Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Engineered Solutions division of Dräger, an international pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, has designed a breathing air panel for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue to protect firefighters working at height on aerial platforms and ladders from smoke and toxic fumes during an incident. The panel protects firefighters positioned on and operating a fire rescue vehicle’s aerial ladder platform (ALP) and turntable ladder. Risk of smoke and toxic fumes When firefighting from height, firefighters are at significant risk of smoke and toxic fumes inhalation When firefighting from height, firefighters are at significant risk of smoke and toxic fumes inhalation, especially when there is a change in wind-direction. Immediate access to clean air is essential to protect them, and support Incident Command in how best to position the platform and ladders. Other firefighting vehicles The panel works by providing a steady supply of compressed air to up to four firefighters. It consists of four high-pressure inlets, a pressure reducer and gauge, a series of valves, and a control device that uses a hose to deliver air to a distribution system connected to the aerial ladder cage. The system is designed to prevent leakage and ensure an uninterrupted supply of breathable air. A warning whistle alerts the operator of any pressure issues, and an electrical signal is also shared with other firefighting vehicles attending an incident. The system automatically depressurizes after operation. Staffordshire’s specific needs Vehicle chassis, turntable ladders, and ALPS vary in size and design, so Dräger and Angloco worked together Angloco, a business that specializes in firefighting vehicles and equipment, partnered with Dräger in installing the panel. Vehicle chassis, turntable ladders, and ALPS vary in size and design, so Dräger and Angloco worked together to utilize shared experience in previous installations and design a bespoke, integrated solution for Staffordshire’s specific needs and product usage. Dräger's product expertise Mike Williams, BA Maintenance Manager for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, says Dräger was fantastic in its product support: “Staffordshire has worked with the team at Dräger over many years and we trust their product expertise and the team’s ability to modify a solution to the requirements we set out." "This expertise is why they were chosen to deliver the project, in addition to proven experience in similar programs,” he says. “Angloco also provided a brilliant service, and we felt all parties worked hard to ensure we have the best solution.” Breathing protection and the health of all firefighters Thomas Pearson, Marketing Manager Engineered Solutions, at Dräger, says the hospitalization of a firefighter who attended a plastics factory fire in 2016 brought the issue of firefighting at height to the fore: “Thankfully after this incident there has been a greater priority on the breathing protection and health of all firefighters, not only those tackling a blaze within a structure or building." “We’re delighted to have worked as part of a team that has delivered a solution that delivers on our goal to design technology for life.”

Dräger, a pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology will be exhibiting at the Blue Light Show to showcase a wide range of technologies that support emergency responders to perform their critical roles safely and effectively.   Taking centre stage will be Dräger’s next generation Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), the PSS AirBoss. The apparatus combines best in class ergonomics and an ultra-light design for optimal firefighter comfort and uncompromising safety. Firefighters' situational awareness Dräger will also show how its FireGround accountability system enables teams to monitor, communicate and report incidents involving active SCBA users through its sophisticated Entry Control Board (ECB). Another important element to Dräger’s lineup is the UCF® FireCore hands-free thermal imaging camera which improves firefighters' situational awareness by feeding live action imagery to Dräger’s FPS 7000 full face mask. The camera gives firefighters continuous vision in low-visibility, high-risk, and unfamiliar environments – this allows them to assess the situation and any potential hazards that may arise.  Emergency personnel wearing SCBA The communication unit is simple to use, easy to retrofit on the mask, and maintenance free The new lightweight HPS® AquaRescue helmet will be on Dräger’s stand to demonstrate how its one-size-fits-all functionality balances comfort and protection in a range of marine and technical rescue operations.  Also for the first time, Dräger’s FPS-COM Voice will be showcased to demonstrate how the mask-integrated, hands-free communication technology significantly improves voice communications. It is designed for emergency personnel wearing SCBA and full-face masks, where wearers have a reduced ability to communicate with team members. The device provides excellent voice quality by removing interfering sounds, and optimises voice capture and output. The communication unit is simple to use, easy to retrofit on the mask, and maintenance free.  Critical medical and safety technology Dräger will also be showcasing its broad range of drug and alcohol testing equipment. The screening devices produce fast and reliable results, providing police with consistent and timely evidence to support effective and efficient testing procedures. Elizabeth Millward, Marketing Manager for Emergency and Rescue Services at Dräger, says the lineup is an exciting opportunity to showcase the breadth of Dräger’s expertise:  “We are proud of our experience and long-standing heritage in supplying critical medical and safety technology to emergency responders. The show is a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to protecting, supporting, and saving lives through our designs. Ultimately, supporting our emergency services to enter a situation prepared and protected means we can help ensure they return home safely after performing their essential duties.” Drager’s stand number is N30. 

Dräger, an international pioneer in the fields of medical and safety technology, has launched the HPS® AquaRescue, a new lightweight helmet for use by emergency services personnel who need to balance comfort with protection in water rescue missions.  Designed as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ helmet to help support the needs of a diverse workforce, and weighing only 635grams, the HPS® AquaRescue can be easily adjusted to suit different head shapes and sizes to make it safer and more comfortable to wear for all users. In addition to marine rescue, the helmet is suitable for a range of technical rescue operations, including working at height.  Helmet build The helmet has high levels of impact resistance complemented by a shock absorption system With a shell manufactured from a thermoplastic polymer, the helmet has high levels of impact resistance complemented by a shock absorption system made from a closed-cell foam. The interior of the helmet comprises a three-point chin strap and buckle, carrier ring, a comfort pad, and a wheel to adjust the head width. The textiles used are all kind to the skin, sweat repellent and breathable. They can also be easily washed. Wearer comfort is increased by the use of three ventilation holes on the upper part of the helmet which can be covered to prevent the ingress of dust and dirt. The holes also allow any water to drain from the helmet shell and help ensure a constant temperature. Polyurethane Helmet Peak The polyurethane helmet peak protects the face from running water and sunlight and also provides sufficient distance between a hard surface (e.g. a rock) and the nose in the event of impact and shocks. A full range of optional accessories is available including waterproof front lamps, visors, ear and hearing protection. The helmets are available in various fluorescent and highly visible colours, and visibility can be further enhanced with the addition of prismatic reflective stripes. higher level of safety and protection Liz Millward, Marketing Manager, Emergency and Rescue Services at Dräger Safety UK, says the new helmet brings a higher level of safety and protection: “The helmet is designed for the rigours of every kind of water rescue that the emergency services may encounter, with exceptional levels of impact resistance and wearer comfort.” “A key feature of its design is also to make it suitable for both men and women, and recognize a more diverse workforce, with straps and external adjustment wheel to suit all shapes and size of head.” The helmets conform with relevant standards for water rescues and rescues at height including EN 1385: 2012; EN12492: 2012; EN16473: 2014; and BS PAS 028: 2002 (British Standard for marine safety helmets).

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.