CAL FIRE Demonstrates Breathing Apparatus to High School Students

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CAL FIRE recently joined over 50 agencies and companies at the High Tech Science & Technology Fair for high school students in Del Mar, California.   Firefighters showed students the latest in firefighting technology through static displays and interactive demonstrations.

One participant, Forrest Boyd, a student from Poway High School, had an opportunity to try on one of CAL FIRE's new Scott Air Pak SCBA's (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), which features a "Head's Up" display that gives firefighters digital read-outs about their air supply on the face of their mask.

CAL FIRE San Diego Unit's Public Information Officer Mike Mohler assisted the student in putting on the high-tech mask. He described how to make sure it was secure by assembling the straps in the correct fashion. The student was told to place his hand over the front of the mask opening and breathe in to check the seal. 

Mohler assisted Boyd with donning and adjusting the air cylinder and helped him attach the regulator to the front of the mask. During the demonstration, green lights flashed inside the face piece of the mask. These lights help a firefighter determine how much air he has available while inside a hazardous atmosphere.

During the demonstration, Mohler explained to Boyd that one of the advancements of the breathing apparatus is that firefighters can go into a hazardous situation and determine when it is time to get out and how deep they are into the fire. He explained that his piece of equipment helps firefighters in what they call a IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health) environment.

After the demonstration Forrest Boyd said, "It's amazing because the read-out thing is cool how it shows you how much air you actually have and so you know when to get out." He also said was a bit nervous when he tried on the SCBA at first, but that he was amazed at how the technology works.

When asked if he could imagine making firefighting his career, Forrest's response was, "I don't think I would like to be a firefighter. I think it's cool how they have all the stuff they have, but I don't think I would. I'm thinking about either being an architect or going into engineering."

Join FDNNTV.com's Deanne Goodman later this month for an inside look at other state-of-the-art fire apparatus and equipment that CAL FIRE had on display at the event.


Author:Deanne Goodman - Video, Renée Marquart - Text