Menlo Park Fire Protection District

 

Self-contained Breathing Apparatus

 

Program Overview

The Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) program’s purpose is to assess, purchase, maintain, repair, and test the Scott Air Packs used by District employees. The Scott Air Pack is a device worn by firefighters to provide breathable air in an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) atmosphere. This includes hydro-testing SCBA cylinders, quarterly testing of the fill station, flow testing of all SCBA packs, and purchasing equipment for employees.

Management Oversight

The SCBA program is directed by the Division Chief of Operations with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program does not have any full-time equivalent employees. This program contains the general expenditures pertaining to the purchase of SCBA equipment, maintenance and repair services, and overtime for training and program administration.

Goals and Objectives

  • Ensure the reliability and proper functionality of all SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) equipment.
  • Perform maintenance and repairs on all SCBA equipment as needed.
  • Conduct research on emerging SCBA technologies to stay current with advancements.

FY 2023-24 Accomplishments

  • Conducted thorough testing of various SCBA manufacturers and models to evaluate options for purchase.
  • Acquired new SCBAs, including complete sets with packs, bottles, and masks.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

  • Put new SCBA equipment into service.
  • Completed the installation of two new bottle fill stations at Fire Stations 2 and 4.

Program Expenditure Summary

Expenditure Analysis

  • Materials and Supplies: This category includes general equipment, supplies, training registrations, and travel expenses. The $33,800 increase is attributed to new purchases of SCBA equipment and storage, as well as costs for training and travel accommodations for personnel.
  • Contract Services: This covers general contract service expenditures. The $21,000 increase reflects anticipated higher costs for SCBA maintenance and repairs specifically for fit testing, compressors, and fill stations.
  • Fixed Assets: For FY2024-25, all fixed asset purchases will be reported under the Capital Improvement Projects Fund. The $1,577,000 decrease is due to the completion of the District-wide SCBA replacement in the previous year.