Supporting Firefighting in Iceland
For the Greater Reykjavík Fire & Rescue Service (SHS), emergency situations often demand more than traditional firefighting tools. From complex rescues to launching boats in challenging harbour conditions, reliability and versatility are critical. With decades of experience using Bronto Skylift aerial platforms, SHS firefighters rely on the equipment to improve safety, expand operational capabilities and perform demanding tasks with confidence.
Trusted Equipment for Everyday Operations
Halldór Óskarsson, a firefighter and emergency medical technician of 13 years is very straightforward when it comes to the reasons behind SHS’s long-lasting trust in Bronto aerial platforms.
“We choose Bronto because these are simply very reliable and solid tools that we’ve used for many years”
Halldór Óskarsson, Firefighter & EMT, Greater Reykjavík Fire & Rescue Service
Firefighting in Iceland is often difficult because of challenging weather conditions. According to Óskarsson, firefighters often work in strong winds, cold temperatures and snow, which highlights the importance of reliable equipment. The Greater Reykjavík Fire & Rescue Service has used Bronto platforms for 50 years and during this time, the platforms have served the department exceptionally well and have remained as an important part of daily operations.
“We have used Bronto for 50 years, and it has served us well”
Halldór Óskarsson, Firefighter & EMT, Greater Reykjavík Fire & Rescue Service
Solutions for Complex Operations
Sverrir Árnason, a firefighter and emergency medical technician who is also part of the Bronto Skylift training team in SHS, highlights the operational versatility of Bronto aerial platforms.
“The reason we use Brontos is the incredible variety of tasks they can handle in addition to being safe and stable platforms.”
Sverrir Árnason, Firefighter & EMT, Greater Reykjavík Fire & Rescue Service
One example where this versatility is especially important is launching boats in harbours or near water. According to Árnason, their Bronto aerial platforms can carry much more weight than other basket or ladder trucks.
“We can launch a boat easily by attaching it to the bottom of the cage, lifting it directly from the trailer using the cage and lowering it into the water”
Sverrir Árnason, Firefighter & EMT, Greater Reykjavík Fire & Rescue Service
This kind of capability is valuable in serious and demanding situations where the fire department may urgently need to access a rescue scene by boat.
Safety above all
Both Óskarsson and Árnason highlight the role of Bronto Skylift in improving safety. According to Óskarsson, the equipment has increased the safety of staff and the people being rescued by reducing the need to carry out rescues using ladders or other methods.
On larger and more complex scenes, both firefighters applaud the ability to operate the aerial platform remotely from a distance or directly from the cage depending on the situation. The cage is designed to support long and demanding operations by providing a stable and comfortable working environment.
“We like being in the cage. It’s very comfortable”
Halldór Óskarsson, Firefighter & EMT, Greater Reykjavík Fire & Rescue Service
Based on their experience, both firefighters see Brontos as reliable solutions for a wide range of rescue scenarios and would recommend the brand to other fire departments.
“I would recommend the Bronto Skylift to other departments based on how powerful and versatile their aerial platforms are and how much they improve the safety of both the crew and the people being rescued”
Sverrir Árnason, Firefighter & EMT, Greater Reykjavík Fire & Rescue Service
