Cutting-edge Technology & Equipment
Keeping FDNY at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and best practices in fire science and patient care is critical and a key effort for Foundation funding the FDNY.
The FDNY Foundation continues to support the growing needs of the FDNY Incident Management Team (IMT), FDNY Robotics Unit and FDNY K9 Unit. IMT is comprised of highly trained personnel who apply the principles of the Incident Command System to respond to major incidents in NYC and natural disasters outside of NYC. The Robotics Unit, which includes robotic dogs and small and large drones, help the FDNY get a perspective that cannot be obtained on the ground. Our specially trained and highly intelligent K9 Unit provides critical assistance and are trained and certified in ignitable-liquid detection (fire scene investigation) and live-find Urban Search and Rescue (disaster response/live-human scent detection).
Further improvement to FDNY’s training campuses is a top priority. The Foundation helped open the nation’s first high-rise fire simulator at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island and continues to assist in creating the best environments for the Department’s fire responders to train and prepare for emergencies.
The Foundation began an initiative to provide forcible entry training doors to every firehouse in the city. Gaining access to homes and businesses in a fire or emergency is one of the most critical skills a firefighter learns and benefits from practicing regularly. The Foundation’s goal is to ensure that every firehouse has one.
Fitness equipment is one of the most requested items from firehouses and EMS stations. The FDNY Foundation Climb to Summit helps to raise funds to purchase training and fitness equipment for FDNY firehouses and EMS stations throughout New York City. Participants race up 1,100 feet to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to emphasize the importance of physical fitness – especially for FDNY Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics who are faced daily with the physical demands of the job, but who are always ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
The FDNY Foundation provides grants to FDNY EMS stations throughout the city. Grants promote EMS member wellness; support community engagement efforts; and honor our fallen members, or other ideas that serve the needs of all EMS Station members.
The Foundation has helped the Department acquire many noteworthy tools. Radiation detection meters, simulation software and hardware, CPR kits to aid in fire and life safety education and translator cards have all been funded by the FDNY Foundation.
Best Practices
To maintain its reputation as one of the nation’s premier emergency response agencies, the FDNY and FDNY Foundation host conferences to educate and train first responders.
The FDNY and FDNY Foundation host the FDNY Search & Rescue Field Medicine Symposium (SRFM) bringing together military, federal, state, and local medical first responders to share their experiences and best practices over four days with workshops, lectures, panel discussions, hands-on skills scenarios, and a vendor showcase with the latest equipment and products. Learn more.
The FDNY and FDNY Foundation host a three-day FDNY High Rise Symposium (HRS), designed for Firefighters, Company and Chief Officers, Private Sector Fire & Life Safety Professionals, Property Management, Code Consultants, Fire & Life Safety Directors, and Building Engineering and Maintenance Personnel. The symposium offers advanced operational insight, real-world application, and direct engagement with leaders in high-rise firefighting and life safety. Learn more.