What do you call a power-operated ladder that is permanently mounted on a fire apparatus?

A power-operated ladder that is permanently mounted on a fire apparatus is referred to as an aerial ladder. Aerial ladders are designed to extend vertically and can provide firefighters with access to elevated areas, such as multiple-story buildings, thus enhancing their ability to perform rescue operations and firefighting tactics at significant heights. These ladders are typically equipped with a ladder platform that may be capable of carrying personnel and equipment to the scene of an emergency.

This type of equipment is critical for effective fire suppression and rescue efforts, as they allow firefighters to operate from an elevated position when dealing with high-rise structures or when reaching into difficult-to-access areas. The aerial capability can include various features such as a waterway for applying water while in that elevated position.

While other types of ladders like the quint, extension, and snorkel serve unique roles, they do not fit the specific definition of being a permanently mounted power-operated ladder on a fire apparatus like an aerial ladder does. For example, a quint is a fire apparatus that combines the functions of an engine and a ladder truck, an extension ladder is manually operated and can be unsheathed or retracted, while a snorkel is a type of apparatus with a platform that can be raised and maneuvered but is not