FireRescue’s 2005 FDIC Product Picks
As the fire service evolves, companies strive to make a firefighter’s job safer and easier. Improved communications, more reliable tactical equipment, new inventions and improved firefighter safety and survivability are the forces driving the companies that support the firefighting profession. This year, new innovations and newly improved old favorites top our list of product picks from the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) held last April in Indianapolis.
Survivair’s Pathfinder Firefighter Locating System
The precious minutes following a mayday are usually riddled with frustration. Knowing one or more of our own need assistance and/or rescue, but being unable to pinpoint their exact location is one of our worst nightmares.
Survivair has introduced a stunning new firefighter locating system—the Pathfinder—that significantly expedites the search for a downed or pinned firefighter. The Pathfinder utilizes ultrasound technology that, unlike GPS or radio waves, remains unimpeded by the structural members of a building.
The Pathfinder’s transmitting device is incorporated into the PASS, and regardless of a firefighter’s position, it broadcasts a 40-kHz ultrasound signal after they lie motionless for more than 30 seconds.
The rapid intervention team carries the Tracker, or the receiving device. Using audible and LED lighting indicators, the Tracker registers the intensity of the signal. Since ultrasound doesn’t penetrate walls, the waves take the path of least resistance away from the transmitter, providing a definitive path to the victim.
While testing this product at FDIC, I was stunned by its effectiveness. The Pathfinder increases the speed at which you move toward a firefighter in need. With that in mind, because visibility and the building’s structural integrity are likely compromised, rescuers must make a conscious effort to follow proper safety procedures as they move quickly through the structure. MSRP for the Pathfinder totals $2,150; the PASS costs $650, and the Tracker costs $1,500.
Pros
+ Utilizes ultrasound
technology;
+ Dramatically decreases time needed to locate downed firefighter; and
+ Provides definitive
path to victim.
Cons
- Cost.
Survivair
3001 S. Susan St.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
e-mail: scba@survivair.com
web: www.survivair.com
phone: 888/277-7222
fax: 714/850-0299
Light Canon 100 by Underwater Kinetics
Personal lighting is always a challenge on the fire scene. Corrosion, dead batteries and inadequate lighting can compromise a firefighter’s safety. Underwater Kinetics has created the Light Canon 100, a compact, handheld, portable floodlight that utilizes high intensity discharge (HID) illumination technology to emit three times more light per watt of battery power than standard halogen or Xenon lamps.
Disposable alkaline batteries or a rechargeable UK Ni-Cad upgrade kit can charge the Light Canon 100. The housing is made of a tough, non-corroding plastic, and the lamp is waterproof up to 500 feet.
Although we’re trained to move proficiently through darkness, improved vision greatly increases our chances of survivability and effectiveness. This portable floodlight is lightweight, easy to carry or clip to your turnouts and provides all the light you need. MSRP: $285.
Pros
+ Compact;
+ Portable;
+ Uses high-intensity
discharge illumination;
+ Tough, non-corrosive
housing; and
+ Waterproof.
Cons
- None.
Underwater Kinetics
13400 Danielson Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
e-mail: info@uwkinetics.com
web: www.uwkinetics.com
phone: 858/513-9100
fax: 858/513-9111
Ventmaster 575-XTorque
Fire Rescue Saw by Tempest
Roof operations are time-sensitive. If a fire crew is going to successfully open up a roof over active fire, it must make the decision quickly and execute the task proficiently.
Few things can mess up roof ops more thoroughly than an ineffective saw. To combat this, Tempest and Husqvarna teamed up to create the Ventmaster 575-XTorque Fire Rescue Saw, a user-friendly chainsaw that gets the job done.
Husqvarna created a chainsaw engine, the X-Torque Pro 575XT Power Head, that increases torque over a broad range of RPMs, preventing the chain from bogging down mid-cut. An exclusive air-injection centrifugal force air-cleaning system eliminates the need for expensive external aftermarket filters, and it rejects 97 percent of the residue and airborne particles generated in the cutting environment, including water spray. The motor’s superior emissions rating, which exceeds the 2012 standard and has the highest fuel economy in its class, demonstrates its efficiency.
