Fire department seeks P6.8 million in equipment

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Fire Department is asking the city government over P6.8 million worth of fire fighting and rescue equipment to boost the its operational capability.

Cebu City Fire Marshal Senior Supt. Aderson A. Comar submitted to Mayor Michael Rama the list of equipment they requested, including the quotations.

“The rescue of trapped persons in a post-incident operation caused by a natural or otherwise inflicted kind is inherently dangerous work. Those who dedicate themselves to this endeavor certainly deserve not only knowledge of its complexities, but must also have tools to do this safely and effectively,” Comar told the mayor to justify their request for equipment.

The fire department is specifically asking for a Holmatro rescue set systems and Scorpe Technologies’ Vibrascope victim location system that will aid the rescuers during accidents on and off the road, collapsed structures including underwater.

The Holmatro rescue set system includes, among others, a set of hydrolic shoring set for vehicle stabilization, collapsed structures and creation of safe working zones in collapsed trenches worth P1.9 million. A set of rapid intervention rescue systems to consist of CT4150 tool, RA4315 Telescopic Ram, SPU 35 PC pump, a hose set, pulling chains and pulling attachments will cost P1.73 million.

The battery-powered rescue set ideal for high-rise buildings, ravine, tunnels, tight space or elsewhere where only one rescuer may respond would cost P1.27 million.

The Vibrascope BVA-6 Victims Location System, ideal for search and rescue operations, would cost P1.82 million while the circular saw complete with blades for steel and concrete materials, safety gas can, hearing protector, goggles, spare belt and air filter would cost P83,000.

The fire department believes that with these equipment, the level of preparedness of the city’s disaster team, including the survivability of disaster victims, will increase.

The Office of the Mayor is yet to evaluate Comar’s proposal. If approved, it might be included in the city’s budget.  (FREEMAN)