Opelika Fire Department equips all 90 firefighters with new communication-enhanced masks
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- Opelika Fire Department equipped all 90 firefighters with new 3M Scott Vision C5 masks featuring Bluetooth radio technology for improved communication.
- New masks cost $182,590 total and include bone-conduction technology, wider field of view, and improved comfort features for emergency operations.
The Opelika Fire Department has equipped all 90 of its firefighters with new breathing apparatus facepieces designed to improve communication and safety during emergency operations.
According to a press release issued Wednesday, Oct. 28, the department purchased 3M Scott Vision C5 facepieces with Bluetooth Radio Direct Interface technology from 3M Scott Fire & Safety at a total cost of $182,590.
The new facepieces allow firefighters to communicate through their portable radios directly through their masks. Integrated Bluetooth technology is designed to improve voice clarity in noisy environments, where the sounds of fire, equipment and emergency vehicles can make radio communications difficult.
The masks also feature bone-conduction technology to help firefighters hear incoming radio transmissions while working in loud conditions.
“Clear communication on the fireground is one of the most important safety tools we have,” Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd said. “When our firefighters can hear and be heard, they can coordinate their actions, receive critical information, and keep track of one another in dangerous situations.”
Boyd said the new equipment provides added protection for department personnel and thanked the Opelika City Council for supporting the purchase.
Additional features include a wider field of view to improve situational awareness, an updated face seal and a removable head harness designed to improve comfort, fit, cleaning and ease of use.
The department said issuing the same facepieces to all 90 firefighters establishes a uniform equipment standard across the agency.
The upgrades are intended to help firefighters coordinate operations, receive critical information and maintain accountability while responding to emergencies.
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