Firefighters report problems with breathing devices

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Twelve St. Louis jurors deliberated last month on whether a safety device worn by city firefighter Rob Morrison malfunctioned and contributed to his death at a blaze in 2002, but they never finished. The manufacturer settled with Morrison's family for between $1 million and $5 million, ending the case.

Questions regarding the safety of Survivair brand equipment did not end. The company has been named in two other suits by St. Louis firefighters or their families since 2003, echoing similar complaints heard around the country. One was filed by survivors of Derek Martin, a firefighter who died trying to save Morrison. Their lawyer plans to tell a jury that Martin's Survivair breathing equipment failed.

Fire Chief Sherman George has ordered an examination of Survivair equipment. In a hand-delivered letter Wednesday, the president of the city firefighters union asked George and city officials to just replace it. Internal company documents obtained by the Post-Dispatch suggest widespread concerns.


The market is dominated by competing manufacturers Scott and MSA.


Read the article at: http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/breathingapparatus/articles/239207/