SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Fire Department’s new, modern air packs have been in full operation for about a month. The equipment was purchased through a $90,000 FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) grant.
“The members are impressed with them,” said Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson. “They’re more comfortable, they provide some visibility features.”
Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson. (WNG File Photo)
According to Anderson, there are a total of 22 air packs, 40 masks, and two bottles of air per unit. The most important feature to the new air packs is that they give you the estimated time you have left in the air pack. With air flowing in the pack for three minutes, it assesses the breathing rate and tells you how much air is left in the bottle.
“That’s a huge benefit for the firefighters,” said Anderson. “Everyone consumes air differently.”
Another key aspect is the Bluetooth microphone that’s inside the air pack. Whether fire personnel are inside a home or building battling a fire or just talking over the radio, it allows individuals to have much clearer communication.
With an estimation that the new air packs should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, it’s a significant upgrade from the situation with their last air packs. Previously, the department had some air packs that were 15 to 20 years old, and other air packs that were a couple of years old. The difference in years was starting to become a safety concern.
“Now everything is the same,” said Anderson. “You’re trained to expect a certain performance for every air pack and it’s a safer environment for the firefighters.”
