TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Finding new hazmat, fire, and EMS equipment is a process. Toledo Fire and Rescue said they don't change or update equipment until a change is truly needed. They stick with their "best practices" for safety with things like washing hands and wearing protective gear.
But they extensively test a product before buying.
"Sometimes when we look at the latest and greatest, it may not fit our needs, it may not fit what we're trying to do, and the other aspect is we have to balance that with the cost. Just because it may be the latest and greatest, it may be out of reach for us depending on the cost of it," said Pvt. Sterling Rahe of Toledo Fire and Rescue.
Currently, the department relies on an extensive range of protective coverings. Fire engines are like rolling toolboxes full of equipment to keep our first responders safe. They use things like safety goggles and masks to protect themselves from airborne particles and bodily fluids.
"There's just a myriad of different substances that we're exposed to on a daily basis we have to protect ourselves from, and it's very difficult to do that and just being vigilant on what type of substances are out there we can protect ourselves to a very good degree," said Lt. Zakariya Reed with Toledo Fire's EMS Bureau.
To protect themselves, Toledo EMS always wear gloves and goggles. They can also choose from full turnout gear, plastic gowns, a variety of masks, or Tivex suits depending on the situation. Fire trucks are now outfitted with brushes and soap to wipe down suits.
Little efforts that firefighters say go a long way in keeping them safe.