Tempest designed the Ventmaster to simplify all aspects of its use, from starting it to cleaning it. A combined choke/throttle lock/stop switch allows for one-step starting and eliminates engine flooding. The sealed and protected carburetor/air filter compartment only allows the cleaning system air to enter, immediately decreasing the potential for failure due to premature filter clogging. The compartment opens without using tools, providing easy access to the spark plug, the air filter and cylinder cooling fins. And easy access means more frequent inspections and maintenance.
I personally watched this saw cut through the side of a commercial airliner fuselage during a demonstration in Southern California. While others’ saws were throwing chains, burning up and bogging down, the Ventmaster moved right through.
These are only a few of the many worthwhile features of the Ventmaster. It’s available in 16" and 20" bar lengths and comes with an advanced raptor carbide chain. MSRP: $2,067 for the 16" bar; $2,130 for the 20" bar.
Pros
+ Rejects 97 percent of residue and airborne particles;
+ Eliminates the need for external aftermarket filters;
+ Highest fuel economy in its class;
+ User-friendly; and
+ Varying bar lengths.
Cons
- Cost.
Tempest
4645 N. Bendel Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
e-mail: response@tempest-edge.com
web: www.tempest-edge.com
phone: 559/277-7577
fax: 559/277-7579
CMC Rescue’s MPD
Rope rescue operations are generally complicated and time consuming. Minimizing the different types of hardware required and eliminating hardware changes to accommodate hauling or lowering can simplify these operations and save time.
CMC Rescue Inc.’s MPD is a multi-purpose device that performs all functions for main lines, belay/safety lines, tag lines and hoisting lines. Working as a high-efficiency pulley with an integral rope-locking mechanism (ratcheted); a variable-friction descent control device for rescue systems and rappels; or as a rescue belay device, this lightweight (3 lbs.) device can do it all. The MPD eliminates the need to switch out and replace hardware when changing between lowering and raising systems, which makes rope-rescue ops quicker and safer.
The ease with which users can switch this device from lowering to hauling is also impressive. The switching lever is directional; whichever direction you want the rope to move, that’s the direction you move the lever. This one device minimizes necessary equipment in your cache and makes rope ops safer and more efficient.
The MPD is NFPA 1983-compliant and meets BCCTR rescue belay-competency criteria. MSRP: $495.
Pros
+ Multi-purpose tool;
+ NFPA 1983-compliant;
+ Meets BCCTR rescue belay-competency criteria;
+ Lightweight; and
+ Increases rope rescue safety and efficiency.
Cons
- None.
CMC Rescue Inc.
P.O. Box 6870
Santa Barbara, CA 93160-6870
e-mail: info@cmcrescue.com
web: www.cmcrescue.com
phone: 800/235-5741
fax: 800/562-9870
McKay VULCAN First Responder Communication System
Operating intricate radio controls while dealing with other fireground demands can make receiving and sending radio communications difficult at best. Imagine communications from the incident commander or crews deep within a burning structure are right inside your head. Think of the possibilities—you could speak in a normal tone, regardless of the ambient noise, and consistently transmit a clear, concise message. McKay Communications developed the VULCAN First Responder Communication System, a bone conduction speaker and microphone system that mounts to the headband of a helmet, is comfortable to wear and doesn’t interfere with your safety equipment.
The Vulcan’s large push-to-talk transmitter makes it easy to initiate communications, even while wearing cumbersome gloves. The unit is also available with a VOX transmitter, allowing for hands-free communications, which could be useful in confined-space operations or any other environment where mobility is limited and communications critical.
I was impressed by the ease of use with this communication system. The fact that the bone conduction component is incorporated into the helmet’s headband is also a helpful key feature; facepiece mounted systems have obvious limitations.
We know to wear our helmets whenever we’re on any type of emergency scene; once you’ve plugged into this system, you’re good to go for the duration of the incident, regardless of interior or exterior operations. MSRP: $335.
