High-tech masks, air packs to help Carpentersville firefighters in hazardous conditions
Carpentersville firefighters have begun using new air packs and masks with thermal imaging to help them endure hazardous conditions.
The equipment was purchased through a $262,300 federal grant - 10 percent of which is funded by the village - that was awarded to the fire department last year, Chief John-Paul Schilling said. The funds allowed the department to replace its decade-old breathing apparatus, which would have been retired next year, with 36 new air packs and masks.
The air packs have a longer user time and more air in the bottle, which is helpful when firefighters are trying to escape from dangerous situations, Schilling said.
They also come with masks that have a built-in thermal imaging camera to help firefighters find their way in low visibility environments, he said. The feature could also help crews find fire victims faster during rescue operations.
Previously, one firefighter on shift would direct crews through hazardous conditions using a hand-held thermal imaging device, Schilling said.
"Now, every firefighter that's on duty has the ability to have that in their masks," he said. "(It) allows every firefighter to see through the smoke instead of just that one. It's another tool."
The hand-held devices can still be used for finding hot electrical boxes or locating the cause of smoke in a house, he added.
A committee comprising five members of the department spent about four months researching and trying out various air pack styles and manufacturers, Schilling said. Other members of the fire department also weighed in, he said, noting there was "resounding approval" for the equipment that was chosen.
Firefighters began using the air packs and masks about two weeks ago after going through a couple weeks of training, Schilling said. They have yet to encounter a fire that would put the new equipment to the test, he said.
"We did our homework," Schilling said. "We definitely made an informed decision."