EQUIPMENT DIGEST

EQUIPMENT DIGEST

MEGAPHONE

A lightweight, handheld megaphone from ACR Electronics is designed for situations that require highly amplified commands with minimal acoustic feedback, even when the user is in a confined location.

The EM-1(A) has a soft foam mouthpiece, a battery-level LED indicator, an anti-theft alarm system, and volume control.

Cirde No. 3 on Reoder Service Cord

FLAME-RESISTANTmUNIFORMS

The one-piece Squad Suit from Topps Safety Apparel is made of DuPont Nomex III aramid fabric. No metal is exposed to skin, and sewn-in gussets in the garment’s legs give complete protection, even with leg zippers open.

The Squad Suit is available in a wide range of men’s and women’s sizes. Reflective tape or lettering can be attached directly to the suit.

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MOBILE RADIO

Motorola Inc.’s Communications Sector introduces the MaraTrac mobile radio, which is available in 100 watts of power output in both VHP and UHF frequency bands.

‘Die radio can be installed under the seat or in the trunk. The basic model has a rotary-type control head, while the handheld unit combines the control head and microphone functions plus a two-digit LED display. The advanced model also has push button capability.

Channel Scan monitoring allows users to define and modify their own scan lists.

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STREET SOFTWARE

StrectSmart 3 0, an updated software package for fire departments. allows larger maps to be made.

The software, available from Street Map Software, allows the user to build a map, which can retrieve directions to a specific address. StreetSmart 3.0 offers two new ways to build a map: a word processor program or a separate digitizer option.

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PRESSURE GAUGES

Ashcroft pressure gauges are available from Dresser Industries for a wide variety of applications in the fire and emergency services.

Gauges in 1 ‘A” and 1 ½” sizes are available for use on fire extinguishers; there are stainless steel gauges for fire truck panels. Other gauges in steel, stainless steel, bronze, or ABS case materials are available for pumps, air compressors, air regulators, and portable air tanks.

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DISPATCH CONSOLE

General Electric introduces its C3 Series Conventional Dispatch Console, which is designed especially for public service conventional radio systems.

The console is offered in a traditional style or in a new, desktop consolette. Both feature modular design: radio control modules with alphanumeric display: factory assembly and staging; and the ability to interface with multiple communications equipment and formats, such as 911 emergency telephone service and mobile data terminals.

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HAZ-MAT RESPONSE KIT

A haz-mat response kit is available from Upright Inc. It includes WYK industrial pillows or socks; WYK particulate; an opentop container with a lid; and a closing ring.

The sorbent meets the ERA’S Liquid Release Test (50 psi compression test) and the Paint Filter Liquid Test. It’s lightweight and compact; the lid can be removed easily. The drum is constructed of high-impact resistant and environmental stress crack-resistant polyethylene.

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SMOKE DETECTOR

First Alert’s Light Test smoke detector offers a solution to a critical fire safety problem— untested smoke detectors.

This detector can be tested by waving a household flashlight directly on the test button. If the detector beeps, it’s fully functional: if it makes no sound, it should be checked for a dead batten or damaged circuitry.

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PUSH CART

MedCart, available from Hackney Brothers Inc., is a compact, lightweight push cart designed for those who need to have instant access to lifesaving equipment.

With a MedCart, first responders don’t have to scramble to several different places to get supplies Access is quick becuse of a hinged, fully opening front door. Interior storage is divided into five large compartments, which are arranged to hold a variety of equipment, oxygen systems, trauma boxes, and supplies.

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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Attack Plus is a series of lightweight. protective oversuits designed to be quickly donned and comfortably worn over Fyrepel Products’ Attack Series turnout suits.

Three oversuits are currently available: Hypalon on Nomex, for effective chemical and cold weather protection; aluminized PB1 Kevlar, for extreme radiant heat protection; and Saranexcoated Tyvek, for protection against soiling in clean-up operations.

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VACUUM UNIT

The Salvage Master, available from Survivair, is designed for quick pickup and disposal of water and debris. Its 5.9-gallon tank fills in 18 seconds and empties in 1 seconds; a float device triggers an audible alarm to notify the user that the tank is full. Ground fault protection is provided by the Salvage Master’s GFCI plug, encased in nylon and sealed against moisture. A neon lamp glows if the GFCI trips, providing a clear indication at a distance or in the dark.

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MOBILE TERMINAL MOUNTS

Gamber-Johnson introduces its Data-Base Series of heavy-gauge steel mounts for mobile data terminals.

One basic unit accepts different mounting plates to accommodate all data terminal models. The mount can be installed in different types of vehicles; sw ivel and tilt adjustments allow convenient operation by driver or passenger.

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WALL BEDS

A “disappearing” wall bed system tailored for fire station dormitories allows bed space to be put to other use when not being used for sleeping.

Developed by Sico Inc., the wall beds offer firefighters the sleeping comfort of conventional boxsprings and mattresses. The beds are available in twin length —8 inches— and in twin extra-long—8 inches. A companion cabinet system “hides” the beds when they’re raised.

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FIRE SOFTWARE

The International Association of Fire Chiefs has added a new set of applications to FireLink, its fire service software management program.

Designed to streamline information management and improve administration operations within a fire department, FireLink now includes fire clip art featuring antique and modern apparatus, equipment, and training art.

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HYDRANT ACCESSORIES

Hydra-Shield Manufacturing Inc. introduces its Hydra-Signs, durable “out-of-service” markers designed to fit over hydrant nozzles. They’re available with color-coded reflective material for nighttime use and identification of hydrant flow capacity.

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DISPOSABLE RESUSCITATOR

The Mouth-to-.Mask Resuscitator. available from Life Support Products Inc., features a special valve that prevents unnecessary exposure to a patient’s body fluid or exhaled breath.

The resuscitator has only three pieces— mouthpiece, non-rebreathing valve, and TruFit Mask— and can be assembled quickly. It’s available in adult and child sizes.

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STORAGE BUILDINGS

A new series of fire-rated buildings from Safety Storage Inc. is designed for storage of all types of flammable liquids and haz mats.

The buildings have two-hour fire-rated walls and ceilings, and they can be located as close as five feet from existing structures. The buildings are available in 22’, 15’, and sizes, with the 22’ model accommodating up to forty 55-gallon drums or 10 tons of bulk materials.

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COMPUTER ROOM FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

A new, self-contained Halon 1301 fire-suppression system, available from NF Fire Control Systems, is designed specifically for protecting computer rooms.

The system, called Self-Contained Engineered Suppression and Detection Apparatus, was designed to protect computer rooms. It comes complete with ionization and photo-electric smoke detectors, UL 760 quickconnect plenum cable harnesses, a manual discharge station, and audible and visual alarms.

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POSITIVE-PRESSURE VENTILATOR

The power plant and the propeller assembly of Lifejack Inc.’s Positive-Pressure Ventilator 8horsepower model combine to produce 22,000 cubic feet of air per minute.

The PPV’s propeller is made of fiberglass and polyamide. The ventilator’s Honda overheadvalve, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine sets a new standard in ventilator quality and reliability. Both the 8and the 5-horsepower models are equipped with extenders that facilitate tilt and help ensure vibration-free, “hands-off’ operation.

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SCBA/RESPIRATOR

National Draeger introduces the PA-80 FS Combi, a pressure-demand breathing apparatus that combines a supplied air respirator with an SCBA. The SCBA uses a 2216 or a 4500 psig compressed air cylinder carried on a stainless steel backplate. A pigtail assembly enables the apparatus to be converted to a respirator when used with up to 300 feet of airline hose connected to a source of breathing air.

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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.