Products/Services/Media


The hands-free SOLO VISION FIRE™ THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA from GB Solo NA, Inc. allows firefighter or rescue team member to use other equipment or tools; also can be quickly attached to a helmet visor. Display unit is equipped with a shaped seal that prevents smoke from degrading the image; wearer has a clear view enhance by “virtual reality” optics. Lightweight unit (1.43 pounds) is balanced by positioning the battery pack at the back of the head strap, which reduces the risk of neck stress. May also be worn with a BA visor, and battery pouch can also be worn on a waist-belt using longer power lead supplied. (866) 874-4778. Web site: www.gbsolo.co.uk.


The customized FIRE AND RESCUE OMNIVAN from Equipment Innovators is custom engineered, designed, and manufactured for your organization’s specific rescue needs. Each Omnivan is carefully constructed of fiberglass, stainless steel, and extruded aluminum. All equipment is organized and easily accessible from ground level on pullouts, walls, trays, and hydraulic tool racks. (800) 733-3434. Web site: www.equipmentinnovators.com.


With plug-in photo-ionization detection (PID), the SCOUT PORTABLE MULTIGAS DETECTOR from Scott Instruments now has simultaneous detection capabilities to detect an entire array of VOCs and other toxic and combustible gases. PID sensor designed for fast response in high humidity environments; detects VOCs down to one PPM without using sample draw pump for hands-free operation. PID sensor can be turned off when not needed to extend longevity. Proprietary software and Advanced Battery Management™ technology allow up to 50 hours or more runtime on a single set of C batteries and sensor end-of-life prediction. IntelliShutter™ system permits on-the-fly change from ambient to sample draw modes, alerts users to partially open shutter, and prevents user from connecting sample probe while in the wrong operating mode. (800) 872-8008. Web site: www.scottinstruments.com.


Kidde Fire Trainers offers the CAR FIRETRAINERT 902. Specifically designed for hoseline firefighting, it allows the operator to safely control the training scenario. Eligible for the FIRE Act grant, the versatile trainer simulates fire scenarios including those involving the engine, passenger area, trunk, wheel, and fuel spills to enhance response and preparedness. It’s robust, it’s easy to maintain, and it burns environmentally acceptable propane. Fitted with castors for easy movement. (800) 288-3973. Web site: www.kiddeft.com.


Available from the Diamond Blade Warehouse, the AMERICUT SUPREME ALL PURPOSE RESCUE BLADE is designed for tar/gravel roofs, armored glass, lexan, concrete, asphalt, brick/block, sheet-metal roofs, fiberglass, auto body panels, decking, railroad ties, pallets, timber, rubber, and nails. Will outlast 200 abrasive blades and cut two to three times faster than abrasives while maintaining its full diameter. Available in 12-, 14-, and 16-inch diameters. Ideal for firefighters and rescue squads. (800) 325-2337, (480) 423-5400. See the blade in action at www.punch-yourself.com.


The GASALERTMICRO from BW Technologies simultaneously displays oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and combustibles present and is suited to haz-mat response, confined space entry, search and rescue, and post-inspection fire safety. Includes high-output audible/visual/vibrator alarms; low, high, TWA and STEL alarm settings; a large, alphanumeric LCD; two LEL measuring units (0 to 100 percent LEL and 0 to 5 percent by volume methane); a built-in concussionproof boot; and optional data-logging capabilities. Power options include two AA alkaline, two AA NiMH batteries, or rechargeable sealed battery pack with cradle charger. Provides up to 16 hours of continuous use and weighs 211 grams (7.4 oz.). USA: (888) 749-8878; Canada: (800) 663-4164. Web site: www.bwtechnologies.net.


The Life-Safer, Inc. PERSONAL RETRIEVER™, a throwable water rescue device, weighs 1.5 pounds; is 17 inches in diameter; and is made of soft, expanded polyethylene. Has a buoyancy rating of 12 pounds, enough to keep a conscious person in distress afloat. Achieves maximum distance, even in winds up to 15 knots, and is ideal for water and ice rescue situations. Comes in a protective nylon pouch and stows conveniently for fast access. (888) 222-0373. Web site: www.life-safer.com.


Viking Fire Suits introduces the new TITAN SUIT featuring a dual-layer woven outer fabric system. A Nomex™ microfiber face fabric combined with a grid of Kevlar™ fibers/threads on the back creates an improved outer shell. When exposed to extreme heat, the fabric creates pockets of air between the fibers to increase heat insulation. Features exclusive VIKING MHT-Thermal Liner and Crosstech™ moisture barrier. E-mail: usfire@viking-life.com. (866) 845-4640.


