We’re sorry, your browser doesn’t support IFrames. You can still <a href=”http://free.yudu.com/item/details/717342/Firebuyer-Dec—Jan-2012-preview?refid=31124″>visit this item.</a>, however. Enlarge this document in a new window Publishing Software from YUDU Subscribe to Electronic VersionSubscribe to UK Print VersionSubscribe to Overseas Print Version  

Mark Fletcher takes a look at hand tools and portable rescue equipment and discovers that tried-and-trusted equipment based on decades-old technology still has its place alongside its more contemporary peers. What is more, the manufacturers are listening to fire fighters’ demands with regards to the issues they are facing. Hand tools form the lifeblood of any fire fighter’s arsenal. From the buckets and axes carried by the very early fighters all the way up to modern, portable cutters and spreaders, handheld rescue tools will always form the mainstay of the first responder’s equipment list.   Considering the major advances that have appeared over the last 60 years, arguably lead by the Jaws of Life which made its first appearance in 1963, traditional basic hand tools still have a part to play in the modern fighter’s job. In many instances there is simply a desire to lift, pull or push and for these actions often the simplest solution is the best.   One of the most elegant and simplest solutions around is the First Responder Jack (http://firstresponder.hi-lift.com/) from the Hi-Lift Jack Company, based in Bloomfield, Indiana, USA, a variant of which has been in existence since 1905, predominantly in agriculture and more recently off-road.   Thanks to recent modifications championed by Jeff Pugh and his colleagues (all of whom are professional fire fighters) at The Puyallup Extrication Team (http://www.thepxteam.org/), a non-profit education team based in Puyallup, Washington, USA, the jack now has a whole new look and features many modifications that enhance its abilities – making it ideally suited for fire and rescue services.   Designed for use in extrication, heavy rescue, forcible entry, rit/ric procedure sand stabilisation and shoring, it is available in 36, 48 or 60 inch sizes. With its all steel, cast iron and hi-strength aluminium construction, it offers up to 4,660 lbs (2,014kg) of leveraging, lifting and winching options and its large base provides a safe and effective platform, while offering a wide array of rescue options that encompass 4x4s, chain and straps and 360 degree pinnable rotation.   A fraction of the cost of other expensive rescue tools, the First Responder Jack offers the same spreading and ramming options used in extrication as expensive hydraulic tools, which makes it ideal for remote access with limited resources. The Jack Features: a removable top clamp-clevis attachment, rated to the full capacity of the jack for winching, clamping and spreading; durable, powder-coated, bright yellow main components with fire red actuating pieces; safe-use Information, including rated-load details and operating instructions and luminescent features for use in IDLH and low-light atmospheres.   Pugh is very vocal in his ideas about rescue equipment and, as a professional fire fighter he has a vested interest in their efficacy in the field. One concept he touches on, which is also an issue faced by Richard Wood, Director of Weber Rescue UK (http://www.weberrescueuk.com/) are the issues faced by fire fighters when it comes to extracting occupants from modern cars.   With and occupancy protection in the event of crashes or collisions riding high on the list of desirable attributes of the modern automobile, fire fighters are faced with continual changes in the materials used in cars; with structural steels and pillar configuration making their life a lot more difficult.   Weber Rescue’s answer to this issue is its new RSX200 107 Plus range (http://www.weber.de/wr/en/rettungsgeraete/rsx200-107-plus.php), which incorporates cutter blades with inserts made of a high-strength alloy that gives fire fighters the ability cut high-strength and reinforced vehicle body parts. As well as the additional cutting capabilities offered by the new cutter, the range also offers lower maintenance costs due to the fact that only the inserts need to be changed rather than the whole blade assembly. Wood elaborates on the changing face of the fire service and how the tooling companies have to keep pace with their needs. “It used to be that many fire tenders carried combi tools – one tool that could do multiple jobs.   The trend was then for the development of specialist tools, dedicated to single tasks. What we are seeing now is that with budgetary restraints, many fire services are creating rapid-reaction teams in smaller vehicles who now need much more portable and flexible tool sets. This has lead to the desire to go back to the combi tool approach, so not so many tools need to be carried.”   Another major advance Pugh elaborates on is the creation of electrically powered hydraulic tools such as the eDRAULIC range from Hurst (http://www.jawsoflife.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProductId=2340), the company that first bought us the Jaws of Life. By providing portable electrical power, the tools are not reliant on a separate hydraulic supply, which makes them far more suitable for lightly equipped first responders and those who need to get into remote or confined spaces.   Pugh is also extremely impressed with Packexe SMASH (http://www.packexesmash.com/en/), a self-adhesive film that secures automotive glass for faster and safer vehicle extrication, with results showing that it virtually doubles the strength of glass, averaging a 42% reduced risk of glass breaking.   With both tooling firms and fire fighters expressing concerns with the growing adoption of high strength structures in cars, it appears that the automotive industry is a regular moving target for OEMs and users alike. Pugh explains: “Vehicle manufacturers are understandably stingy about trade secrets, especially relating to the information that fire fighters need to know, such as that pertaining to supplementary restraints. This information can be tough to get and I hope manufacturers were more forthcoming with this information and would help us to safely identify cut zones.   In the meantime it is possible to get basic information relating to safety-critical equipment within many car models (http://www.rescuesheet.info/seite_3.html) and, as expected, if you are armed with a smart phone or tablet, in this case an iPhone or iPad, there is of course the obligatory app (http://bohemianinnovation.com/extraction.html), which highlights the cutting zones in many modern cars.  

