Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA - Experts & Thought Leaders

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."

The product lifecycle of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is approximately ten years, during which time technology inevitably advances considerably in terms of digitization and ergonomics. Increasingly pertinent in the last decade, and especially since the Pandemic, has also been how kit can be designed for ease of cleaning to ensure firefighters are protected from harmful carcinogens as well as bacterial and viral infections. When we surveyed UK firefighters as part of our ‘Health for the Firefighter campaign’ to understand their concerns about exposure to carcinogens and COVID-19, we learned the vast majority (84%) admitted they were concerned about the risk of cancer, while more than two thirds (68%) fear the impact COVID-19 might have on their long-term health. Unequivocal statistics that warranted action in our technology design. Proven support infrastructure The SCBA product lifecycle allows time for medical and safety technology manufacturers, such as Dräger, to take advantage of technological developments, and thoroughly test and future proof them. It also enables us to utilize our direct relationships with the UK fire services, not only to accommodate day-to-day feedback, but also to learn from our support of major incidents such as Grenfell and the Salisbury poisonings. The SCBA product lifecycle allows time for medical and safety technology manufacturers Following Grenfell, for example, we saw the critical importance of reducing the weight and size of kit to allow for greater ease of movement, as well as how critical it is to have the equipment underpinned by a resilient and proven support infrastructure. AirBoss, Dräger’s latest SCBA offering represents a digital progression, where telemetry and connectivity provide the information, and enable the integration and communication required to further firefighter health and wellbeing. This decade’s launch is no longer a product, but a connected solution. Providing vital information Digitalization is critical. Dräger offers the only operationally-proven telemetry solution, providing vital information which is automatically communicated between the wearer of the BA set and the Entry Control Point – without the need for either team to stop what they are doing to send communications. These signals include manual and automatic distress signals, team withdrawal signals, cylinder pressure, time to whistle and time of whistle. This system also provides comprehensive data regarding the firefighters’ condition in relation to their SCBA, proving invaluable to those responsible for monitoring and directing BA crews. A new feature, unique to Dräger’s AirBoss, are ‘Buddylights’ fitted to the backplate, which use digital data from the set to provide immediate and highly-visible signaling to firefighters of their team’s cylinder pressures and physical condition. AirBoss, Dräger’s latest SCBA offering represents a digital progression Providing comprehensive data The optional Dräger Web client enables workshop, management and command staff to utilize the data created on scene wherever they are, and at any time. Reporting can also be customized for multiple purposes from user or device history to synchronized overviews of complete incidents. The ability to create incident reports on evidential and tactical levels provides comprehensive and valuable post-incident analysis tools for debrief and training purposes, or in case of any investigation or inquiry. For future developments, Dräger is working with partners in the UK looking at solutions for location and tracking of firefighters and providing comprehensive data regarding the firefighter’s condition at an incident. The latter includes information such as body core temperature, heart rate and other vital statistics to allow external teams to monitor the early signs of heat stress and other physiological strains. Reducing physical stress Another critical focus is ergonomics. Improved wearer comfort has been achieved through working with medical experts in this field and shifting the center of gravity relationship between the human body and the set, creating a ventilated space by the SCBA backplate. AirBoss’ new Type 4 Nano cylinder provides a continued reduction in cylinder weight AirBoss’ new Type 4 Nano cylinder provides a continued reduction in cylinder weight, which can also reduce full life costs to the service, as the Nano has an unlimited life. These improvements reduce physical stress on the firefighter which in turn reduces the risk of strain-related injuries and fatigue when wearing the set operationally as well as extending the working duration due to reduced physical exertion. With AirBoss, the weight is carried by the legs and pelvis rather than the back. Improving personal comfort This not only improves personal comfort, but also enhances mobility within confined spaces and while descending ladders and stairwells. In an industry where a split second can be the difference between life and death, these advancements are crucial. On a practical level, the Dräger AirBoss has also been designed to be ‘snag-proof’, ensuring that all attachments are neatly connected or integrated to mitigate any risk of snagging or entanglement. Alterations have been made to maximize cleaning practices, including the introduction of smoother, non-absorbent, water-repellent surfaces to make equipment easier to wipe down and decontaminate. Numerous attachment points have also been included so kit can easily be dismantled for optimum cleaning – both mechanically and by hand. To this point, some fire services are moving towards mechanical washing systems, which provide complete consistency in washing temperatures, concentration of detergent, speed and temperature of drying. Vehicle charging systems The Dräger AirBoss solution is centered around four pillars: usability; safety; serviceability and connectivity Recognizing the financial pressures which the fire services are under, the AirBoss system is designed to enable fire services to maximize the significant investment already made into their SCBA and telemetry. With a modular design, AirBoss is backward compatible with existing Dräger PSS SCBA and Telemetry, enabling elements of the existing set to be upgraded over a period of years. This reduces the requirement to purchase a full suite of new equipment including telemetry, pneumatics, electronics, integrated communications, cylinders and vehicle charging systems. Overall, the Dräger AirBoss solution is centered around four pillars: usability; safety; serviceability and connectivity. These pillars, which support utilizing digitalization, improved ergonomics and ease of cleaning, are how we intend to protect our firefighters’ health and wellbeing, both today and as our future-proofed technology advances to meet the needs of tomorrow.

