line; a rocket machine; a fuse-box; a rocket; whip, hawser and breeches-buoy; a light; Board of Trade wagon; a cliff ladder in use; a triangle; a rocket-line box; a portfire; the rocket-line box from above; an anchor; a cliff-helmet.

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Kicking the bucket to keep alive and well! 1914

Interestingly this artical was published on April fools day in 'The Sketch', 1914, you can come to your own conclusions! Latest primitive life-saving device invented by a German engineer, Herr Heinrich. Water-tight canvas with gloves suit, air entering through a tube at the top of the head with porthole to see out. Man or woman using the device stands in a bucket which is filled with water and keeps the occupant upright. Sufficient food and drink can be taken aboard to last for a very considerable while; and signals and a revolver can be carried to attract help. Attached to the body are ropes to which two or three people can hold to keep them afloat.
1914

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans