Breathing Apparatus news

Avon Protection is proud to be attending the first World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 06-09 March. Avon Protection has been a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia, with its products deployed in military and first responder units for many years. As a world leader in respiratory and head protection systems, Avon Protection is committed to supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s mission to achieve self-sufficiency in its military industries, with the development of world-class military...

In 2020, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded Avon Protection a 10-year contract to supply a complete CBRN personal respirator system. The framework contract enables NATO countries and partners to purchase Avon Protection’s market foremost respirator system, including the FM50, MP-PAPR, ST53, filters, and related accessories. Delivering of the 100,000th FM50 across all NATO nations Not only have Avon Protection recently completed their first successful year of deliver...

Avon Protection will showcase its full range of integrated personal protection solutions at Eurosatory 2022, including full-face respirators, ballistic helmets, escape hoods, SCBA systems, modular PAPR units, underwater equipment, and CBRN protective equipment. There, the Group will demonstrate its position as a world-renowned company in CBRN protection, with its respiratory technology solutions that are designed to meet the modern threat environment and enhance the capability of the tactical m...

The unique set of stressors encountered on the job by first responders can create mental health challenges for them and their families. To address this reality, first responders must learn how to take care of their mental health and they need a support network tailored to their individual requirements. 3 agencies' programs 3 agencies' programs have recently been updated with new resources to help first responders take care of their mental health and support the mental health of their families...

Available now, these Underwriters Laboratories' (UL) Fire Safety Research Institute courses are focused on coordinated ventilation and suppression tactics for structure fires. Each course focuses on a unique occupancy type, covering: The findings from the experiments in the Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures (Coordinated Fire Attack Study), a UL research study supported by an Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The courses The 3 courses are: Impact of Ventilation...

On Wednesday, May 4th, 2022, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) announces partnership with RightSite Health for a new pilot program, in order to decrease transport calls for non-life-threatening emergency medical services (EMS), at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. New pilot program for ATL The program will help provide patients with medical guidance and transport in urgent-but-non-emergency situations, in order to navigate away from the e...

In 2021, one in ten cars bought in the UK was electric, according to the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Electric vehicles are powered by large batteries, which are either fueled by the motion of the car itself (in a hybrid model) or charged at a charging station. These lithium batteries are extremely advanced but highly flammable if misused or faulty. In the case of "thermal runaway," there is a rapid and extreme rise in temperature passing between battery cells, which ca...

In a move to expand production of 3M respiratory and hearing protection products, 3M is announcing plans to grow its plant in Valley, Nebraska.  3M is investing approximately US$ 58 million to fund the 80,000 square foot expansion that will create around 50 new jobs at the facility. Investment in 3M’s Valley plant “Our colleagues at 3M's Valley plant have played an important role providing critical supplies to frontline workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ma...

Rescuers, who literally go through the fire, are in flood operations, or go out to a traffic accident in the rescue service – all depend on their personal protective equipment (PPE), to offer them the greatest possible safety and the best protection. From June 20 to June 25, 2022, in Hanover, Germany, the exhibitors at INTERSCHUTZ 2022 will be presenting a wide range of current possibilities in the large personal protective equipment - PPE subject area up, with regards to the aspects of c...

When people store and charge their mobility devices inside their homes, garages, or businesses, there is the potential for battery fires to lead to structure fires. Just one example is a recent apartment fire in New York City that resulted in injuries to 12 citizens and a Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) firefighter. Best practice tips Motivated by the surge of fires started by batteries in mobility devices, the FDNY has created best practice tips for firefighters confronted by...

NIST released the WUI Structure/Parcel/Community Fire Hazard Mitigation Methodology (HMM) PDF to provide guidance for homeowners and communities to protect themselves from wildfires. Integrating the latest post-fire field observations and fire science research, this report defines dozens of clear, measurable, and cost-effective protective actions homeowners can take to defend their homes. Wildfires can spread through a community very quickly, especially one with dense housing. Often, the progr...

First responders are a close-knit community, and most everyone knows the name, Joseph E. Finn. During a life-long career with the Boston Fire Department spanning close to four decades, Finn worked his way through the ranks to Fire Commissioner/Chief of Department, earning the moniker of Boston’s top firefighter. He is credited with making numerous enhancements to the fire safety and EMS fields, and has received many prestigious honors, including Fire Chief of the Year. But, Finn is most k...

On the first of February this year, ARA Group Limited (ARA) acquired all the outstanding shares of OceanLink Marine Services Pty Ltd (OceanLink). This is a strategic acquisition for ARA. During the past year, ARA has built a formidable ocean and off-shore service business as a result of other strategic acquisitions.  In May 2021, ARA acquired Wiltrading STACE, based in Henderson, WA. Wiltrading STACE has a long history of service and inspection of life safety systems for the marine and off...

The increase in natural disasters has already noticeably changed the daily lives of many aid and rescue workers. In addition, there was the Corona pandemic and the humanitarian emergencies caused by political conflicts - most recently as a result of the Russian war on Ukraine. Given the current challenges, the topics of INTERSCHUTZ are more relevant than ever before. 1,000 companies from 50 countries as well as the participating associations and organizations will present the solutions for the...

Fire services across the UK are donating thousands of items of kit and equipment to be sent to Ukraine, to support firefighters on the frontline. UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are coordinating donations of more than 5,000 items of fire and rescue equipment and PPE which will be sent in convoy to Ukraine. Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue eq...

A new study suggests that the presence of very highly reflective markings may decrease drivers’ ability to see first responders working adjacent to their vehicles. Traffic incident scenes are a dangerous place. Secondary crashes, including struck-by incidents, are a leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among emergency responders. One significant variable impacting the safety of responders operating along a roadway is their visibility to approaching and passing motorists, especially at ni...

