The 36th annual Fire Expo in the state Farm Show Complex this weekend will offer realistic rescue simulators for firefighters, and everything from fire extinguishers and first-aid supplies to T-shirts for the public.
Sponsored by the Lancaster County Firemen's Association, the emergency equipment extravaganza will feature 230 emergency vehicles and 418 exhibitors.
"This is a very popular show," said Tina Alexander, expo spokeswoman. "Last year, we had 21,410 visitors. Even with high gas prices, ticket sales so far this year are above average."
Alexander said that the expo offers something for civilians and emergency workers alike.
"It puts civilians in touch with emergency services, their apparatus, training and supplies," she said. "It helps firefighters looking for a bargain — and everyone is with this year's economy — do their shopping in one place." She said that many emergency personnel come to the expo to network.
Expo visitors will see the latest trends in emergency equipment, including ambulances, fire trucks, fire engines, rescue trucks, tankers and other specialized emergency vehicles. The booths sell everything from bandages to breathing apparatus, hoses to helmets, ropes to radios and pumps to protective clothing.
Alexander said the expo also attracts municipal officials looking for bargains while shopping for equipment to best serve their municipalities.
New to this year's expo is the bailout simulator, a two-story structure with a firefighter escape system. The simulator allows participants to wear a special device, anchor the escape system onto a substantial object, then bail out of the second floor on a rope. Firefighters also will be able to try a collapse rescue simulator.
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