IDEX Fire & Safety, in collaboration with Lexipol, has completed a comprehensive industry survey to examine the role of technology in the evolving world of firefighting. Conducted earlier this year, the survey captured responses from nearly 700 firefighters representing both rural and urban departments. The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how technology is influencing the profession and shaping its future.
The findings confirm that fire departments, regardless of their size or geographic location, are encountering many of the same operational and strategic challenges. From personnel shortages and changing demographics to increasing demands for safety and training, the firefighting industry is at a pivotal crossroads. IDEX emphasizes that now is the time to act decisively to shape the future of firefighting. Waiting, the company warns, may only exacerbate the issues departments already face.
Technology is proving to be a powerful asset in addressing these challenges. Contrary to the industry’s reputation for being slow to adopt new tools, the survey revealed a broad acceptance of and enthusiasm for innovation. An overwhelming 86% of respondents believe that technology will significantly impact the recruitment of future generations of firefighters. Furthermore, 64% reported that technology has already had a positive influence on their job satisfaction. These insights point to the critical role technology can play not only in drawing Millennials and Gen Z into the profession but also in supporting and retaining the current workforce.
In line with these findings, IDEX Fire & Safety recently launched a recruitment toolkit aimed at helping fire departments modernize their talent acquisition strategies. The toolkit is designed to assist leadership in building strong, future-ready teams capable of meeting the complex demands of the profession. This resource will play an essential part in reinforcing the talent pipeline and ensuring the long-term strength of the firefighting industry.
The profession itself is undergoing significant transformation. Compared to a decade ago, today’s firefighting landscape is marked by the need for faster, more informed decision-making in high-risk environments. According to the survey, 87% of respondents said technology has helped them save time in dangerous situations, while 86% indicated it has helped them avoid or reduce risk. Additionally, nearly 60% of firefighters surveyed reported feeling safer on the job due to the implementation of advanced technologies.
IDEX Fire & Safety has long recognized this shift and has committed itself to developing solutions that enhance firefighter efficiency and safety. The company has introduced several pioneering products such as SAM, SAM BOOST, E3 CONNECT, and the Smart Nozzle. These systems deliver real-time data to first responders at critical moments, empowering them to make life-saving decisions with confidence. The integration of such tools has already led to improved outcomes for both firefighters and the communities they serve.
While the benefits of technology are clear, the survey also revealed areas where more support is needed. When asked about reliability, 68% of respondents indicated they believe technology is dependable in high-stakes scenarios. However, only 40% said they feel completely comfortable using these tools on the job, and just 38% felt they have received adequate training. For many long-serving members of the profession, the move toward more technologically advanced systems represents a significant cultural and operational shift. Recognizing this, IDEX remains committed to ensuring that training and support are available to help ease the transition and build trust in new systems.
Ultimately, the data reflects a profession that is cautiously optimistic about change. While some hesitation remains, particularly around comfort and training, the direction is clear. As in any mission-critical industry, the cost of standing still is too great. Firefighters must continue to evolve with the times, embracing innovation and preparing themselves for a future that looks increasingly different from the past.
The survey by IDEX Fire & Safety and Lexipol underscores the importance of integrating technology into all facets of firefighting. It offers an invaluable snapshot of current attitudes and highlights where efforts must be focused to ensure continued progress. The message is clear: embracing change is no longer optional—it is essential to saving lives and safeguarding the future of the profession.
