New SCBA's

We had a busy summer around here, with several new FirePro modules created (look for an email on our new options soon), several new Departments joining the FirePro family and some actual vacation time for some of us.

It's been a busy time at the Fire Hall as well, with the Department replacing our old BA's with a brand-new set. This transition has probably been easier for me than for long-time members, since I haven't really used the old ones that often. I've also done some scuba diving in the past, so I'm pretty comfortable in breathing apparatus (although the 30-minute tank only lasts me 16 minutes - guess I'm a heavy breather).

The new SCBA's are pretty fancy MSA models. They have better sight lines, a very convenient air-line connector, speakers and even wireless air warning lights. The packs themselves have flashers on them, showing when people are low or out of air and the carbon-composite air bottles are very light and strong.

These are all good things, of course. But what bothers me a bit is the 11! batteries of various sizes that each SCBA requires for all the fancy features to work. Warning lights - battery powered. Digital oxygen gauge - battery powered. Speaker - battery powered. I foresee a sudden rise in the annual departmental battery allowance in the near future. Now I know what the military feels like. "This is Patrol one to base. We're low on 9mm ammo, and AAA batteries…"

Ultimately, I've decided that just because you can do something technological, it doesn't mean you should. I love the light weight of the new SCBA's, the easy-to connect air line, the ease of adjusting the buckles, and the idea of seeing red flashing lights on a downed teammate is great. But the battery bit is an issue for me - sometimes old and reliable is good. I guess with SCBA's, and the rest of life, really, I'll just have to put up with the extra work that comes with the extra features. You can't have something for nothing, I guess.