The community’s generosity during the May firestorm is turning into new equipment for San Diego firefighters.
The San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation has donated $42,000 worth of new gear to the department. The money came from people and businesses who wanted to thank firefighters after a series wildfires ripped through the county earlier this year, according to Wendy Robinson with the foundation.
The equipment includes an air supply cart, which will provide oxygen to firefighters when they go into confined spaces, and six pediatric rescue carriers. Until now, the department only had rescue carriers for adults.
“When we encounter pediatric emergencies that require the helicopter to perhaps hoist someone along with the paramedic, we really had no capability to safely do that for our smallest patients,” Fire Chief Javier Mainar said.
Firefighters also received 15 new iPads.
“During the wildfires, one of the biggest challenges we faced was providing (our team) with situational awareness,” Mainar said.
“The iPads will allow us to use mapping programs that will provide that common operating picture for everyone,” he added.
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The San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation raises money for firefighting equipment and training that aren’t in the city’s budget. The air supply cart, pediatric rescue carriers and iPads came from the department’s wish list.
Firefighters demonstrated the new equipment Thursday at Station 10 in the College Area. The event was part of Fire Prevention Week.