An interview with Tobias Welp – Marketing Manager Iveco Magirus is the global market leader for turn table ladders and its vehicles and components are in use worldwide to rescue, extinguish, recover or to protect. They are versatile, dependable and secure. In 6 locations in Europe, Iveco Magirus produces a unique range of fire fighting and civil protection vehicles. With over 1.500 vehicles sold per year, Iveco Magirus isone of the biggest suppliers manufacturer in this field.   Whenever reliable and high performing technology and innovative solutions are required Iveco Magirus can offer the perfect solution. “Our brand is renown worldwide for the widest range and best in class technology of turntable ladders” says Tobias. “The outstanding history of our company began in 1864. Since that date and up to today innovations from Magirus reshaped the sector.   The actual range of turn table ladders cover rescue heights from 20 to 60 meters, offers the most advanced ladder tip articulations and has a worldwide unique stabilization control system. Like this we can offer a perfect solution to any specific need of our customers.” But Iveco Magirus has to offer much more and Tobias is keen to promote two other vehicles. The new Dragon dedicated to airport fire fighting and the Multistar, a versatile vehicle which combines perfectly tank pumper and height rescue mission.   Dragon The Dragon is a new generation of airport firefighting vehicles; they address the extreme demands often associated with firefighting operations at airports. “Right from the commercial launch in 2010 we are collecting continuously new orders from Europe to Asia Pacific. And the feedback from our customers which have the vehicle already in operation are very positive.” “All our vehicles comply with NFPA and ICAO standards and we provide a full technical backup service to all our clients”, says Welp. “We either have local technicians in the countries or work closely with partners to ensure unrivalled support.”   The Super Dragon 8×8 (Air crash Tender) has a rear mounted twin pack engine with more than 1100hp which fulfils Euro5 emission standards. It has rigid-axle suspension with coil springs and an overall width of 3m. It uses many components from Iveco CV and Iveco Magirus thus ensuring reliability and availability of spare parts.   “Innovation, all-new concepts specifically developed for the chassis, drive train, extinguishing technology, control system and design result in an attractive range of vehicles that can do more than ever before.   “In keeping with the Iveco Magirus philosophy, this consistent solution has been developed in-house and is produced using a ‘one- stop shop’ approach. The modular system makes it possible to implement different configurations and drive variants that include 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 chassis.” Welp says.  The SuperDragon key facts Max. speed: > 135 km/h Engine: 2 cursor13 engines with >1100hp (Euro5 and Euro3 compliant) Acceleration 0 – 80 km/h: < 25 sec Transmission: Allison fully automatic with retarder Brakes: Disc brakes Breathing apparatus in cab: 4 sets Pump output, standard pressure: 10,000 l/min at 10 bar Pump output, high pressure: 250 l/min at 40 bar Tank volume, water: 14,000 – 17,000 litres Tank volume, foam: 1,500 – 2,500 litres Dry powder: 500 – 1,000 kg CO2: 120 kg Options Variable: The new cab offers room for 3, 4 or 6 people. The driver’s seat can be positioned on the left, on the right or in the centre. In the cab, up to four seats with BA storage possible. Vehicle entry is ergonomically optimised for fire-fighting operations. Large, deep windows provide optimal visibility in all directions. Different Water- / Foam monitor solutions for the front and the roof available Boom with piercing nozzle    Wide ranging additional equipment possible Alternative extinguishing agent capacities Alternative pump outputs Multistar   The Multistar is one of the most versatile fire fighting vehicles on the market. “Now in its second generation the Multistar is a fantastic product for fire brigades which are looking for a vehicle which combines tank pumper or road rescue applications with the possibilities of an aerial rescue device.” states Tobias.    “We see a growing demand for this kind of vehicle as more and more fire brigades need to be as flexible as possible during first attack operations and are looking for products with enhanced tactical value.”   The Multistar can host a crew of up to 9 fire fighters (1+8). The internal mounted water tank has a capacity of 1.600L and grants maximum space available for equipment on the side lockers. A storage capacity of 9.5m³ for approx. 1.800kg of equipment makes it unique in its class.   The aluminium telescopic boom is equipped with a cage, which can carry up to 3 persons and operates in a range of -12m down reach up to +31m with an outreach of 16,5m at maximum cage load.   Multistar key facts Chassis Iveco Eurocargo 180E30 4×2 with 299hp Crew Cab: 1+2, 1+5, 1+8 with up to 7 breathing apparatus Pump output: 2500 l/min at 10 bar Tank capacity: 1600 liter Locker storage: 9,5m³ for 1.800kg of equipment Operating range of telescopic boom: -12m to +31m Outreach: 16,5m with max cage load Options Foam mixing system CaddiSys Internal foam tank: 300l Pneumatic light mast Integrated waterway to cage   Iveco Magirus also produces a wide range of fire fighting components: portable and truck mounted pumps, foam mixing systems and monitors.   The company began 1864 when Conrad Dietrich Magirus started the commercial manufacturing of his fire-fighting devices in Ulm, Germany. The city on the Danube is still the headquarters of the company that now operates as a global player under the name Iveco Magirus.   Now the company operates from six locations in Europe. Commercial operations cover more than 80 countries throughout the world, always respecting the local requirements of each country.    “The company plan to evolve the existing range of vehicles in the forthcoming year,” says Welp. “We will continue with our research and further develop our portfolio to refine our unique offering to the fire fighting industry"