Pros
+ Doesn’t interfere with
safety equipment;
+ Allows user to speak
in normal tone;
+ Clear transmission;
+ Large transmitter; and
+ Optional hands-free
VOX transmitter.
Cons
- None.
McKay Communications Inc.
38 New Britain Ave.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
e-mail: sales@mckayheadsets.com
web: www.mckayheadsets.com
phone: 860/808-1276
fax: 860/808-1287
RIT Air Pack Harness
The complexity of rapid intervention team (RIT) operations is unparalleled. One of the most challenging components of a firefighter rescue, short of finding them, is securing them for movement. One common practice is to undo the SCBA waist strap and secure it through the victim’s legs. This allows the rescuer to drag the victim by their air pack harness without pulling it over their head.
RIT Rescue & Escape Systems developed a quick and convenient way to convert your air pack harness into a Class III harness certified to the NFPA 1983-2001 standard and ANSI fall protection. (It’s currently undergoing NFPA 1983 certification.)
The 100-percent Kevlar harness easily retrofits to any SCBA and deploys in seconds, but it doesn’t utilize any component of the SCBA hardware or harness. Make one simple connection, and you or your victim is ready for any component of rescue or self-rescue. The 13⁄4" webbing with a tensile strength of 10,000 lbs. bears the load.
Although the “through the legs with the waist belt” method is fine in a pinch, this product’s ease of deployment and dramatically increased protection really validates its usefulness. MSRP: $430.
Pros
+ Converts air pack harness into NFPA-certified Class III harness;
+ 100-percent Kevlar;
+ Doesn’t use SCBA
hardware or harness;
+ User-friendly; and
+ 10,000-lb. tensile strength.
Cons
- None.
RIT Rescue & Escape Systems
2300 Edison Blvd.
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
e-mail: omar.jorday@ritrescuesystems.com
web: www.ritrescuesystems.com
phone: 800/254-2990
fax: 330/405-5444
V Force Turnouts by Janesville
Ten years ago, when I donned my first set of turnouts, I couldn’t believe anyone actually functioned in such a heavy, bulky, restrictive garment. I felt like the Michelin Tire Man trying to take my first fireplug. When I reached forward, my sleeves rode up, and in order to keep my boot covered with my pant leg, I had to order pants two inches too long.
Janesville’s V Force turnouts raised the standard for comfortable, lightweight, functional turnout gear. The company combined the best technology and designs from combat and professional sports clothing and applied them to bunker gear. Every well-planned detail provides optimum mobility, a broad range of motion, durability and protection.
Design features include a contoured collar, an extended cuff over the back of the hand, V-Notch contoured reinforcements on the elbows and knees, which include Janesville’s water-resistant, closed-cell, FR Lite-N-Dri cushioning, and a lower leg liner equipped with its Semper Dri System to reduce water wicking into the pant legs.
After trying on this lightweight gear, I quickly realized this was a garment designed to work. Taking high steps resulted in minimal leg cuff lift, and I was able to fully extend and cross my arms in front of me without markedly drawing up my sleeves. MSRP: $1,500–$2,100/set, depending on options.
Rescom Communications
Rope by Special Electronics & Designs, Inc. (SED)
Transmitting from the depths of a trench, a mine or an underground electric or water tunnel system can create breaks in critical communications efforts. The Rescom Communications Rope by Quala-tel is specifically designed to meet the communication needs and high standards of confined-space entry and rescue professionals.
The two-wire system allows for the development of a functional communications rope with a breaking strength of more than 10,000 lbs., while the actual communications component has a breaking strength of up to 10,800 lbs. Intrinsically safe, the rope is certified to NFPA 1983-2001 and is currently undergoing NFPA 1983 certification.
The rope can be used to belay, rappel and tie off or as part of a mechanical advantage system. Essentially, rescuers can use this communications rope in the same fashion as any other rated rescue rope, with only a few exceptions. It is not recommended for use during highline operations because the force generated could exceed the breaking strength of the rope.
