Breathing Apparatus news

The former Firefighter - Tony is being acknowledged at an award ceremony for the fire prevention work he has conducted over the last 15 years. Tony is a finalist in the first-ever National Fire Chiefs Council’s Celebrating Prevention Awards 2022 in their Outstanding Contribution Award category. Tony's determination  The father of two and grandfather of seven joined West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) in 1977 and he said that one incident in particular made him determin...

Avon Protection is showcasing its range of personal protective equipment at AUSA 2022, designed to keep front-line personnel safe from battlefield threats, be they ballistic, chemical, or biological. The U.S. Department of Defense is the largest operator of Avon Protection equipment, including CBRN protective wear and Avon Protection Ceradyne and Team Wendy® ballistic helmets. Products on display  The company’s full range of ballistic and bump helmet systems will be on displa...

Performance Inflatables Co., LLC, and Avon Rubber p.l.c. jointly announced the acquisition by Performance Inflatables Co. of Avon Engineered Fabrications, Inc., Avon Rubber’s US based hovercraft skirt and bulk liquid storage tank business. Avon Rubber, an innovative technology group specializing in respiratory protection systems and milking point solutions, has sold Avon Engineered Fabrications (AEF) to Performance Inflatables Co., LLC, a pioneer and innovator in the design and manufactur...

Avon Protection has developed a new range of products to protect military personnel operating in CBRN environments: the EXOSKIN-B1 High Traction CBRN Boots and EXOSKIN-G1 Tactile CBRN Gloves. The CBRN threat is a growing concern for military forces, with the use of chemical weapons rising among both state actors and terrorist groups. In response, Avon Protection developed the EXOSKIN range of boots and gloves to supplement its CBRN respiratory protection products to protect personnel without c...

Avon Protection announces the launch of the CH15, a revolutionary new, ultra-thin, single-size portable escape hood that provides a minimum of 15 minutes of respiratory vision and facial protection against Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats. The last decade has clearly demonstrated how the threat profile has changed significantly. Currently, most threats are unplanned, the CH15 is a development driven after an emerging requirement from specialist users to provide instant pro...

Avon Protection has received NIOSH CBRN approval on its AvonAir™ modular powered air range. The Avon EZAir, MP-PAPR, and CS-PAPR usher in a new era of multipurpose and adaptable respiratory protection. The single filter Avon EZAir is the smallest and lightest CBRN-powered respirator available with the cost of ownership per use at nearly half that of PAPRs. The low-profile MP-PAPR provides supreme user comfort through its unique flexible construction and hydration integration capability....

The last decade has demonstrated that the nature of threats to international security has changed significantly. Structural challenges, such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, and nuclear proliferation have created an entirely new security environment. Avon has responded to the changing threat environment by broadening its offering to deliver end-to-end security solutions to customers from consultancy in specialist risk management and disaster recovery to world-leading protection and thermal imaging...

Dräger, a pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technologies, is calling for improved equipment cleaning procedures within the firefighting industry after a survey revealed that 100% of firefighters admit to concerns that exposure to carcinogens would impact their long-term health. Serving as a follow-up to Dräger’s 2020 ‘Health for the Firefighter’ survey, the new survey investigated the health concerns of serving firefighters, with regards to the threat posed...

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...