According to OSHA’s Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, lack of effective communications is one of the leading causes of non-cardiac line of duty deaths among firefighters. Additionally the “Best Microphone Practices” recommendations from the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) states that firefighters should “ensure that the microphone is placed one to two inches from the mouth or SCBA voice port with the microphone positioned directly in front of the audio source.” A Mic Keeper device is designed to do just that.
The retractable Mic Keeper system holds the lapel mic securely in the proper IAFC position to effectively operate the microphone when needed. When released after use, the mic will automatically retract to a secure position leaving the hands free to use other critical firefighting tools. The Mic Keeper’s rugged, retractable system increases fire fighter safety by preventing lapel microphones from becoming dislodged and dangling; causing entanglement issues when firefighters have to step on or drag their mics; a common occurrence when using strap-type radio belts.
According to Raul A. Angulo, a 32-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department and captain of Ladder Company 6 who teaches classes on firefighter entrapment, “Not a lot of attention is paid to how firefighters wear their portable radios or where they clip their microphones. Angulo, writing in Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Magazine1, added, “As for the mic, your lifeline to safety and survival, I have found no better accessory than the retractable tether system of the Mic Keeper. When I need it, I reach to my left shoulder and there it is, every time. I grab it, pull it to the voice amplifier of my SCBA, transmit my message and let it go. It smoothly retracts with a 12-ounce force.”
The Mic Keeper is securely attached to a turnout coat or air pack harness with the supplied a stainless steel threaded pin (stud) that penetrates Mic Tab, Radio Pocket, or Webbing Harness and threads into back of Mic Keeper. Built specifically for heavy-duty firefighter use, the retractable tether has a high temperature rating and is constructed with a nylon coated stainless steel cable, stainless steel spring and hardware.
The model RT2-4022 Mic Keeper Pin Mount System allows the microphone to be securely extended for talking/listening, without the Mic being dislodged / dropped or the need to re-clip after use. When necessary, the Mic Keeper’s patented Q/C mounting system quickly and easily disconnects the microphone from the Mic Keeper. The Mic Keeper retails for $21.99. More customizing options are available. For complete specifications: http://www.gearkeeper.com/communication/mickeeperfire.html
