This past week, I was invited by Asst. Chief O'Brien and his crew for a session at the Newark Fire Department Station #1 to listen to the representative of Scott Health & Safety go over the new air pack the fire department will using in the near future.I felt this was important to take the hour, since I don't want to look like some dummy at 3:00am trying to figure out how to change an air bottle on the back of a firefighter.
Training is an important thing in any profession, but watching 20 very quiet fellows listening to the instructor was very impressive. This is not a work item that you learn on the job since it is a matter of life or death.
One of the unique items I found of interest, on the back of the air pack is a lighting system, so a firefighter will know when the fellow in front of him is working on a quarter of tank of air. How many times do you wish a co-worker was able to watch over your back and know when it is time to help out?
Information from the Scott site, most people don't think about:"The Scott Air-Pak 75 SCBA is defining the future of SCBA technology by going beyond the standards with innovative features, advanced technologies, and optional accessories not available on any other SCBA, such as integrated carrying handles, buddy indicators lights, a Drag Rescue Loop (DRL) for rescuing downed firefighters, an angled mechanical gauge with edge lighting, a simplified central power management system with a single battery module, and a streamlined backframe for improved hose management and user comfort, all while continuing to offer the time-tested legendary features and reliable performance you've come to know from Scott."
As a teacher, it is always more enjoyable when the sudents are eager to learn and truly understand how the lessons being taight can have an impact on their future opportunities. In this case, it could be a matter of life or death.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.