Hawaii County Fire Department girds against Ebola virus

The Hawaii County Fire Department was given permission Tuesday to purchase better equipment to protect emergency medical services workers from the Ebola virus, even though the equipment will cost more than that offered by the lowest bidder.

The county Standardization Committee agreed to allow the department to specify certain brands of masks and hooded, booted coveralls after committee members saw for themselves how easily the current gear tears, and learning that department tests showed the current masks allow particles to slip through.

It’s not known how much the equipment will cost, but county Procurement Specialist Steve Wilhelm said, “The difference in price is minimal.”

It’s important first responders have the best gear the county can afford, said Lance Uchida, Emergency Medical Services battalion chief.

“We’re not working in labs,” he said. “These guys are out in the field … rubbing up against concrete.”

The committee agreed to specifying the 3M N95 mask and Dupont Tyvek hooded and booted coveralls in the bid requests after learning multiple vendors supply the gear, so there still will be some competition for the county’s business.

The Fire Department plans to order 370 coveralls and 1,600 masks, said Uchida.

Uchida acknowledged the county is late getting on board with equipment recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but added the Ebola risk still is present. He said Hawaii might be more vulnerable because of the high number of missionaries and health care workers in the state who are visiting high-risk areas.

“Although the Ebola threat is minimized somewhat,” Uchida said, “it’s going to come to Hawaii and we need to be prepared.”

Email Nancy Cook Lauer at ncook-lauer@westhawaiitoday.com.