SANFORD — When you’re buying new gear to make sure firefighters are safe, and the lease is going to cost about $360,000 over 10 years to replace all 50 units, there’s a lot of research involved.
On four recent June days, Sanford firefighters conducted some tests, part of the process the department will use to determine the future purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus. It is known in the industry as SCBA gear, and includes the face mask and air bottle that allow firefighters to breathe when they’re inside burning buildings or in other hazardous situations.
Several firefighters, all different ages, took turns evaluating the different configurations while working out in full protective gear and air pack on a treadmill at the Sanford Springvale YMCA, said interim fire chief Steve Benotti.
Benotti said the tests, under the direction of Assistant Fire Chief Ron Grondin and firefighter Chris Gay, will help the department make a wise choice.
“As this is a serious commitment of city tax dollars, the fire department felt it necessary to do this testing to help in the proper purchase for Sanford,” Benotti said. “The new breathing apparatus will replace units that are over 15 years old.”
Grondin said firefighters exercised to elevate their heart rate somewhat, and then walked on a treadmill on a slight incline wearing their existing air packs that emit a warning alarm when there’s a quarter tank of air remaining. New standards set by the National Fire Protective Association require an alarm to sound when there’s a third of a tank of air remaining. Grondin said testers found they’ll lose 10 minutes because of the change. But that can change, too, depending on the size of the air bottle the department decides to purchase. All that is yet to play out, but the testing helped set the groundwork, the chiefs indicated.
“We’re trying to make sure the city gets the best bang for the buck,” said Grondin, “and so ensure firefighters are not over-stressed and the working time (using an air pack) is somewhat the same.”
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].
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