Products/Services/Media


RAE Systems two new pager-sized GAMMARAE and NEUTRONRAE RADIATION SENSORS provide real-time detection of hidden radiation sources. Unlike dosimeters, which provide weighted averages over a period of time, the GammaRAE and NeutronRAE deliver instantaneous feedback to frontline homeland defense personnel. The GammaRAE Pager detects gamma ray sources using a sensitive cesium iodide (CsI) scintillator. The NeutronRAE Pager detects gamma ray and neutron sources using sensitive cesium iodide (CsI) and lithium iodide (LiI) scintillators. Gamma rays are detected in the energy range of .03-3.0 MeV and even low energy neutrons in the thermal range can be detected. The NeutronRAE detects neutrons from weapons grade plutonium. Web site: www.raesystems.com. (877) 723-2878.


The RAMFAN COOLING COLLAR from Euramco Safety, Inc. is ideal for firefighter rehab. Fits the entire Ramfan line of 12- and 16-inch blowers; it can also be adapted to many other brands. Collar slips on and cinches into place quickly and easily. Normal residential hose pressure provides cooling mist and reduces airflow temperature by as much as 25°F. Web site: www.euramcosystems.com. (800) 472-6326.


TISCOR’s INSPECTION MANAGER FLX completely automates annual building inspections. Allows users to record NFPA violations electronically with a PDA, eliminating handwritten paperwork and time-consuming data entry. Documents all building inspection activities. After inspection, users can immediately print out reports outlining inspection activities, and PDA has signature capture, so the customer can acknowledge receipt of inspection. Features user-defined violations, time and date stamp, electronic scheduling, and detailed history. (800) 227-6379.


In PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT: ACHIEVING INDIVIDUAL AND DEPARTMENTAL EXCELLENCE from Fire Engineering Books and Videos, Bennie L. Crane and Dr. Julian Williams explain in a straightforward and commonsense manner how to strengthen organizations by empowering individuals. Crane uses his experience as a Chicago firefighter and facilitator for examples in a method that is applicable to teams and organizations in any work environment. Dr. Julian Williams, an instructor at Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York, has served as a facilitator and consultant. (800) 745-3911. Web site: www.pennwell-store.com.


North American Safety Products distributes HAND SENSET PROTECTIVE CREAM, which blocks biological agents from entering the body through the skin. Hand Sense forms a protective nonporous shield for users and can be worn for hours under latex gloves, protecting the users from hyperhidrosis (excessive perspiration) and allergic reactions to the gloves. Hand Sense penetrates the epidermal or top layer of skin and forms a soft shield on the dermal layer below, protecting users from acids, solvents, chemicals, and biological agents. A single application provides protection for four hours regardless of washing or scrubbing the skin. Free samples of Hand Sense are available to fire, police, and emergency response departments. (800) 589-6536. Web site: www.handsense.com.


The enhanced MIRAN SAPPHIRE AMBIENT AIR ANALYZER from Thermo Environmental Instruments Inc. allows users to identify and qualify hazardous spills and emissions. Using infrared spectroscopy, a single unit can accurately measure more than 100 gases in real time. (510) 429-7263. Web site: http://www.thermo.com.


The Centre Region Council of Governments Code Administration of State College, Pennsylvania, recently took delivery of a 39-foot Mobile Concepts by Scotty COMBINATION SPRINKLER/FIRE SAFETY HOUSE. The vehicle features a sprinkler burn room, nontoxic smoke system, and ADA strobe smoke detector, which in-structs students on what type of detector a hearing impaired person would have in his home. The sprinkler burn room enables firefighters to show the importance and effectiveness of sprinkler systems in residences and businesses by use of a dramatic live-fire demonstration. Powered by an EM 5000 Honda generator, it has a wheelchair ramp for handicapped access. (800) 783-0213.


Trim-Lok, Inc.’s new FENDER FLARE TRIM is an ozone-resistant EPDM rubber that mounts between the flare and the body of the vehicle. Using 3M grade tape creates a solid bond between both surfaces. Free catalog and samples available. (888) TRIM-LOK (874-6565).


TIN HELMETS, IRON MEN by veteran fire photographer Bob Bartosz covers the Philadelphia (PA) Fire Department from the 1950s to the 1970s. The “tin helmets” were the famous Cairns Aluminum Senator Helmets. The 216-page book is available in a limited edition of 1,500 copies and presents some of the era’s greatest photos and stories. Contact Bob Bartosz, P.O. Box 226, Wenonah, NJ 08090. E-mail: civilwarbnp@snip.net. (856) 468-0866.


An UNDERWATER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM from Divelink International Technologies Inc. allows divers to communicate through a hands-free microphone attached to the dive mask. Special adaptor enables cell phone communication with other divers, surface personnel on the surface, and anyone anywhere. The multichannel underwater communication system has a range of up to 2,000 meters and works on a patented voice recognition chip, allowing dive teams to work more cooperatively. (800) 348-7815. Web site: www.divelink.net.


The READY RACK™ from Groves Inc. is available in wall-mounted, freestanding, and mobile chrome-plated gear storage racks. The company is continually expanding its line of products, which include hose storage racks, hose drying tower/racks, hose winders and turntables along with SCBA bottle carts. New turn-out gear drying racks along with hose drying racks will be introduced at trade shows across the country this year. Look for the Ready Rack™ trailer and you will see more new products designed to assist firefighters. Web site: www.readyrack.com. (800) 991-2120.


