Personal Protective Equipment

[alexcurrall]

Hello all,

I need a little help. I am attempting to determine if either fire personnel or EMS personnel use NBC (APR) masks. I'm pretty sure that fire personnel use SCBA's, but I'm not sure what else. I don't know anything about EMS as far as masks go. Maybe the police are the only ones that use NBC masks (besides the military). Can anyone shed any light on this for me? Thank's a lot!

Cheers,
Alex

[jfd120]

First of all, it depends on what kind of situation it is.
For the fire service the SCBA would be the unit of choice
because we use it everyday. APR's should only be used in an atmosphere
with enough oxygen and you have to know what the inhaliation hazard is
so you have the correct filter to do the job. SCBA's are worn under levelA suits during hazmat operation unless you use a supplied air respirator.
The main thing police use APR's for is riot control agents.
Hope this helps.

[alexcurrall]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate the info. I wasn't sure which non-military emergency responders would be stocking up on NBC masks after Sept. 11th, but now I know it's probably just police agencies. Thanks again!

Cheers,
Alex