Breathing Apparatus news

A record number of visitors attended the award-winning Emergency Services Show at the NEC on 21 and 22 September, 2022. The UK’s event for the emergency services attracted over 10,100 visitors and buyers for the first time in its history, with strong representation from across all the emergency services including police, fire & rescue, ambulance, and search & rescue. The show’s visitors attended a program of over 80 CPD-accredited seminars running in six theatres covering Le...

The National EMS Education Standards (the Standards) PDF have been updated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Standards are a core element of a nationwide integrated system approach to developing emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians who are competent in the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities for their licensure level. They define the competencies, clinical behaviors, and judgments required of EMS personnel to perform their roles. 1996 EMS Agend...

A new version of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Planning Toolkit has been designed to aid alerting authorities and alert originators at federal, state, local, tribal and territorial levels in developing an alerting program plan using best practices. The new interactive, web-based toolkit walks the user through an alerting plan template in 5 steps, resulting in a downloadable, formatted draft of a comprehensive alerting plan tailored to their agency's operational...

A leading professor has praised a North East fire service for their commitment to firefighter safety and innovation. This week, Professor Anna Stec from the University of Central Lancashire provided insight into the importance of reducing contaminants and improving safety to firefighters, fire service staff and members of the public. In an event ran by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) local representatives, Professor Stec addressed a number of...

The fire, which started on the 16th floor of Twinnell House, Easton, in the early hours of 25 September 2022, led to the evacuation of the entire building – 90 people in total. Eleven fire appliances were deployed to the block of flats along with two turntable ladders and other specialist vehicles, and firefighters were sent into the building to search and clear the flats. Author's quote Dave Hodges, Duty Group Commander for the Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS), said: “On...

Just after 9:00 pm this evening, CFS crews were alerted to a structure fire at Karoonda in the Murray Mallee. Five CFS crews from the surrounding areas arrived to find a fire in the bedroom of a property on Railway Terrace.  The owners were able to evacuate safely and CFS crews entered the building wearing Breathing Apparatus, working quickly to stop the spread of the fire and contain it to the bedroom. SA Ambulance and SAPOL on Scene to assist crews SA Ambulance and SAPOL were on t...

MSA Safety Incorporated, a pioneer in firefighter safety equipment and technology, will be taking center stage at the upcoming Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham, on September 21 and 22, by demonstrating its full suite of cutting-edge, compatible personal protective equipment (PPE) for the first responder market. The MSA team will demonstrate how its fire protective clothing, helmets, breathing apparatus, advanced communications, and gas detection systems work seamlessly together in a...

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) released a joint statement PDF warning firefighters that synthetic chemicals in their protective gear are associated with various health risks, including an increased risk of liver and kidney cancer. The chemicals responsible are a group of fluorinated compounds called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as PFAS. They are used in firefighter turnout gear to incr...

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) released a joint statement PDF warning firefighters that synthetic chemicals in their protective gear are associated with various health risks, including an increased risk of liver and kidney cancer. The chemicals responsible are a group of fluorinated compounds called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as PFAS. They are used in firefighter turnout gear to incr...

The construction industry is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous environments to work in around the world. OSHA reports that 1 in 5 deaths among U.S. workers occurs in the sector. And, according to the World Risk Poll, the second highest reported workplace injury rate globally (22%), was among those who worked in construction, manufacturing, or production. In this high-risk context, accurate, real-time monitoring of safety conditions can protect workers and equipment from damage en...

Dräger, an internationally renowned company in the fields of medical and safety technology, will showcase five fire safety technologies designed to further firefighter health and well-being at The Emergency Services Show (ESS) 2022, including the FireGround Accountability System; the newly launched BG ProAir (Long Duration); the PSS® AirBoss; Dräger’s cleaning solution; and the FireCore® thermal imaging camera. With a focus on how connectivity and firefighter communicati...

Community members and business owners must understand the importance of protecting their structures from ember and fire exposures (radiant, conductive, and convective heat). Preparing for all fire exposures, not picking and choosing only one, is vital for improving home and building survival chances. Information for the community Wildfires spread primarily by: Ember generation and deposition: Burning or smoldering pieces of material generated during a wildfire event can land on combustible...

Get a 2-page Checklist for Communications Technology in Training and Exercises PDF that provides planning and evaluation considerations for statewide interoperability coordinators and other emergency preparedness personnel when incorporating new communications technology into a training or exercise. The checklist Offered by the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators' Planning, Training and Exercise committee, the checklist, developed directly from emergency communications...

Landing a medical helicopter is a delicate operation that requires skilled flight crews and trained personnel on the ground following well-rehearsed, pre-planned procedures for the safety of all involved. Fire and emergency medical services agencies can access free resources to review their procedures for establishing a safe air medical transport landing zone: A June 2022 FirefighterCloseCalls.com article provides tips and links to training videos on landing zone safety. Responder Safety Le...

Integrations will enable alerting authorities to disseminate wireless emergency alerts to the public in near real-time through vehicle navigation and entertainment systems. The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate concluded a proof-of-concept demonstration of the wildland urban interface (WUI) integration model that integrates next-generation technologies with FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and GPS navigation applications and cutting-ed...

To use the fluorine-free foams currently on the market safely and effectively, fire departments will need to adopt different tactics and new training on how to select, use and dispose of these new foams. Fire Service Roadmap outlines the transition from the fluorinated aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) currently used to extinguish flammable liquid (Class B) fires to fluorine-free foams (FFFs). AFFFs going away AFFFs use of a class of chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,...

