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. Britannia Fire’s revolutionary composite extinguisher, the P50, has been filled with a powder that neutralizes 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 vapors and the most destructive chemical warfare agents in less than two minutes. If used quickly enough, victims escape serious burning and scarring.
P50’s trademark red shell
The 2kg white version of the P50’s trademark red shell was made in response to the country’s soaring number of acid attacks. 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 center with recorded attacks increasing nearly three-fold. 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.
FAST-ACT powder
Inside its composite shell is a multi-layer plastic inner cylinder wrapped in Kevlar thread
A spray of FAST-ACT powder quickly enough draws corrosive chemicals from skin neutralizing corrosive liquids and vapors 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.
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.
neutralizes acid
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.”
P50
The P50 emits FAST-ACT as a fine powder, is recyclable, easy to deploy, and can be used wherever you want"
Kim Godfrey, SRS director, said the canisters could be carried on front-line vehicles for police, fire and rescue, and the ambulance service and be fitted in publicly-accessed buildings, stadiums, and any areas where hazardous chemicals are a potential threat.
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."
effective for skin acid attacks
“FAST-ACT deals with any form of toxic liquid or vapor. It is particularly effective for skin acid attacks because it draws by diffusion away from the skin taking away the burning. It absorbs and then neutralizes 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.”
environmentally safe
The patented product is a nanocrystal with a huge surface area providing it with the characteristics to neutralize toxic liquids and vapors. 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 supplied to the military, law enforcement, and HAZMAT teams around the world.