Emergency One’s CYCLONE II CHASSIS has new features for 2003. In the cab, the officer’s seat position has increased fore and aft leg room by three inches, a completely redesigned instrument cluster for the driver to improve line of sight visibility with the dash during routine driving and incident response, and strategically located HVAC vents for improved cab interior cooling. Optional premium air conditioning package available for higher heat climates; lowers cab interior temperature from 100°F to 75°F in less than 30 minutes. New chassis incorporates the latest EPA approved engines and new front cab grille accommodates a larger cooling package. Roll cage construction allows the cab’s core or primary structure to remain fully intact and surpasses the minimum ECE R-29 crashworthiness standard requirements. (352) 861-3469.


Tempest Technology Corporation introduces PPA: POSITIVE PRESSURE ATTACK, an auto-run Power PointT program based on the training classes of Battalion Chief Kriss Garcia and Battalion Chief Reinhard Kauffmann of the Salt Lake City (UT) Fire Department. Features instructional voiceovers, live-fire video, and a thorough presentation of PPV concepts and principles. Training kit includes a CD, PPA video, and 10 student workbooks. Program available on CD in classroom presentation or independent study versions; both offer valuable information on PPV applications for overhaul and as an attack tool. The “20 Burning Questions” section helps answer the most frequently asked questions and misconceptions concerning PPV and positive pressure attack. (800) 346-2143. Web site: www.tempest-edge.com.


Scott Health & Safety offers the innovative SKA-PAKT AT providing panicproof protection automatically. It’s a supplied-air respirator with an automatic, hands-free air transfer capability. If the continuous air supply is interrupted, the air source is instantly switched to the portable air cylinder automatically. VibralertT alarm system lets wearers know that Ska-Pak AT has made the transfer. Provides all the information users need about air supply. Electronic cylinder indicator flashes red to notify wearers if cylinder pressure is low. The Ska-Pak AT allows for quick and simple bottle change-outs; cylinders are easily attached or removed from the harness using the new E-Z Klip cylinder retention system. Web site: www.scotthealthsafety.com. (800) 247-7257.


Ajax Tool Works, Inc. manufactures EMERGENCY EXTRICATION TOOLS, with a complete line of rescue kits designed and field-proven for extrication and other types of emergency cutting, such as factory doors, casement windows, and fire doors. Can be used for chipping concrete in confined space rescues. Web site: www.ajaxrescuetools.com. (800) 323-9129.


Seats Incorporated offers its new ALL BELTS TO SEAT (ABTS) EMERGENCY VEHICLE SEATING. ABTS seating uses three-point integrated seat belts, bringing the features and advantages of mounting the seat belts directly to the seat. Integrated belt technology improves access in and out of the seat and reduces the chance of the webbing being closed in door pinch points. Enclosed webbing reduces exposure to the environment and the rigorous conditions of the fire/rescue industry. Designed with high visibility components, the seat belt system allows for quick on/off action and is designed within easy reach of the occupant. The ABTS three-point seat belt system can be ordered for right- or left-hand side mounting. Available in a wide variety of matching and complementary upholstery materials. (800) 443-0615.


The SurfTech SOFTOP RESCUE BOARD was designed in conjunction with top professional lifeguards to perform in any aquatic rescue situation. Used by major departments in Hawaii, California, and on the East Coast. Light enough to perform and react, but tough enough handle ocean rescue with durable, hard-shell skin of fiberglass/epoxy. Comes with big, easy-to-grab handles and a soft durable EVA skin in high-visibility colors. Designed for lifeguards, fire/rescue, and urban search and rescue teams. (831) 479-4944. Web site: www.surftech.com.


Nextel Communications’ new WIRELESS SOLUTIONS SUITE of products and services for local, state, and federal agencies offers Priority Access, Emergency Group Connect, and a new rugged handset—the r750plus Advanced Feature Unit (AFU). Priority Access allows designated public safety dispatch calls to receive a higher priority, increasing the likelihood that Nextel Direct Connect, the long-range walkie-talkie feature, and Emergency Group Connect calls will go through during times of potential network congestion. Emergency Group Connect provides priority, preemptive access to Nextel network resources during times of congestion. Feature can only be initiated using the new r750plus AFU handset and allows users one-touch access to talkgroup members using a red button located at the top of the handset. The r750plus AFU handset offers Emergency Group Connect initiation using the red button. (800) NEXTEL9.


The Radio Accessory Headquarters and Universal Radio Products now offer the UC 66 SIX-WAY RAPID BATTERY CHARGER. Designed to handle NiCad, NiMH and lithium batteries, the unit can charge up to six different types of radios or batteries at the same time in less than two hours. Works with a mix of radios from different manufacturers. Individual pods designed for specific models are inserted into each station and can be changed in seconds. Made with high- quality polycarbonate, the charger is portable, lightweight, and robust and conforms to FCC, UL, CSA, and CE requirements. Pods available for most current and discontinued models. (888) 438-7247. Web site: www.rahq.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.