At the leading edge of technology, the latest SCBA equipment offers a complete system solution designed to minimise physiological stress, improve wearer fatigue and reduce air consumption. Sophisticated helmets feature integral communications, whilst ergonomic face masks offer head-up displays and better visibility.  In addition, electronic monitoring and telemetry capabilities provide real-time data on both the firefighter and the environment in which he or she is working.  For added safety and to aid in search and rescue operations, thermal imaging cameras use the very latest sensor technology to ensure sharp, detailed, high-contrast thermal images and direct temperature readings.

Greater comfort
Back problems are believed to the most common cause of injury to firefighters and account for the highest number of lost working days.  Following studies with the Rotterdam Fire Brigade to determine the most effective method of weight distribution and body mounting of BA sets, Draeger found that, by reducing the stress on the human body and lowering the breathing rate, firefighting tasks could be carried out with an increased safety factor.  This is why BA is now constructed in such a way as to ensure that the majority of the weight to be carried is concentrated on the hips of the wearer, closer to the body’s centre of gravity.

In addition and following careful consideration of a recent study of anthropometrics, a height adjustment feature has been added to the backplate to ensure that it meets the needs of at least 95% of firefighters.
As well as static biomechanical calculations, however, it must be recognised that BA is worn in dynamic applications where firefighters are required to move, bend and stretch.  These movements can, in themselves, reposition the BA away from the ideal.  For this reason, a sliding/pivoting waistbelt is also available to ensure free movement and allow for up to 80mm of spinal stretch.

SCBA is obviously used in all kinds of extreme environments and the lighter it is, the more movement a firefighter will have and the more effective he or she will be.  For this reason, lightweight carbon composite cylinders were developed and are now available in a number of different formats and configurations to suit different requirements. 

Communication works
Whilst the language spoken by SCBA wearers may be different around the world, the need for effective communications remains the same.  As recent events have shown, the provision of accurate and up-to-date information is essential if informed and educated decisions are to be made.

The Draeger PSS 7000 Bodyguard electronic monitoring unit, for instance, is the result of extensive user consultation and offers a host of previously separate warning and monitoring devices within a single instrument.  Utilising simple push-button controls to provide fast access to essential information, it incorporates an LCD display which provides accurate and continuously updated data in an easy-to-read pictogram format.  This includes time to whistle, calculated on current air consumption and refreshed every second, digital pressure reading in bar, a simulated analogue gauge and temperature indication.

When used together with the Draeger PSS Merlin, it enables entry control officers (ECOs) to use powerful telemetry to monitor and keep track of individual firefighters simultaneously and in real-time.  Designed to take the guesswork out of entry control and accountability procedures, the system enables data to be continuously transmitted from up to 12 individual firefighters, remotely monitoring their exact status and safety from outside the incident.  As a result, and unlike traditional manual or semi-manual systems, the PSS Merlin provides Entry Control Officers (ECOs) with a continuously updated supply of vital information such as remaining air time and air temperature, enabling them to react immediately in an emergency.

Ongoing maintenance and support is of obvious concern and reputable manufacturers will usually offer a maintenance and after sales support package around the world to ensure that geographical constraints do not restrict the ability to service or repair essential equipment.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---