Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA

Dräger, an international pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, has appointed former Chief Fire Officer of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Gary Walsh, as its strategic advisor on fire and rescue services (FRS) matters to ensure that Dräger’s safety technology continues to serve and reflect the needs of modern firefighting. Prior roles of Gary  Gary, an operational firefighter for more than 30 years, was the NFCC respiratory protective equipment (RPE) lead for seven years involved in the review and drafting of national operational guidance for the use of breathing apparatus, he also led the Government’s national breathing apparatus telemetry project and was a member of the British Standards Committees with specific expertise in operational use of RPE.  He has extensive experience in incident command training and assessment, and notable in his achievements was the delivery of a single emergency control room for East/West Sussex. Fire and management consultancy services Gary has delivered fire and management consultancy services advising corps on a variety of topics Since retirement from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in 2017, Gary has delivered independent fire and management consultancy services advising organizations on a variety of topics, including emergency planning, risk and change management, training, and health and safety for several fire and rescue services, local authorities, the private sector, and Government. Matthew Bedford, Managing Director UK & Ireland, says he is delighted to be able to draw on Gary’s expertise: “Gary has extensive knowledge of national, regional and local fire and rescue operations and governance. His impressive list of achievements and experience means the strategic advice he can provide across a broad spectrum of RPE, communication, training, and operational issues will be invaluable.” Latest technological developments Gary says to be able to offer advice to Drager is a great opportunity: “I look at this role as a way to support and influence how Drager’s breathing apparatus equipment and new technology is advanced, making sure that firefighters are protected while wearing the best RPE available. I’ve worked alongside Dräger extensively over my career, and they have always impressed me with their response and eagerness to be at the forefront of their industry,” he says. “Important too is that national guidance stays relevant as the latest technological developments are introduced into the emergency services and that best practice is applied across all fire and rescue services departments, and by all users of RPE.” Gary’s appointment follows the retirement of Brian Hesler, a consultant for Draeger for 14 years.

Dräger, an international major in the fields of medical and safety technology, is providing Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) with 220 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) PSS Airboss® sets supported by Dräger’s FireGround accountability system to protect firefighters from the inhalation of dangerous gases during live incidents and training events. The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process, involving extensive market research, and supplier demonstrations. TWFRS’ incident response New kit depicts a step ahead in ensuring the safety and efficacy of TWFRS firefighters The SCBA sets form an essential part of TWFRS’ incident response armory and replace existing breathing apparatus systems that have come to the end of their operational life. This new equipment represents a major step forward in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of TWFRS firefighters. The new system will provide the advanced functionality and ergonomics the Service needs to meet the challenges of modern firefighting while also supporting a diverse workforce. Dräger's PSS® AirBoss Connect SCBA Dräger's PSS® AirBoss Connect SCBA was selected because of its advanced functionality, lightweight, and future-proofed, ergonomic design. Through shifting the center of gravity between the user and the set, the weight of the PSS® AirBoss is carried by the legs and pelvis, rather than the shoulders and back. This reduces the risk of strain-related injuries and fatigue when wearing the set operationally, as well as extending the time a firefighter can spend in the field because of reduced physical exertion. Dräger’s FireGround Accountability system PSS® AirBoss is adjustable to suit the physiological contrasts of men and women of age groups PSS® AirBoss is also adjustable to suit the physiological differences of men and women of varied age groups. This is paramount to being safe in operation and more comfortable to wear, as well as meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse workforce. Dräger’s FireGround Accountability system provides emergency teams with the ability to monitor, communicate and report incidents involving active users of SCBA.  It provides a real-time view of all firefighters deployed at an incident, linking firefighters to its system, and relaying vital information back to the Entry Control Board. Information is also sent to FireGround’s web portal, where the user-friendly interface can be used for both live remote monitoring and post-incident analysis. Fire Service’s SCBA equipment Councillor Phil Tye, Chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, says: "By modernizing the Fire Service’s SCBA equipment, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing first-class emergency response, in turn, protecting our communities, and safeguarding the welfare of our firefighters." He adds, "This investment provides a range of important aspects including prioritizing equality, safety, and operational effectiveness, alongside empowering all staff to perform safely and confidently. The purchase of state-of-the-art breathing apparatus sets is another example of TWFRS and the Fire Authority’s dedication to reinforce firefighter safety, operational excellence, and delivering value for money for our communities." Improvement of breathing apparatus sets Peter Heath, Chief Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, says: "We are proud to be continually investing in our workforce and in particular within the area of firefighter safety." He adds, "The new breathing apparatus sets will ensure inclusivity for all our crews, and the investment reflects our strategic goals of effectiveness, efficiency, and people. The equipment is paramount for life-saving rescues when firefighters need to enter fires or other hazardous environments. As a former firefighter myself it is encouraging to see continual development and improvement of breathing apparatus sets." Benefits from the latest technology   Peter Heath continues: "Dräger is one of the pioneers in its field and can deliver significant benefits to our firefighters including weight reduction that helps to ease firefighter fatigue, enhances flexibility, and supports a diverse range of body types. This will ensure that all our operational personnel can perform effectively during high-pressure incidents." Matthew Bedford, Managing Director UK & Ireland Commercial at Draeger Safety UK, said: "Dräger is delighted to be working alongside the operational teams at TWFRS. It means firefighters in Tyne and Wear will benefit from the latest technology alongside the proven track record of Dräger’s world-pioneering breathing protection equipment."

One and a half years before INTERSCHUTZ 2026, many well-known companies have already confirmed their participation in the world's renowned trade fair for firefighting, rescue, and civil protection in Hanover. International market majors, such as Rosenbauer, Dräger, and Desautel are among the confirmed exhibitors. In total, nearly 450 exhibitors have registered, covering approximately 38,000 square meters of exhibition space. This accounts for more than a third of the total planned space. Exhibitors can still benefit from the early bird rate, which is available until 31 December 2024. Commitment to INTERSCHUTZ In total, 450 exhibitors have registered, covering about 38,000 square meters of exhibition space In addition to Rosenbauer, Dräger, and Desautel, companies such as Binz Automotive, BAI, BMW, Business France, Fireco, FireDos, GSF Sonderfahrzeuge, Haix, Josef Lentner, Lakeland, Maleco, MSA, MUNK, Schlingmann, S-GARD, Schmitz Feuerwehrtechnik, Tatra Trucks, Texport, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, Volkan, WEBER-HYDRAULIK, Wietmarscher Ambulanz + Sonderfahrzeug, and WISS have also confirmed their participation. "The clear commitment to INTERSCHUTZ by many market pioneers a year and a half before the trade fair is an important signal to the entire industry. In view of global crises, climate change, and natural disasters, the message that companies send by participating in INTERSCHUTZ is very significant," says Bernd Heinold, Head of INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe. Foster essential international exchange Bernd Heinold adds, "In 2026, INTERSCHUTZ will focus on the innovations of tomorrow that will make our future safer under the motto 'Safeguarding Tomorrow' and foster essential international exchange between decision-makers from politics, business, science, and aid organizations." He continues, "Key themes will include how we network internationally, how communication and knowledge transfer can succeed, what networks need to work together, and how AI can enhance these processes in the future. By participating in INTERSCHUTZ, the registered companies have chosen to invest in the future."