Hey all you firefighters who wear glasses (corrective lenses) and are blind as bats like me when the glasses come off and the SCBA facepiece goes on. Well rejoice, we are getting corrective lens inserts for our masks.

Now, you are probably wondering how this is going to work. Your corrective lenses sit in a frame (made from SCOTT) which is suspended by tension within the interior of the facepiece. This entire assembly can be taken out and put back without any screws, nuts, or mechanical devices. When your mask is put on, the corrective lens assembly slips over the bridge of your nose like putting on a pair of glasses.

I have used this corrective lens assembly for the past 4-5 months and find they work very well. Fogging can be a short-term problem, but the nose cup assembly and the air directional venting soon clears this up. A word of caution, keep your mask protected. Avoid getting the interior of the mask contaminated with fire debris and water, as this will dirty up the lenses which will impair your vision. This word of caution shouldn’t have to be made, as you naturally keep the interior of your mask clean anyway......right????

Having been hampered by the inability to see 20/20 when wearing a SCBA for some 17 years, this is a goal I’m happy to see our department achieve. Being able to see clearly and by being fully aware of our hazardous firefighting/rescue environments are crucial parts of our job of saving lives, property, and protecting “number one.” Be Safe!!

Last Breath

Protecting “number one” is only achieved when you become a student and learn the most you can about whatever you strive for. Being in the fire service is indeed a proud tradition, but aside from all the fanfare, you must learn as much as you can about the job and your responsibilities. Connecticut has one of the most advanced fire schools in the country. Take advantage of it and protect “number one”...YOU!