Using the Rescom Communications Rope as a primary or secondary lifeline eliminates the need for a separate communications line while providing hands-free, reliable communications. This fact in itself makes the product worthwhile. MSRP: $3,824.
Globe Fire Suits’ G-Xtreme DRD Firefighter Drag Rescue Device
We’re all aware of how cumbersome and awkward it can be moving an unresponsive person. The simplicity of the integrated chest harness on the Globe G-Xtreme turnout coat provides a reasonably priced way to add protection to your fire gear.
For an additional $95, you can purchase a Kevlar harness that sits between the liner and shell of the coat. Deployment is quick and easy through the access port just below the collar on the back of the coat. As the victim is pulled, the webbing tightens down on their chest and shoulders, making it impossible to pull the harness off the victim.
The harness goes undetected during regular use of the turnouts, and resetting the harness after deployment is quick and easy. We’re all aware of how cumbersome and awkward it is when moving an unresponsive person through a rescue drill. As far as “get in, grab and go,” this product is reliable, affordable and easy to use, not to mention it’s incorporated into a great set of turnouts as well. MSRP: $95 for the upgrade.
MSA Fire Hawk Rescue System
Never go without your own safety/rappel line and hardware. The compact convenience of MSA’s integrated self-rescue belt pack makes staying prepared for emergency exits from higher elevations effortless.
The Fire Hawk Rescue System is an emergency egress system designed to help firefighters rappel from the upper stories of a structure. It comes complete with a friction device and all appropriate rappelling hardware. The rescue line meets NFPA 1983–2001 requirements, and the complete system is capable of holding a 1,000-lb. static load, which exceeds the NFPA minimum of 300 lbs.
The belt comes in two waist sizes, and the Kevlar rescue line comes in 50' and 75' lengths. You can order it as an option on a new SCBA or as an individually sold component for upgrading your existing MSA SCBA. In the past, satisfying this need involved a rather bulky self-rescue bag we clipped onto our turnouts. I like the streamlined nature of this product. It’ll be there when you need it and won’t get in your way when you don’t. MSRP: $455 for the 50' rescue line; $582 for the 75' rescue line.
Martha Ellis has been a firefighter with the Salt Lake City Fire Department (SLCFD) for more than 10 years, serving as a firefighter, engineer and media technician. She is currently the training captain for the SLCFD ARFF team, and she works as a certified fitness coordinator for the department. She has won the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge Women’s Division five times, and held the world record for eight consecutive years.
Pros
+ Compact;
+ NFPA-compliant;
+ Holds 1,000-lb. static load; and
+ Two waist size options and rescue line lengths.
Cons
- None.
MSA
121 Gamma Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
web: www.msafire.com
e-mail: info@msafire.com
phone: 877/MSA-FIRE
fax: 800/967-0398
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What to Look for in ’06
Morning Pride “Project Heroes” Prototype
Today, anything is possible when responding to calls. This year, Morning Pride introduced its prototype for the “Project Heroes” (Homeland Emergency Response Operational and Equipment Systems) turnout gear in an effort to increase firefighter’s everyday level of protection.
Development of these turnouts is a joint venture between Total Fire Group/Morning Pride Manufacturing, the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), International Personnel Protection and two academic partners—the University of Massachusetts and the University of Arkansas. Their goal is to produce turnout gear that addresses the many potential hazards facing firefighters today, such as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN). The challenge is accomplishing this goal without sacrificing thermal protection, comfort or functionality.
Some of the unique features incorporated into these turnouts include a chemical/biological barrier, which replaces the traditional moisture barrier, an integrated hood with a facepiece gasket, magnetic mate gloves to provide a gasket seal at the wrist and integrated boot liners, to name a few.
The prototype continues to undergo extensive testing, and prior to the release date of early to mid 2006, it will receive NFPA 1971 certification with the new CBRN option. Although the price for this bunker gear has not been established yet, the increased cost for the upgrade to the CBRN is estimated to be less than $200 per set. |