In the hospitality industry, hotel and convention centers are often judged by their technology offerings. As a result, Emirates Towers, a 500-room hotel and business center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf, has set a new standard. A striking addition to the Dubai skyline and among the tallest buildings in the Middle East, Emirates Towers rises 1,165 feet to its top. The office tower alone is host to numerous businesses and its five-star hotel tower offers 500 rooms, including 40 suites and three main theme restaurants. A five-level podium building connects the towers and includes more than 40 retail, restaurant, and parking accommodations.   Scalable technology enables cost-efficient upgrading “The vision for Emirates Towers was to create a state-of-the-art technological infrastructure which could be scalable to future information and building management technology developments,” said Ivan Brinkley, corporate technical director for Jumeirah International, owner of Emirates Towers.   Emirates Towers’ officials understood that retrofitting and  upgrading expenses often represent approximately 50 percent of the lifetime costs of a building and that the ability to upgrade is crucial to ensure that technology remains current. Additionally, scalable technology keeps the cost for installation, operation, and maintenance at a minimum. The goal was to: Implement a state-of-the-art infrastructure which is   • scalable for future developments, Provide the latest available technologies and • integrations to ensure Emirates Tower’s competitiveness, while ensuring a quality building environment, Complete the project with a limited budget • and within a tight time schedule.   With this in mind early in the planning stage, the search began for one company to accept responsibility for the twin-towers system integration and network. Emirates Towers officials approached the local Johnson Controls office to fill this need. Using Johnson Controls’ Technology Contracting approach, property management, guest-related systems, telecommunications, fire, security, and even multimedia applications could be tied together.   Information technology network enables systems cooperation Given the strict criteria for the towers, Johnson Controls introduced a single- seat operation solution through a total integrated IT and building automation system infrastructure with about 20 sub-systems. The logical integration is built around a Metasys system.   Aside from the Metasys system, other major systems include a hotel management system, a facility and property management system, computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS), and telecommunications systems, such as digital video-on-demand (live TV, prerecorded programs, and audio), internet, e-mail services, computer games, and e-commerce. Life safety systems include fire alarm, and closed circuit television (CCTV). Presentation media for conference rooms is available with videoconferencing capabilities, an audio system, and projectors. “As a partner, Johnson Controls was able to provide complete system integration of all the equipment, including elevators, fire alarm systems, and much more, all within the project deadlines. Most importantly, Johnson Controls has the local presence and resources to make ‘doing business’ easy,” said Brinkley.   Physical integration of all the subsystems and applications is achieved through one common IT Network based on ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) and Gigabit Ethernet technology. The network management system handles the high-speed network and its connected devices. The change from a stand-alone system approach to an integrated system leads to significant changes in the engineering and management processes. The key elements to the Emirates Towers Integrated System concept are the Metasys system, ATM-Backbone, and Interactive Guest Multimedia System.   Metasys system is a foundation for integration The basic platform for the integrated solution is the Ethernet technology and TCP/IP (Internet) compatibility of the Metasys family. This provides the foundation for success for the integration technology in Emirates Towers. The use of open protocols and standards in the Metasys system ensured that Emirates Tower’s officials were able to choose the best solutions for creating an intelligent building without losing connectivity or features.   With a 23,000 data point capacity, the Metasys system takes full advantage of the distributed intelligence concept. Four M5 Graphic Workstations create the basis for a personal command center at Emirates Towers to manage the entire BAS network.   