New tools and technologies are emerging that augment the efforts of the fire market to prevent and fight fires. Modern firefighting is benefiting from an ongoing sea change in technological capabilities, spanning equipment, electronic components, greater connectivity and firefighter monitoring, to name just a few. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What technologies will have the greatest impact on the fire industry in 2021? 

North America’s largest fire event, FDIC International, brings together more than 34,000 fire industry professionals this month (April 8-13) at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. First constructed in 1928, FDIC continues today in its original tradition of providing a forum for networking about the most vexing issues and sharing the most promising solutions to concerns that face the fire service. FDIC provides opportunities to learn new techniques, train alongside world-class leaders, and advance discussions among the most influential firefighters in the industry. FDIC allows practitioners and those who support the industry an opportunity to discuss frankly the latest developments in equipment and support and collaborate on how those new advancements can be best used. 27 Interactive H.O.T Sessions FDIC offers many opportunities for learning and training, starting with its 27 interactive Hands-on Training (H.O.T) sessions“FDIC is steadfastly dedicated to its fundamental principle of providing a non-ideological, non-affiliated and openly inclusive environment for sharing and collaborating among all members interested in the mission of the fire service,” says Chief Bobby Halton, Editorial Director, Clarion Fire Rescue Group, and Educational Director, FDIC International. “Whether their interests lie in operations, medical or fire, in administration, in the production and distribution of equipment, or the advancement of codes and standards, all opinions and worldviews are accepted and debated with the utmost respect and dignity.” FDIC offers many opportunities for learning and training, starting with its 27 interactive Hands-on Training (H.O.T) sessions, 78 pre-conference workshops and more than 200 conference sessions. FDIC’s immersive learning experience extends to the exhibit hall floor and outdoor demonstration area where attendees can see and try the latest products, equipment, services and technology from over 800 exhibiting companies. “FDIC is more important than ever to the fire service industry because it is now and will always be of the firefighters, for the firefighters, and about the firefighters,” says Halton. Events Co-Located With FDIC New this year, iWomen is co-locating their event at FDIC, which includes 14 timely classroom sessions spread over two days, as well as networking events geared at sharing challenges and insights in a supportive environment. Also, the Institution of Fire Engineers United States of America Branch is co-locating their AGM annual meeting and educational update at FDIC. And the National Fire Heritage Center has partnered with FDIC to promote the center, conduct its annual meeting and introduce the annual inductees into the Hall of Legends.  FDIC is more important than ever to the fire service industry because it is now and will always be of the firefighters, for the firefighters, and about the firefighters FDIC’s new MATCH! Program is a customized meeting experience that connects attending decision makers, who have an immediacy to purchase, with exhibitors whose products or services match their sourcing needs and interests. These VIP attendees can make the most efficient use of their time by accessing innovative matchmaking technology and a personal program manager to assist them with meeting scheduling and recommendations. Exhibitors At The Event FDIC’s Mobile App is a visitor’s guide to searching the exhibitor list, navigating the exhibit hall and seeing a full schedule of sessions and events. FDIC’s new parking partner, Gate Ten Events and Parking, allows visitors to reserve their parking space ahead of time. Large exhibitors headlining the Exhibit Hall include Pierce; Rev Fire Group, E-ONE, KME, Ferrara and REV Ambulance; 3M Scott Fire and Safety; and HME Ahrens-Fox. Other large exhibitors include Honeywell First Responder Products, Drager, Globe by MSA, Rosenbauer and Spartan Motors. Here are some of the timely themes covered at this year’s conference: Current updates on the development and implementation of science-based strategy and tactics Information and practices on mental health and wellness Leading advances in firefighting technology and managing an integration of technology into the decision-making process during operations Review of recent sentinel events in the fire service from actual participants Analysis of accident investigation from members of NIOSH and the CDC Updates on current research into toxicity in the environment and equipment Current thoughts on decontamination procedures presented by researchers and practitioners The value of belongingness as a tool for health and wellness, suicide prevention, a detailed examination of the sociotechnical interface and firefighting’s role going forward The complex political and operational dilemmas faced in the wildland urban interface Recruitment and retention for the volunteer fire service Networking Opportunities Abound The event takes over the city, and there are chances to network with peers everywhere they turnAt FDIC, networking starts the moment attendees arrive in town. The event takes over the city, and there are chances to network with peers everywhere they turn. Formal networking events are also organized, including the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Courage and Valor 5K Fun Run, Comedy vs. Cancer, IFD Open House and Pumper Pull, Stop Drop Rock ‘n’ Roll and more.  “We want individuals to walk away feeling inspired by new ideas, tools or techniques they’ve learned in sessions or new products or services they’ve sourced on the show floor that ultimately keep them and their communities safe,” says Halton.