A closer look / Emergency services
A little more comfort for the people who face the heat
Long summer days, demanding conditions and very little downtime. Few Australians know the heat quite like our firefighters do. At CapyCool®, we've been fortunate to see how crews are finding practical, everyday uses for portable cooling fans.
We've had the honour of working with firefighters and personnel from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, CFA and other emergency services across Australia. One of the most interesting things has been seeing where the fans actually end up. Sometimes the most useful place isn't where you'd first expect.
One of the cleverest places we've seen a fan? Inside the fire truck.
Air conditioning can feel very different depending on where you're sitting. The front of the cab might be comfortable while airflow to the back seats is limited, especially in older appliances or vehicles with weaker air conditioning.
That's where a small, directional fan can be useful. Positioned on a suitable mount, a portable fan can help move air around the cabin and towards passengers who aren't getting much from the vehicle's existing vents.
Unlike a permanently installed system, the same fan can be removed and used somewhere else when the crew returns to the station or reaches a designated rest area.
Useful beyond the truck, too
Firefighters spend plenty of time away from the fireground itself, including preparing equipment, maintaining vehicles, training and taking necessary breaks. A fan that can move between those spaces is simply more useful.
- At the station: Position a fan near a workbench or equipment area for additional airflow while preparing or checking gear.
- At crew rest areas: Use portable airflow during breaks in designated, suitable locations.
- During training: Clip on a compatible waist fan for approved, non-hazardous activities where hands-free airflow is helpful.
- In vehicle cabins: Move and reposition a suitable fan between approved mounting points without a permanent installation.
It's the mounting options that make the difference
Powerful airflow is only part of the story. Where you can position the fan, and how easily you can move it, matters just as much. Different CapyCool fans support different mounting accessories for different jobs.
Upgraded 2026 magnet
For compatible DualForce holders and suitable magnetic metal surfaces.
Clamp attachment
Offers another secure positioning option on suitable fixtures.
Chest strap
For the Original Waist Fan, directing airflow upwards without a swinging lanyard.
Belt and shirt clip
A simple, wearable option for approved everyday activities.
Mounts and accessories vary by fan model and may be sold separately. Vehicle positions should be approved by the relevant service and must not obstruct controls, visibility or safety equipment.
Portable power for long days
Our original Waist Fan has a 10,000mAh rechargeable battery and offers up to 40 hours of runtime on its lowest setting. DualForce combines twin-motor airflow with a larger 14,500mAh battery and 30+ hours on low. Both also provide USB power bank functionality for topping up compatible devices when needed.
For us, the appeal is that each fan can serve more than one purpose, whether that's personal airflow, a fixed position around the station or a suitable vehicle setup.
Original Waist Fan
Compact personal airflow. 10,000mAh battery, up to 40 hours on low, and wearable mounting options.
DualForce Waist Fan
Dual-motor airflow, 14,500mAh battery, 30+ hours on low and versatile optional vehicle mounts.
Our thanks to the people who do the hard yards
We know a portable fan isn't going to make a demanding job easy, and it certainly isn't a replacement for proper rest, hydration or heat management. But sometimes a little extra comfort in a hot cab, around the station or during a well-earned break can go a long way.
We're grateful to the firefighters and emergency services personnel who've shared their experiences with us, and we hope we can help more crews find cooling setups that work for their everyday needs.
Could your brigade use a little extra airflow?
We're offering special emergency services pricing for individual firefighters, local brigades and larger teams. Tell our Australian-based trade team what you have in mind, and we'll see what we can do to help.
Explore cooling solutions & enquire →Important: CapyCool fans are intended for suitable non-hazardous environments only, such as approved vehicle cabins, stations and designated rest areas. They are not fireground safety equipment, are not intended for exposure to flames, extreme radiant heat or hazardous atmospheres, and must not interfere with PPE, vehicle operation or service procedures. References to emergency services describe customer use, not agency endorsement.
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