Captain Harry Coates, Chief Phillip Wood, Deputy Chief Shawn McLean, and Captain Scott Fillmore standing next to the Solo Rescue at Millstream Fire Department.
Millstream Fire Department has taken an important step toward protecting its firefighters from harmful carcinogens by incorporating a dedicated cleaning solution into their operations. By introducing the Solo Rescue® SCBA Decon Washer, the department reinforces its commitment to reducing cancer risks and safeguarding the health of its team.
The Solo Rescue SCBA Decon Washer will primarily serve Millstream Fire Department’s own station but will also be available to assist neighboring departments in need of decontamination services. By prioritizing effective cleaning and maintenance of SCBA units and other protective equipment, the department demonstrates its alignment with NFPA 1850 standards, which emphasize the importance of reducing firefighter exposure to harmful contaminants. This reflects Millstream Fire Department’s commitment to the safety and health of both its firefighters and the wider firefighting community.
Boosting SCBA Cleaning Efficiency for Safer Operations
The introduction of the Solo Rescue SCBA Decon Washer marked a major step forward in the station’s approach to gear decontamination. All 21 SCBA units—along with boots, helmets, gloves, and masks—have been thoroughly cleaned using the machine, highlighting the limitations of traditional hand-scrubbing methods.
The first use revealed a surprising amount of hidden contaminants, leaving the team impressed by the washer’s effectiveness. “We've always washed our gear by scrubbing and rinsing off. The results are overwhelming and we couldn't believe how much more came out after the first wash,” says Captain Harry Coates. Today, the washer is used routinely after every structure or vehicle fire, ensuring that all SCBA are properly decontaminated, and the crew’s safety is prioritized.
We’ve always washed our gear by scrubbing and rinsing off. The results are overwhelming and we couldn't believe how much more came out after the first wash.
Decontaminated and cleaned SCBA after washing, and contaminated water from the first wash.
The choice to invest in Solo Rescue Decon Washer
The decision to adopt Solo Rescue was driven by a need for more effective decontamination solutions to combat the rising risks of carcinogen exposure among their team. While searching for ways to reduce carcinogens in their gear and improve the safety of their members, the department came across Solo Rescue. Through research, they quickly identified it as the right machine for their needs, citing its simplicity in operation as one of its standout features.
The purchasing process was also much easier than anticipated. From the initial inquiry to having the washer fully installed and ready for use, the entire process took only six months.
We always thought we were cleaning our SCBA and gear well—we were proven wrong.
Raising the bar for SCBA decontamination
While initially unsure of what results to expect, the team was overwhelmed by the performance of the Solo Rescue SCBA and gear washer. “We always thought we were cleaning our SCBA and gear well—we were proven wrong,” says Captain Harry Coates. Its ability to deliver a consistent, thorough cleaning process has surpassed their expectations, adding an extra layer of safety for their crew. With fully cleaned gear, the team feels confident they’re taking the right steps to protect their health and safety.
As Millstream Fire Department continues to prioritize the well-being of its personnel, the adoption of Solo Rescue SCBA Decon Washer sets a benchmark for other fire services seeking innovative solutions.
