The SAPE Group has combined with Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) in an initiative to provide Sundstrom P3 full face masks to volunteer firies. RCA is a charity dedicated to the prevention and treatment of cancer and together with SAPE Group wants to ensure that volunteers are protected from the harmful and long term impacts of bushfires.
The standard-issue P2 disposable masks used by some volunteers have limitations and most volunteers need and want the protection offered by the more advanced P3 full face masks. There is deep concern among the volunteers of the impact of not only smoke but also toxic gases and liquids such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene.
To quote one volunteer “These are great, after wearing one last Saturday I went home and for the first time this season I didn’t spend the night coughing my guts up!”
“SAPE has been fantastic”, said Richard Vines, CEO of Rare Cancers Australia, “It would have been impossible for us to set this appeal up and start delivering masks to our volunteer brigades so quickly without their help. They have been critical to our success.”
SAPE is providing support across the whole supply chain from order to warehousing to delivery of $140,000 worth of masks to the brigades. “When RCA approached us we were only too happy to help”, said Paul McMartin of SAPE. “The length of the bushfire season and the intensity of the fires mean that the rules have changed around safety for firefighters. Using our systems and facilities to help is something we are extremely proud of.”
If you would like to help please go to the RCA website to donate