Products/Services/Media


The QMID MIDSHIP PUMP from Hale Products is a 1,250-gpm midship pump that’s appropriate for fire departments with high-altitude applications and rural departments with special high-lift needs. Includes 10 three-inch and two four-inch discharge ports standard. Additional three- and four-inch ports are available. Redesigned impeller for efficiency. Can exceed 2,500 gpm from sufficient positive- pressure water source and appropriate engine. Optional Torrent SVS valves. (610) 825-6300.


The Kussmaul AUTO CURRENT 100 DETECTOR detects current and closes switch when senses current flows. Designed for high-current applications, can be installed in circuits carrying up to 100-amps DC. Indicates current flow whenever current exceeds four amps. Electrically isolated from 12-volt circuit. (800) 346-0857.


Insta-Chain, Inc. (ICI) introduces its new ALL-ELECTRIC AUTOMATIC ICECHAIN SYSTEM (patent pending). Designed for all trucks and buses that do not have air brakes or other pneumatic systems, it is suited to smaller trucks and buses that sit low to the ground. Provides simple, easily mounted, automatically deployed ice chains for a variety of vehicles that are difficult or impossible to equip using traditional air-driven automatic ice chain systems. The all-electric system is specifically designed to fit the following chasses and is adaptable to many other truck chassis/suspension systems: Ford: E-350, 450 and 550 series vehicles; F-150, 250, 350, 450 and 550 series vehicles; Chevy-1500, 2500, 3500 series vehicles; Dodge Ram; FL-60 without air and the FL Sprinter; GMC-3500; and IH 4700 without air. Operated by the flip of a switch on the dashboard, a motor rotates the chain wheel down against the tire. A small electronic circuit box mounted under the dashboard, with a programmable computer chip, controls the unit’s operation. Fits into tight areas, freeing up compartment space. (800) 633-0699. Web site: www.insta-chain.com.


Fire Tool introduces the THAU CLAW HANDTOOL all-in-one wildland firefighting tool that scrapes, rakes, grubs, and trenches. Trapezoidal shape provides two scraping edges that allow twice as much use before resharpening. Shorter edge allows cutting larger-diameter fuels, grubbing, trenching, and getting between rocks. Rake almost nonclogging with wider outside tines to permit sharpening of scraping sides. Suitable for structure fire overhaul. (510) 909-5401.


The STUTTERTONE AIR HORNS from Hadley Products are available in a round bell shape in single or dual configurations in 24.5- and 30-inch lengths. Pretuned for optimal carrying power. If ordered with custom bell shields for snow or insects, includes special three-year warranty on part functionality. (616) 530-1717.


Safety Equipment America (SEA) and Hot Shield USA have improved their HALF MASK/HOTSHIELD INTEGRATED UNIT, suitable for fighting wildland fires, to provide increased protection from heat and flame. The Hotshield is now made of patented Carbon X material that is inherently nonflammable and will not shrink, char, or crack. Protects the head, lower face, neck, and respirator. SEA’s mask features an extra large P-100 filter that provides low inhalation resistance and two large exhalation valves for greatly reduced exhalation resistance. (888) 732-3500.


The B-Bar Tool, created by Bosse Enterprises, is designed for the fire/rescue/EMS applications as a one-person forc-ible entry tool but is also suitable for pulling locks, removing windshields, prying opening hoods on vehicles, overhaul, and other tasks. Constructed of 41-40 hardened steel and nickel-plated. For pulling locks like a K tool, use opposite end used as the key tool and the combination fork end and weighted slide as a one-person set of irons to force a door. Weighted slide can be used for forcing in and for pulling out window bars. Call Tri Industries Inc. (800) 891-3380.


The HazMat Smart-Strip from Safety Solutions Incorporated (commercialized with assistance from the National Technology Transfer Center’s Emergency Response Technology Program) is a credit card-sized device that changes colors when exposed to eight common classes of chemical agents. Instantly identifies nerve, cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, arsenic, acids/caustics, fluoride, oxidizers, and chlorine. The Smart-Strip requires little training and attaches with either a peel-and-stick adhesive strip or a clip like those used for identification badges. It has a12-hour operational timeframe once activated and a two-year shelf life. (561) 738-7086. Web site: www.smart-strip.com.


