Cayman Islands Fire Service equipment supports COVID-19 efforts

CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) is lending its support and equipment to the fight against COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands.

            Breathing apparatus and specialised personal protective equipment is helping to support the Government’s drive to increase testing.

            Test kits are stored in dry ice, which has the potential to cause cold burns and may render the atmosphere unbreathable in confined spaces.

            The CIFS equipment enables front line firefighters to ventilate storage containers and remove boxes of test kits safely as required.

Commenting on the partnership with the Health Services Authority (HSA), Chief Fire Officer Paul Walker, QFSM said, “This is just a small example of the multi-agency Cayman Islands Government response to the COVID-19 situation. All agencies and services are finding different ways of working and over the past two months have developed closer working relationships as a result.“

He continued, “The professionalism and willingness of CIFS staff to diversify, deliver flexible working and support colleagues from across government agencies and services is a wonderful testament to their focus of keeping residents and businesses safe across the Cayman Islands.“

The newly acquired breathing apparatus and protective equipment entered the service last year as part of an ongoing initiative to equip CIFS to world class standards.