BACKGROUND:
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus devices (SCBA’s) protect firefighters from toxic fumes and smoke. They are worn on the firefighter’s back and provide fresh breathing air via a mask and regulator. The Fire Department currently operates SCBA’s that were purchased in 2007. Breathing Apparatus programs like Cathedral City Fire Department’s (CCFD) are guided by standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA standard 1981 and 1982).
Cathedral City’s SCBA fleet has served the department for well for over 15 years. NFPA recommends that SCBA’s be cycled out of service every 15 to 20 years (four NFPA Standard Cycles). Interoperability also plays a role in the need for replacement of the SCBA fleet now. During structure fires in our city as well as neighboring cities, it is important that our systems are compatible with our adjoining agencies. Both CAL Fire and Palm Springs Fire are in the process of replacing their SCBA’s and are replacing their fleet with the identical model that we are proposing. Additionally, Cathedral City’s breathing air cylinders are set to expire this calendar year. The regulated lifespan of the air cylinders per the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR 180.205(c) and NFPA is 15 years.
CAL Fire has secured a recent contract with Allstar Fire Equipment in Arcadia California, which has been extended to mutual aid agencies that work alongside CAL Fire. This offers CCFD the ability to purchase the fleet at a much lower per unit cost.
The Fire Department recommends the following SCBA model: Scott X3 Pro Air Pak. 4500psi with Snap-Change Connection, QD Regulator with Rectus Connector, Dual UEBSS (Buddy Breathing), PASS w Pak-tracker with Standard Waist Belt. 45-minute, Carbon Wrapped Cylinder with Snap-Change Valve, 4500psi. Facepiece and Epic Voice Amp. The 45 existing SCBAs on the department will be declared surplus and units that are deemed serviceable will be made available for donations.
DISCUSSION:
The Cathedral City Fire Department operates a full-service breathing apparatus program, with four Scott-trained service technicians, a certified fit-testing station, and 45 Scott Air Packs (SCBA’S) including over 130 cylinders. Continuation of our program and purchase of the proposed Scott SCBA’s will ensure continuity of training and familiarization and will ease the transition to the new model of Scott brand air-packs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed purchase using the contract with All Star Fire Equipment Inc., through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will total $367,015.09.
Funding is included in the adopted biennial budget in the Equipment Replacement Fund for FY 2022/2023. Authorizing the purchase now will avoid July 2022 price increases of over $50,000.