Ansul Inc.’s SAPPHIRE™ FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM contains a total flooding clean agent that serves as an effective halon replacement and complements Ansul’s existing InergenT line of fire suppression systems. Based on 3M’s Novec™ 1230 fluid, the first alternative chemical clean agent to offer a viable long-term solution for special hazards fire protection. Novec 1230 fire protection fluid has zero ozone depletion potential and an atmospheric lifetime of five days. Stored as a liquid but expelled as a gas, Novec 1230 fluid is easy to handle and is field-rechargeable; requires about the same number of cylinders as halocarbon agents. Appropriate for special hazards such as electronics, ships, and critical military applications. (715) 735-7411.


Survivair introduces the new mask-mounted HEADS-UP DISPLAY (HUD) for the PANTHER SCBA.Compliant with the 2002 edition of NFPA 1981. Easier to view than traditional chest-mounted pressure gauges. Uses a hard-wired system. Provides easy viewing on its wide-span, air-pressure-level display where four LED gas-gauge-style indicators differentiate readings. Visually indicates air supply—each LED indicates 75, 50, 25, and 10 percent of capacity; all four are visible when full. At 25 percent of the cylinder pressure, an external red LED flashes, providing a low-air alarm visible to other personnel. Photodiode senses ambient light and automatically changes the LED’s intensity. Powered by single long-life battery. (800) 821-7236. Web site: www.survivair.com.


The Pelican MITYLITE™ 4AA FLASHLIGHT is the newest addition to its line of safety approved and submersible flashlights. UL Class I, Div. 1 listed for hazardous locations. Intense Xenon lamp cuts through smoke, fog, and water. Only the prefocused bulb requires replacement, not reflector assembly. Includes a sturdy lanyard and attachment clip for hands-free operation. Available in translucent silver, black, translucent blue, and neon yellow. (310) 326-4700 or (800) 473-5422 (outside California). Web site www.pelican.com.


The new INSTRUMENT QUALITY (IQ) DOCKING SYSTEM from Biosystems introduces an unattended system that eliminates manual operations. Provides comprehensive maintenance and calibration programs that schedule a series of automated functions, such as charging, calibrating, and configuring up to 10 gas detectors. The new 10-module IQ Docking Station is available with docking modules for Biosystems’ Cannonball3, PhD5, PhD Lite, and the new MultiVision™ gas detectors. Connects to a central database monitored by the IQ Database Manager, which communicates with the docking station and creates custom templates and reports. (800) 711-6776. Web site: www. biosystems.com or www.bacou-dalloz.com.


Eagle Gear’s WILDLAND PACKS feature Pyrotone polyester/cotton canvas, manufactured with an acrylic topcoat that is water-repellent and mildew-resistant and meets the requirements of the California state fire marshal for flame retardance. Fabric’s superior strength and resistance to ember burns allow longer pack life and fewer repairs. Pyrotone Eagle Packs are available in nondetachable, detachable, and lumbar styles in red, black, dark green, royal blue, and yellow. Include heavy-duty YKKT zippers, Fastex closures, high-density strap padding and nylon webbing, stitched for strength and durability, and are bar-tacked at all stress points. Each pack has more than 1,200 cubic inches of storage, an interior pouch that can hold a 70-ounce water reservoir, two large zippered pockets for personal items, two exterior pouches for fusees and fuel/water bottles, and an anatomical low-profile flexible web system with four canteen holders. Web site: www.eaglegear.com. (800) 695-3245.


Salamander Technologies, Inc. introduces FIRE-TRAX® CE PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM featuring Symbol Technologies’ PPT 2800 Pocket PC data terminal. Data terminal features an integrated high-capacity “rastering” laser scanner to read the PDF417 bar codes on Fire-Trax ID tags. The Fire-Trax CE system captures who is at site, with what qualifications and credentials, where personnel are located, and when they got there. System can be deployed for routine runs or to track mutual aid at mass incidents. Fire-Trax CE can also operate on an 802.11B wireless LAN for radio frequency communications. (231) 932-4397. Web site: www.salamandertechnologies.com.


