Fire_and_EMS Emergency_vehicle_lighting

1960s-70s era fire truck federal signal beacon ray emergency light , siren mounted on top

fire , emergency medical services use red lights amber , white optional colors. vehicles operated fire departments, such fire engines , heavy rescue vehicles, prominently use red, color strong cultural associations fire service, along amber , white. more modern fire trucks , airport crash units use yellow-green color, however.

many fire chiefs’ cars have, in addition red lights, single green beacon indicate command post status. on other hand, in chicago , nearby communities, fire vehicles show green light on right, or starboard, side of vehicle, reflecting nautical tradition.

emergency medical vehicles, such ambulances , paramedic fly-cars, use white, amber, , red well. states have specific rule authorizing light colors ems vehicles, while ems vehicles ‘inherit’ light colors fire or police department operated or contracted to, , may show blue lights.

the national fire protection association publishes nfpa-1901 standards fire vehicles, specifies degree of lighting on various parts of vehicles, flexibility color. there gsa procurement specification ambulances known kkk-a-1822-f, many local authorities follow.