In the May issue of Builders’ Merchant News, Encon's Merchant Development Director Mike Beard reflects on the Government’s new Energy Security Strategy and explains the lost opportunity to combine green energy with energy efficiency. Brexit, Global Pandemic, War… they say ‘things come in threes’ but I imagine few predicted this trio. In 2019 the potential of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit clouded confidence, and the full impact of exiting the EU was yet to be rea...

As those first on the scene to respond to disasters and emergency events, first responders prioritize the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. This often means first responders are facing dangerous and challenging situations, to high-stress levels, and possible development of burnout, compassion fatigue, or unhealthy coping mechanisms. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently featured 2 behavioral health resources for first responders. Disast...

Dräger, a pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, launches the Dräger BG ProAir, a closed-circuit breathing apparatus with innovative features to protect firefighters attending long-duration deployments such as those in tall buildings, complex structures, basements, and tunnels. The BG ProAir’s positive pressure breathing closed circuit prevents toxic substances from entering the breathing system. Both inhalation and exhalation are optimized by cooling and enrich...

Firefighters are inviting residents to Dogsthorpe Fire Station for an open day for a free event that promises something for all the family. Crews will be on hand to give tours around the fire engines and equipment, as well as live safety demonstrations of emergency scenarios. There’ll also be the chance to dunk-a-firefighter, look around the smoke-logged training building, as well as other fun activities to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.   Donations will also be we...

MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA) has announced that it has been awarded a US$ 9 million contract from the London Fire Brigade to supply firefighters with MSA’s new M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and telemetry technology. The contract was formally awarded in early July, 2022, with the equipment deliveries expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022. Multi-phase SCBA training and deployment process The announcement also represents the beginning of a multi-phase SCBA train...

DripDrop and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the third year to provide dehydration relief to firefighters, as they battle wildfire and other strenuous response situations. In 2022, DripDrop has donated 400,000 servings of its oral rehydration solution (ORS) to volunteer fire departments across the U.S.A (United States of America). DripDrop – NVFC partnership While the program is now closed, volunteer firefighters can still receive a 20 percent discount on o...

A fire safety plan is essential to any business, whether a small shop or a large office building. Every single employee should know what to do in the event of a fire, from evacuation routes to where all the fire doors in the building are. For a business owner who needs help crafting their fire safety plan, read on for some helpful guidance. Fire Protection With A Safety Plan Fire can be devastating and can lead to loss of earnings, damage to property, injury, and even death. While damage and...

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) has posted 2 user notices that may impact certain respirators used by fire and emergency medical services providers. The NPPTL issued a May 2022 notice PDF for 3M Scott SCBA Air-Pak models manufactured between Nov. 1, 2019 and April 12, 2022. 3M Scott has received reports on the Air-Pak X3, Air-Pak X3 Pro and X3-21 Pro models referencing the primary and/or secon...

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) has posted 2 user notices that may impact certain respirators used by fire and emergency medical services providers. 3M Scott SCBA The NPPTL issued a May 2022 notice PDF for 3M Scott SCBA Air-Pak models manufactured between Nov. 1, 2019 and April 12, 2022. 3M Scott has received reports on the Air-Pak X3, Air-Pak X3 Pro, and X3-21 Pro models referencing the primary and/...

Avon Protection has received an order to supply two NATO Nations and one Partner, Belgium, Finland, and Norway with their CBRN respiratory protection including FM50 mask systems, filters, spares, and accessories.   operational flexibility The FM50 provides operational flexibility required by NATO Allies and Partners forces; designed to protect troops in the most demanding of environments. Developed in conjunction with the United States Department of Defense to counter the multiple C...

RESCUE Intellitech AB, the innovative Swedish manufacturer of decon washers for SCBAs, face masks and other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as boots, gloves, and helmets, has announced that their recently launched DeconWasher Pro S will be available for orders on the global market as of now. After a successful introduction on the North American market earlier in 2022 spring season, RESCUE Intellitech AB will now showcase the new machine at INTERSCHUTZ 2022, which is taking place in Ha...

Dräger, a pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, has been awarded two iF Design Awards for its PSS AirBoss self-contained breathing apparatus and HPS SafeGuard helmet for excellence in their respective idea, form, function, differentiation, and impact. iF Design Awards The iF Design Awards are recognized as a symbol of design excellence around the world, with this year’s entries coming from a total of 49 countries. Each entry is scored during a three-day process wh...

Research by Luxfer Gas Cylinders into how back, joint and limb pain affect firefighter health is released, ahead of Interschutz 2022. Fire services could be losing an average of 25 staff days per year, for each team member affected by poor musculoskeletal (MSK) health – thought to be around one in four firefighters. Luxfer, the industry-renowned manufacturer of lightweight, durable, high-performance SCBA cylinders, investigated the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal health issues, i...

Avon Protection plc is pleased to confirm the award of a contract worth up to $87.6 million over two years to develop and supply the U.S. Army with the next generation Integrated Head Protection System (“IHPS”) as part of a dual sourced program. This contract replaces the next generation IHPS contract announced on 24 September 2020 which was withdrawn following a competitor protest. Following this award, the U.S. Army has placed an order worth $1.3 million for the first article tes...