Wireless Electronic Technology (W.E.T.) from Elkhart Brass allows firefighters to control the company’s VULCAN RF (RADIO FREQUENCY) MONITOR using handheld or truck panel based remote controls. The Vulcan RF has s 3607 continual left/right travel and a dual-speed left/right drive that moves by increments. Remote programmable automatic oscillation and integrated stops permit precise fire stream direction control. Lightweight wireless remote can be overridden by panel. Unlimited digital security codes and frequency combinations allow multiple Vulcan RF units to operate in the same area without inteference from other radio frequencies. Monitor is 16 inches high and 12 inches wide with fully enclosed stainless-steel worm gears with all motors and control components sealed to NEMA 4 rating. (800) 346-0250.


Motorola’s RADIUS CP150 and CP200 PORTABLE TWO-WAY RADIOS offer operational flexibility. The two-watt (UHF or VHF) CP150 is ideal for on-site communications; the four-watt UHF and five-watt VHF CP200 allows communication across the street or across town. The CP200 allows selective programming and paging customized talk groups or individuals using Motorola’s Quik-Call Selective Call/Call Alert and transmits digital ID information using MDC Push-to-Talk Radio ID. Both units offer four- or 16-channel models, large control and push-to-talk buttons, 500-mW audio output, and programmable buttons to customize feature set. (800) 422-4210.


Spear Trucks TM2003 EQUIPMENT PODS are self-contained, waterproof, and tailored to the emergency services. Steel pod measures 22 feet long by 7.5 feet high and wide with six-foot, four-inch interior height/width and may be custom-designed according to total layout and contents. Pods may be outfitted with heat, A/C, water, or oxygen stations. Multiple modules may be linked or stacked to provide larger units for extended command centers, kitchens, sleeping quarters, or any other use. (888) 477-3276.


Amrel introduces the ROCKY APEX TABLET COMPUTER, a ruggedized unit designed after the company’s military grade Rocky Patriot IV. Weighing less than four pounds, Rocky Windows XP platform tablets feature sealed metallic magnesium casing, internally sealed ports, precautionary port cover, and a touchscreen that accepts fingertip and stylus input. Additional features include hot swappable batteries, programmable function keys, an Intel Pentium III 500MHz CPU, 128MB SDRAM, and a 200GB hard drive. Options include external dust- and water-resistant backlit keyboard, docklight for port expansion, and a suite of wireless networking options. (800) 882-6735.


Off Road Engineering’s HIGH IDLE CONTROLLER is designed to work on late-model Chevy and GMC engines with electronic throttle control. This solid-state device provides a preset high-idle rpm for in-creased alternator output. Op-tional voltage monitor allows unit to automatically activate when battery voltage drops to an insufficient level. Available illuminated power switch can be mounted in the dash for easy accessibility. Simplified installation with “plug and play” design. (949) 581-2991.


In Fire Engineering Books & Videos’ FIREFIGHTER RESCUE & SURVIVAL, authors Richard Kolomay and Robert Hoff draw on their combined firefighting experience of more than 50 years to put together this comprehensive guide. Provides an awareness of firefighter safety and proactive fire service training, describes various types of serious firefighter injuries and fatality incidents during operations, and details recommended rapid intervention team (RIT) operating methods and procedures and how to activate a RIT. (800) 745-3911. E-mail: sales@penn well.com. Web site: www.pennwell-store.com.

Hand entrapped in rope gripper

Elevator Rescue: Rope Gripper Entrapment

Mike Dragonetti discusses operating safely while around a Rope Gripper and two methods of mitigating an entrapment situation.
Delta explosion

Two Workers Killed, Another Injured in Explosion at Atlanta Delta Air Lines Facility

Two workers were killed and another seriously injured in an explosion Tuesday at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility near the Atlanta airport.