Due to the desert climate in Dubai, one of the major issues in the design was maintaining dependable temperature and mechanical control in the building.   Temperatures in the city can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit between May and October, dropping to the low 80s the rest of the year. If temperature isn’t maintained in the buildings, it could lead to disaffected tenants who don’t renew their leases and dissatised hotel patrons. For this reason, all office areas and guest rooms are provided with advanced LONMARK®-certified DDC controllers connected to the local area network.   One of the main highlights of the system architecture is the various integrations of different voltage systems, including chillers, elevators, and the fire alarm system. A computerised maintenance and management system was integrated for maintenance and facility management. To satisfy the increasing demand for security and property protection, CCTV and an emergency lighting system were integrated. Further integrations to the hotel management system, power monitoring system, and the staff paging system round out the picture of the intelligent building concept. ATM is the backbone of the network At the heart of the network is a modern, scalable ATM backbone designed to easily manage and support services and protocols. ATM technology is the network infrastructure to support high-tech enterprises with various multimedia and voice, video, and data services. It provides the basis for LAN interconnectivity and fully integrated network access. LAN and the ATM backbone are managed by one common network management system. The unique approach includes a redundant IT network solution based on two ATM switches with an individual capacity of 10Gbit per second. The network distributes television, video- on-demand, e-commerce, Internet, BAS, closed circuit television, and hotel management system data through the entire complex.   The integration of the video-on-demand with the hotel management system allows a seamless and online update of the related database for automated billing. The network is modular and flexible, enabling Emirates Towers to start on a smaller scale and expand as needs evolve to support the hotel’s dynamic and changing environment. In addition, the

An award winning company Fire fighting equipment manufacturer and fire safety specialist, NAFFCO, is a leader in the industry within the Middle East and, increasingly, in the global marketplace. The company is involved in prestigious projects, and plans for the development of eco-friendly products.   NAFFCO was established in 1991 and has grown to become the largest fire fighting equipment manufacturer in the Middle East and one of the top manufacturers worldwide with manufacturing facilities in Dubai serving clients in 100 different countries across the globe.   The motivation behind setting up NAFFCO was sheer goodwill towards society by providing fire protection engineering products. This field was not very well developed or established in the Middle East market at the time, so the in-depth knowledge and expertise gained by Eng. Khalid El Khatib in the field motivated him to start a small manufacturing unit in 1991. The company started with only 11 employees and has now grown to employ more than 5,000 employees. This was only possible due to his vision to become a global leader in providing comprehensive and reliable fire protection solutions and safety engineering and making the world a safer place to live. World-class products The company’s core business focuses on the manufacture, design, supply, installation and after sales service of fire fighting products, ranging from basic fire extinguishers to highly sophisticated fire trucks. The company is staffed by highly-trained and experienced technicians and engineers and provides total fire protection solutions to the most prestigious developments around the world, including residential buildings, commercial complexes, telecommunication centers, industrial installations, oil refineries, petrochemical plants and airport installations.   The headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in the United Arab Emirates, where a wide range of innovative fire fighting equipment is manufactured with the company’s state-of-the-art technology, having established a sales presence in over 100 countries in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, America, GCC and Asia. The company is renowned for providing superb quality products and assuring the timely performance of its products at all times. With simple yet effective fire extinguishers of all sizes, custom-made fire cabinets, heavy duty fire hoses, high capacity powerful pumps, mobile fire fighting systems, including CAFS (compressed air foam systems), and highly advanced fire trucks, NAFFCO is dedicated to the science of fire fighting.   Moreover, NAFFCO has diversified from the passive fire protection arena and is now one of the specialists in the field of automation and control for all types of fire alarm and security systems. NAFFCO even opened new divisions like Fire Doors and Flow control divisions to manufacture HDPE pipes and fittings for under ground waterlines to meet growing demand of customers. With its consistent focus on commitment to quality and a desire to develop world-class engineering products, NAFFCO is one of the world’s top five manufacturers of total fire protection and safety engineering solutions. Landmark projects NAFFCO’s excellent reputation has enabled the company to be involved in a large number of landmark projects in a wide range of industries. The markets the company deals with includes residential buildings, commercial complexes, telecommunication centers, industrial installations, oil refineries and petrochemical plants, airport installations, power plants and substations, and the metal processing industry.   