KidSmart Corporation offers the KIDSMART™ VOCAL SMOKE DETECTOR (VSD) with patented familiar voice technology. Allows a family member or guardian to record a personalized message in his own voice, instructing children to wake up and safely escape during an emergency. Currently in the UL testing and certification process. Additional features include directional alarm that allows the parent to aim the high output speaker directly at child’s sleeping area to help ensure the voice alarm is heard in an emergency. Permits personalized escape instructions to be recorded and customized to any individual household escape plan. Fire drill feature enables parents or guardians to activate the unit and practice in-home fire drills with their families. The fire drill feature utilizes a time-delay function that allows parents to simulate a real-life emergency experience and observe their children’s response from a hidden vantage point. (877) KIDSMART. Web site: www.kidsmartcorp.com.


The new Bergvik Tech Floor RAISED ACCESS FLOOR SYSTEMS offer a user-friendly design concept that allows for inexpensive and quick modifications of installed floors and expansion of the floor area to add new equipment at dispatch centers. Each corner of the floor panel rests on a pad, which jointly locks the floor panel and the pedestal in position. Finished floor height ranges from three to 24 inches (75 to 610 mm). Optional Seismic Bracing Frame tested for Seismic Zone 4. Steel frame construction allows unlimited number of panels to be removed without affecting the overall stability of the floor; useful for expansions or when new power and communications lines need to be installed quickly to allow the dispatch center to stay “alive.” (410) 548-1449. Web site: www.bergvik.com.

Optimetrics, Inc.’ ADASHI FIRST RESPONSE SOFTWARE (automated decision aid system for hazardous incidents) provides civil authorities with an on-screen integrated picture of a chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) incident and sophisticated processing of gathered intelligence. Based on the EPA’s CAMEO/ALOHA and the DOT’s Emergency Response Guide 2004 tools. Responders at an incident scene quickly see shaded regions and text warnings overlaying a street level map of the hazard area identifying dangers to the responders and the general public. The mapped regions consist of ALOHA-predicted airborne hazard areas, fire evacuation zones, spill isolation zones, and critical decontamination warnings. Web sites: www.OptiMetrics.org, www.ADASHI.org. (410) 569-6081, ext. 111.


The Infinity Gear JOB SHIRT uses 20-ounce nonfading cotton fabric and comes with YKK front quarter zipper, side-seam hand warmer pockets with D-rings, reinforced fabric elbows, traditional chest pad and pen pockets, and 20-ounce 95-percent cotton, five-percent polyester nonfade fabric. (888) 987-9493.


The electrically actutated EXTENDER from Elkhart Brass deploys in only 10 seconds to raise compact Elkhart Brass monitors 18 inches for increased range and coverage. Features a 2,500-pound static load rating, a panel-mounted pushbutton for increased firefighter safety, and an in-cab warning signal if Extender is not fully retracted. Uses minimal apparatus space and easy to install. Mounting brackets, wiring harness, and controls included. (8000 346-0250.


The Bosch 93618HDCRF-J 18-VOLT FIVE-PIECE CORDLESS COMBO KIT offers users the ability to do it all with one combo kit purchase. Comes with the Brute Tough™ cordless hammer/drill driver, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, a bonus jig saw, a flashlight, and 18-volt batteries with a one-hour charger. All tools are backed by the Pro-Vantage free three-year service and warranty plan. (877) BOSCH99. Web site: www.boschtools.com.


The new DuPont™ TYCHEMT THERMOPRO SINGLE-LAYER SUIT provides protection from flash fire and chemicals. Functional features include lightweight fabrication, a respirator fit hood, and hooded coverall design. The patented Tychem barrier technology has been integrated with DuPont™ Nomex fabric, which is inherently flame-resistant and helps flash fire escape. Suit does not burn, melt, or drip. Tychem ThermoPro has been submitted for certification to NFPA 2112, Standard on Flame Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire, and NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies. (800) 931-3456.


MSA’s new CAIRNSHELMETST 880 TRADITION FIREFIGHTER’S HELMET combines traditional design and performance with modern materials yet meets the demands of NFPA 1971-2000. Features a smaller, better impact cap that retains the safety features of larger, traditional-style helmets and a smaller, lighter, low-profile shell for optimum clearance and maneuverability. Has a very stable, balanced ride. Shell is available in black, red, blue, white, yellow, or orange and includes a five-year replacement warranty. Choice of five- or six-inch front; other accessories for traditional-style CairnsHELMETST are available. Ask for Bulletin 3600-17. (877) MSA-FIRE (3473). Web site: www.MSAFIRE.com.


The ESCAPE DESCENDER from Rescue Technology is a special descender plate with multiple holes that allow a small-diameter escape cord to be rigged to accommodate different amounts of friction. Works with 7.5 to 10 mm diameter escape lines. Ideal for use with the Escapeline Fire-Resistant Escape Rope and Escapeline KP Escape rope with Hybrid Technology. Web site: www.RescueTECH1.com. (800) 334-3368.

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.