THE Fire Service is currently exploring cost-effective solutions in procuring breathing apparatus not only to manage costs but to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the equipment, Chief Fire Officer Arnold Bristo told Sunday Newsday.
In a sit-down interview on April 12, Bristo said part of the goal is to procure equipment from manufacturers with durable and cost-effective vehicles.
His comments came after complaints about a lack of fire tenders and other equipment in the service and the inability for officers to respond more effectively.
Sunday Newsday understands TT uses American-based National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) self-contained breathing apparatus.
One unit can cost as much as $75,000. Between 2012-2013, the Fire Service bought 300 of these units but a decade later, Bristo said, many of them are not in use because they are too expensive to repair and maintain.
“It begs the question ‘Why do we go back to make the same mistake.’ If we look at the system and understand it then we take this step to correct it.”
“Those sets that cost that kind of money comes with a very hefty maintenance tag, where every couple of months we have to be buying batteries and you will have to replace these things and replace all other things.
“That is a cost that fire departments around the world moving away from. There are other sets that you could consider, that are much cheaper, that is more cost-effective in terms of being able to maintain them.”
But Leo Ramkissoon, president of the Fire Service Association, is against this move. He claimed the service will be switching to the European standard (EN) breathing apparatus.
“NFPA sets would have communication devices built into the sets, so officers inside could easily communicate for help. The European set does have the advanced technological components to improve and safety and effectiveness of rescues.”
Ramkissoon claimed the proposal to change manufacturers for breathing apparatus was never discussed with fire-fighters.
“Maintenance is not the problem. The maintenance programme is what needs reform,” he said.
“There’s a saying ‘Good thing no cheap and cheap thing no good.’ The CFO must remember that he will not be using these new apparatuses when they come. He is retiring next year. It’s the man on the ground that will be using them,” Ramkissoon said.
Bristo said he is also working to make poor procurement practices a thing of the past.
“In looking at where we are, at this point, we didn't arrive here overnight, because it would have been a series of issues that would have led to this. Back in 2016-2017, we would have gone over tenders for vehicles based on a decision by Cabinet as far back as 2014 and that decision was for the construction of several fire stations – Mayaro, Penal, Lady Hailes and Chaguaramas and Woodbrook fire stations.”
It’s reported that approximately $145 million was approved for this process.
“During that process, the company would have been given the green light by the government and would have gone out for