Two of the most important projects the company has been involved in are the Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the tallest tower in the world – and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. For the Burj Khalifa, NAFFCO provided and installed the fire fighting system consisting of fire hose reels, wet risers and landing valves; the sprinkler system consisting of different types of sprinklers like upright and sidewall sprinklers, which are recessed sprinklers connected by zone control and alarm check valves; and the gas suppression system consisting of HFC-227ea gas with fire extinguishing panel, abort switch, manual release, manual actuator, fire alarm bell and flashers.   This equipment was installed under NAFFCO supervision and is monitored by the main fire alarm panel. It also installed the pre- action system consisting of a control panel, pre-action valve, air compressors and sprinklers; the foam deluge system consisting of foam control panel, deluge valve, foam tank and nozzles; and the external hydrant consisting of a valve, which is installed outside the building premises and is connected to the fire pump. All the design, supply, supervision of installation, testing and commissioning and final hand-over was done by NAFFCO as per NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards and local authority approvals.   For the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a project valued at approximately AED 18 million (US$4.9 million), NAFFCO undertook the design, supply, installation, site supervision, testing and commissioning of all the fire fighting systems, fire alarm systems, and voice evacuation systems. The company has also provided its services to the Dubai Metro, the New Abu Dhabi International Airport 2K, Emirates Aluminum Company and Dubai Festival City.    Committed to quality The reason NAFFCO has such a good reputation is explained by a number of attributes. The first of which is its commitment to quality. “NAFFCO’s ISO 9001 quality management system is certified by UL (Underwiters Laboratories), LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) and BV (Bureau Veritas). The company always endeavors to continually and effectively improve the quality of products in accordance with the requirements of international standards like LPCB, BSI (British Standards Institution), SAI Global, UL, FM Global and NFPA.   In recognition of the success of its business growth, NAFFCO was awarded the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award in 2005 for excellence in exports and 2006 in manufacturing. The Dubai Quality Appreciation Award in 2008 bears further witness to its constant focus towards the excellence of its business and the quality of services it provides.   And recently NAFFCO added one more testament of its excellence when it was awarded again the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award in 2010 for manufacturing under the free zone category. The key strengths of NAFFCO are the highly qualified engineers who carry out and ensure the provision of the highest quality products.   And through its Research and Development department, NAFFCO was able to maintain the continuous production of new technology systems to meet future demands, and to expand our product lines. Furthermore, NAFFCO is an associated member of the NFPA,

Label: ARFF Title: IVECO Magirus Teaser: A history of excellence Label: Company Profile Label: Hotel Security Label: Technical Feature Title: Rescue tools advance with the times Teaser: International hospitality goes hi – tech Teaser: by Mark Fletcher

Teaser: Madrid Exhibition Centre, Madrid, Spain SICUR brings together the entire safety and security industry, making up a comprehensive showcase of new developments relating to protection and prevention in the widest sense of these terms. Website: www.infoifema.es

Teaser: Hong Kong convention and exhibition centre Fire Asia 2012 Conference themed ‘New Horizons for a Safer Society’ will cover various topics ranging from disaster management to pre-hospital emergency care for casualties with a view of reaching new horizons for a safer society. Website: www.fireadia2012.org

Teaser: Trade fair and conference Over the years Intersec trade fair and conference has garnered much support from government entities, particularly UAE Civil Defence, all departments of Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy and the event continues to attract the key players from across its different sectors.   Website: www.intersecexpo.com