A team of female firefighters is preparing for a record-breaking trek to ski Antarctica coast-to-coast with global Survival Technology pioneer Survitec as one of its sponsors. The six-strong Antarctic Fire Angels are undertaking the grueling expedition to showcase women's empowerment and tackle the stigma of talking about mental health. Gender equality awareness Martin Whittaker, Survitec CEO – Aerospace and Defence, said, “Protecting lives is at the forefront of everything we do...

The Latvian National Armed Forces has awarded a contract to Avon Protection (Avon Protection Systems) for the supply of their market renowned CBRN respiratory protection, including FM50 mask systems, filters, spares and accessories. Latvia joins other NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) nations and partners, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Norway and The Netherlands, in purchasing the FM50 to protect their armed forces. NSPA contract for CBRN personal respirator system S...

As the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads rapidly, 3M has been providing information about the company’s 3M N95 respirators, including information on where to buy them, how to ensure a proper fit, and why they are considered the standard equipment for protection. “As we have throughout the pandemic, 3M is committed to making sure everyone who needs an N95 has access,” said Raymond Eby, the President of 3M’s Personal Safety Division, adding”3M's N95 respi...

The tragic loss of life from the 19-story apartment building fire that occurred in New York City on Jan. 9 reminds of the fire and life safety challenges that tall buildings present to the emergency services and to the occupants who live or work in them. Challenges and features Because of the inherent nature of tall buildings and a series of historic fires, the practice of protecting the people who live and work in high-rise buildings has evolved over the years. Very specific sets of precautio...

ImageTrend, Inc. released the second issue of the Collaborate Short Report: Pediatric Behavioral Health Incidents in the Pre-hospital Setting, from January 2018 to October 2021. Studies have found an increase in emergent pediatric behavioral health incidents over the last two decades and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborate Short Report This Collaborate Short Report focuses on how these incidents have changed across age groups and different regions from 2018 to 2021, by look...

At 01:47 pm on 4th January 2022, Joint Fire Control received the first call of a fire at an industrial estate in Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth. Crews from Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, Tregaron, Llandrindod Wells, and Llanelli were mobilized to the incident, making a total of four fire appliances, one turntable ladder, an environmental unit, and a water bowser deployed to extinguish the fire. Police, Ambulance, and the Local Authority were also in attendance. The fire involved a single-story building,...

To help communities plan for the threats and hazards of climate change, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released its updated Long-Term Community Resilience Exercise Resource Guide: Designing Whole Community Exercises to Prepare for the Effects of a Changing Climate PDF in November 2021. Increase preparedness As the impacts of climate change are being felt across the country, this resource offers communities low-risk and cost-effective ways to increase preparedness with: Tools...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and CHEMTREC are excited to announce that in honor of CHEMTREC’s 50th anniversary, five NVFC members have been awarded US$ 10,000 for their volunteer fire departments, through the 2021 CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergencies Local Preparedness) Awards. Funding is provided to strengthen the fire department's hazardous materials incident response capabilities and increase local readiness for hazmat events. 2021 CHEMTREC HELP Awards winners: Gilsum Fi...

Notices were recently posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the National Personal Protective Technology Library (NPPTL) concerning the safety and quality of 2 types of personal protective equipment (PPE) used frequently by emergency medical services personnel: medical gloves and N95 particulate filtering facepiece respirators. Medical gloves notice Medical gloves notice is issued by the FDA on Oct. 29, 2021. Thi...

On the 1st of October 2021, ARA Fire Protection Services (ARA Fire) purchased the Fire Suppression Services (FSS) business from Steve Howard. FSS designs, installs, and services vehicle suppression systems. Located in Perth, FSS principally services vehicles used in the mines in Western Australia. Founded 25 years ago by Steve Howard, FSS has a strong reputation in the vehicle suppression market in Western Australia. With the expertise of Steve Howard and FSS, ARA Fire is in a good position to...

East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) is supporting the World Health Organisation's (WHO) global event, World Patient Safety Day. EEAST has been celebrating World Patient Safety, which will be culminating in World Patient Safety Day, held on the 17th of September. The 2021-2022 goal is 'Safe maternal and newborn care'. World Patient Safety Day The company's website has a dedicated page that focuses on, what to expect when calling 999 for pregnancy or childbirth. EEAST has been sharing lot...

For the second year, DripDrop Hydration (DripDrop ORS), a renowned rehydration therapy company, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the global association representing the volunteer fire, EMS (Emergency Medical Services), and rescue services, have teamed up to provide dehydration relief to volunteer firefighters. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) DripDrop is providing 200,000 sticks of their oral rehydration solution (ORS) to volunteer fire departments across the U.S. The donation co...

Dräger, a pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, will showcase six new fire safety technologies to further firefighter health and wellbeing at September’s Emergency Services Show (ESS): the PSS® AirBoss; lightweight Type 4 Nano cylinder; BG ProAir; HPS SafeGuard helmet; HPS-COM helmet communication unit; and FireVista thermal imaging camera. The new PSS® AirBoss is the next generation in Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), providing firefighters and em...

Wildland firefighters are exposed to many of the same naturally occurring respiratory hazards as structural firefighters. They are also exposed to many of the same man-made respiratory hazards, especially when fighting fires in or near the wildland-urban interface. However, unlike structural firefighters, wildland firefighters are unable to use the current standard respirator systems. They are heavy and bulky, taking up valuable carrying capacity needed for the tools and supplies required for w...