To support training exercises and to provide mutual aid to surrounding communities, the Baltimore City Fire Dept is using a Mobile Service Trailer. Procured through Draeger Safety, Inc, the mobile, On-Site Service Trailer allows firefighters to perform all levels of repair and service to their personal protective equipment and gas detectors. The trailer was originally designed to provide support for training exercises, but has been providing comprehensive operations at remote locations within the Central Maryland Region.

Some emergencies, such as the Howard Street Tunnel incident, may call for an extended stay by emergency personnel. This July 2001 accident involved an eastbound CSX freight train, which derailed 11 of its 60 cars while passing through Baltimore's Howard Street Tunnel. The train included 8 tank cars fully loaded with hazardous materials. A derailed tank car carrying tripropylene was punctured in the accident and its contents ignited.

During this type of long emergency, getting the equipment serviced to send back into the field for further use may be a major obstacle. Although rescue equipment is engineered for this type of abuse, the addition of the Draeger Safety On-Site Service Trailer allows the user to handle any equipment refilling, calibration, or other adjustments, without the hassle of calling the station and having parts, tools, and spare equipment rushed to and from the scene. With the Draeger On-Site Service Trailer, all forms of personal protective equipment can be cleaned, checked, and repaired if necessary and then sent back into the field with a minimum turnaround time.

This trailer was designed for the following:

• Store 45 SCBAs


• Store 10 BG-4 rebreathers consumables


• Refill SCBA cylinders and spares


• Refill BG-4 oxygen cylinders and spares


• Perform fit testing and flow checks on Draeger SCBAs


• Provide power for a calibrating station for portable gas detection equipment.