Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety announced the deployment of 1,100 state-of-the-art G1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). The contract was formally awarded in late 2016 and the current deployment represents the completion of a one-year, multi-phase delivery and training process. The last time Chicago deployed new SCBA technology was on September 11, 2001.
“This latest rollout of new SCBA gear for our fire personnel features the latest technology that will help improve firefighter safety and performance and will, in turn, increase the safety of our citizens,” said Jose Santiago, Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department.
“When we were designing and building our G1 SCBA – MSA’s most technologically advanced, balanced, and customizable breathing apparatus ever – our engineers relied heavily on voice-of-customer feedback from thousands of firefighters in the field,” said Nish Vartanian, President, and Chief Operating Officer.
G1 SCBA platform
“We are incredibly honored that fire departments like the Chicago Fire Department, the nation’s third-largest department and one of the world’s oldest and most well-respected, have taken note and entrusted MSA to protect the men and women that keep Chicagoans safe each and every day,” he continued.
G1 SCBA has no electronics on its facepiece, making it easier for firefighters to use their full field of view
The G1 SCBA platform, the single largest new product development effort in MSA’s 103-year history, was introduced in 2014 and features several breakthrough features designed to improve firefighter safety and effectiveness. For instance, unlike conventional designs, the G1 SCBA has no electronics on its facepiece, making it easier for firefighters to use their full field of view.
The SCBA design includes darkness- and smoke-piercing “buddy lights,” which provide visible indicators of fellow firefighters and accompanying critical air supply data from any angle, and features improved voice amplification communications.
integrated thermal imaging camera
The unit's unique ergonomic design, combined with an adjustable waist belt and wide shoulder straps, allows more SCBA weight to be carried on a firefighter's hips. Collectively, these features make the SCBA more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Additionally, the G1 SCBA includes a “Central Power” feature that powers the entire unit from a single, rechargeable battery compartment, eliminating the need for additional batteries.
Also available is an optional integrated thermal imaging camera (iTIC) that’s built right into the G1 SCBA’s control module. “MSA’s commitment to the fire service, and the firefighters that make our cities safe, is more than just words. In truth, it’s what drives our associates and fuels our passion to continually raise the bar to protect firefighters with the best and most advanced technology available today, like the G1 SCBA,” Mr. Vartanian continued.
“We’re happy that the Chicago Fire Department continues to put their trust in the MSA brand, and we’re excited to further strengthen our relationship with one of the most well-respected fire departments in the world.”