Packexe SMASH has become the tool for fire-fighters during extrication situations, ensuring the dangers of broken glass are reduced for casualties and rescuers alike. The year 2011 has seen the number of countries worldwide where Packexe SMASH is in service rise to 29 and the number of UK fire brigades using it climb to over 20. Early in the year, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service adopted Packexe SMASH equipping each front-line appliance with the system. Hampshire Fire and Rescue is another brigade to have it on all front-line appliances. Mark Woods, Watch Manager Training Centre/OIC Botley, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) said: “Since the first evaluation of Packexe SMASH within the HFRS Extrication Team and Service Training Centre it has changed the way in which we manage glass. Packexe SMASH allows a dynamic approach to the way in which glass is managed, increasing safety and reducing extrication times as part of the vehicle preparation stage at an RTC. Since we adopted it as part of the Officer in Charge’s dynamic risk assessment, Packexe SMASH has undoubtedly improved the health and safety of casualties and rescuers alike. The product is innovative and easy to use and has also proved itself versatile for use when forced entry is required into buildings through areas of glass, giving a safe and efficient control measure.” Malcolm Freemantle, Equipment and Procurement Officer for HFRS continues: “The time factors relating to vehicle preparation at RTCs prior to cutting operations can now be significantly reduced due to the new protocols adopted by Hampshire with the introduction of Packexe SMASH. Time is a crucial factor in tackling RTCs. The product allows our staff far more flexibility in the dynamic risk assessment of glass at RTCs, allowing us to take into account vehicle orientation and casualty position.” In 2011, Packexe SMASH was seen and used in all the major extrication challenges, including the 2011 International Auto Extrication Challenge in the USA, the World and Australasian Rescue Challenges and the UK National Challenge. A significant highlight from these Challenges was the feedback from the casualties. This was exemplified by Jayne Hazlett, an acting casualty from the World and Australasian Rescue Challenges 2011 who said, “Until you are in a car and windows are broken around you, then you have no idea how much actually does fly about.” During the World and Australasian Rescue Challenges, the difference in results when Packexe SMASH was used and not used were significant and apparent to all who took part. Steff Dewhurst, Bhsc Paramedic Student, Wellington, New Zealand, who acted as a casualty, states: “As a paramedic student I believe it is vital that I gain an understanding of how it feels to be a patient. Being in a simulated car crash was very surreal for me, as I was able to place myself exactly into the shoes of a patient being extricated from a major accident. In the first incident I was a part of I played an ‘unconscious’ patient and was not able to move or communicate with my rescuers. During the rescue, as glass was being smashed there was a loud bang and all of a sudden glass was raining down all over me. The glass went into my ears, fell under my safety glasses on to my face and was all through my hair. I got such a fright; I jumped and was nervous for the rest of the rescue, even though I had complete faith in my rescuers.” When the Fire and Rescue Service need to extricate a casualty, it is important to make the casualty feel calm and to sense that the situation is under control. An essential feature of Packexe SMASH’s self-adhesive film is its transparency, which is vital to maintain visibility at all times for the benefit of the casualty and rescuer. This will, in some cases, help to keep the casualty calm, as they will be able to clearly see what the rescue team are achieving. Steff continues, saying “In the next incident I was a part of, the crew chose to use Packexe SMASH. The difference in the rescue was phenomenal. Not only was the noise of the glass breaking greatly reduced, but there were no shards of glass falling on me and I felt a lot more safe and secure. I didn’t need to worry about glass shards or sharp edges. It was great; the environment for both the rescuers and me was a lot more secure.” To conduct an effective and successful extrication, certain equipment is required. The amount and variety of tools available is significant. However, the key focus is to create the safest and quickest route possible to remove the accident victim from the vehicle. One aspect of the extrication process is to break the glass whilst attempting to reduce the risk of injury from glass fragments for the victims, fire fighters and other emergency services. Packexe SMASH, a unique self-adhesive film and applicator, saves time, as the application can be completed by one person, allowing other fire-fighters to take care of the casualty. In comparison, the traditional methods that consist of hard and soft protection (body shields and blankets) have always proved to be a two- or three-person job. By reinforcing the glass, Packexe SMASH has eliminated the need to forcibly break and remove it. The application of Packexe SMASH increases the strength of glass by approximately 42%, greatly reducing the risk of breakage. This allows fire-fighters to leave it in place whilst hydraulic cutting and spreading equipment is in use. If glass has to be broken and removed, with Packexe SMASH applied first, it can be folded and disposed of with ease, allowing a safer and easier clean-up. Jayne Hazlett continues by saying: “I did find that the crews who used Packexe SMASH in the pits saved a lot of the extra glass from hitting us as patients… I got to experience it [Packexe SMASH] first hand in the vehicles and was impressed with the speed [of