A fusion of the latest fire extinguisher technology and a substance used to combat chemical warfare will save acid attack victims from blindness and life-threatening burning. Manufacturer Britannia Fire’s revolutionary composite extinguisher, the P50, has been filled with a powder that neutralises toxic substances to create a life-saving device.
A spray of FAST-ACT draws corrosive chemicals from a victim’s skin neutralizing corrosive liquids and vapours and the most destructive chemical warfare agents in less than two minutes. If used quickly enough, victims escape serious burning and scarring. The 2kg white version of the P50’s trademark red shell was made in response to the country’s soaring number of acid attacks.
For Front-Line Emergency Teams
The UK has one of the highest rates of acid and corrosive liquid muggings and punishment attacks. About 15 people a week are attacked with a corrosive substance, with London at the centre with recorded attacks increasing nearly three-fold.
The extinguishers are filled with FAST-ACT powder for front-line emergency teams, venue security staff and first-aiders
Made at the company’s Norfolk factory, the extinguishers are filled with FAST-ACT powder for front-line emergency teams, venue security staff and first-aiders to provide on-the-spot relief to victims.
A spray of FAST-ACT powder quickly enough draws corrosive chemicals from skin neutralising corrosive liquids and vapours and the most destructive chemical warfare agents in less than two minutes. It is even effective on deadly novichok, the nerve agent that poisoned Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, last year.
Multi-Layer Plastic Inner Cylinder
Britannia Fire teamed up with Specialist Response Solutions (SRS) to create an innovative version of its award-winning P50. Inside its composite shell is a multi-layer plastic inner cylinder wrapped in Kevlar thread.
Andy Spence, sales director for Norfolk-based Britannia Fire, said: “What is special about FAST-ACT is that eliminates the possibility of making the situation worse or more dangerous by applying the wrong substance. It neutralizes acid and can help prevent catastrophic lifelong injuries if used quickly enough. We were delighted to partner with SRS and produce a white P50, to accompany our red range.”
Is Recyclable And Easy To Deploy
An SRS director quoted said the cannisters could be carried on front-line vehicles for police, fire and rescue, the ambulance service and be fitted in publicly-accessed buildings, stadiums and any areas where hazardous chemicals are a potential threat.
It is particularly effective for skin for acid attack because it draws by diffusion away from the skin"
The P50 was chosen because it was easy to use, light, had a 20-year lifespan and needed no annual service contract. “The P50 emits FAST-ACT as a fine powder, is recyclable, easy to deploy and can be used wherever you want. It fits our decontamination products perfectly. FAST-ACT deals with any form of toxic liquid or vapour. It is particularly effective for skin for acid attack because it draws by diffusion away from the skin taking away the burning. It absorbs then neutralises it in less than two minutes depending on the type of chemical. It doesn’t stop burning but it reduces the extent.
“Applying water to acid injuries creates an exothermic reaction creating more burning, and also pushes toxic chemicals into the skin by osmosis – the Wash-In effect.”
Neutralize Toxic Liquids And Vapours
The patented product is a nanocrystal with a huge surface area providing it with the characteristics to neutralize toxic liquids and vapours. Made of earth metals, FAST-ACT and any residue is non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable and environmentally safe for disposal.
FAST ACT has been available around the world for 17 years. It was first used by the military and throughout NATO, and is now supplied to the military, law enforcement and HAZMAT teams around the world.