Bunker Gear from E-Bay... is it reliable?

Something is better than nothing right? Hmm, I keep telling myself that. I bought some bunker gear from E-Bay and will donate it to a brigade in the Philippines. I am hoping that it is reliable. I don't buy from E-Bay often and I have never bought firefighting items from E-Bay. I guess I will find out. Since I have not really been getting donations and I have been spending my own money to get gear. I decided maybe E-Bay is the best option. I am just hoping I am sent something that I could use.

I was looking at a few SCBA's on E-Bay. They are old and not in use anymore but I think I can refurbish them and use them in a fire. I guess I am tired of eating smoke. Its the coughing and smoke inhalation that kills me after a fire. i certainly know that I need buncker gear before I get an SCBA but for future thought.. I think an SCBA is a good investment. Not to mention, it will lave a life.


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Comment by Jason McDonald on November 19, 2010 at 4:16pm
The servicing issues is what scares me. I guess i will just think about all the options before I buy.
Comment by lutan1 on November 18, 2010 at 4:51pm
Be wary of any second hand SCBA being sold by anyone, anywhere. The costs to refurbish and ensure safe operation can be astronomical. Very rarely does any organization get rid of SCBA unless the maintenance costs are starting to get too high to justify the expense...
Comment by Jason McDonald on November 18, 2010 at 1:03pm
Thanks, I will. I used an SCBA at every fire when I was in the USA but when I went overseas, I was shocked that many firefighters don't even have bunker gear. I ordered some gear and am waiting on it and I would like an SCBA. I know its important to have it certified and in working condition as well. Thats why I sometimes think having something to protect you is better than not having something but at the same time, if that something is used and second hand, will it fail and cause damage? Thats a huge risk to take but not taking that risk means not having anything to protect you. its a touchy subject. I will think long and hard before getting the SCBA.

Thanks for the input.
Comment by Brian Mackie on November 18, 2010 at 12:58pm
I think an SCBA is a good investment. Not to mention, it will lave a life.
Yah think?
I can prove that it might help to use an SCBA... read my profile... nuff said.. oh.. and yes I did use mine..every time
Like Mike said, having proper and certified gear is paramount. Buying from ebay.. well, whatever, but I would think there has to be a better way...
Just because it was/is certified - buying someone elses used stuff for such an important thing.. gotta wonder..why are they getting rid of it? how many times has it been burned? was it always washed according to manufacturer's recs? is it STILL serviceable other than for external use? etc etc
just be careful. As for SCBA...well.. think it through k. stay safe
Comment by Jason McDonald on November 18, 2010 at 11:24am
I bought the gear from a department and its certified. I am still skeptical. But, I guess something is better than nothing.

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