SCBA technology built for firefighters' futures

摘要

New and updated versions of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are released approximately every ten years, during which time technology inevitably advances considerably in terms of digitisation 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. This product lifecycle allows time for medical and safety technology manufacturers, such as Drager, to take advantage of technological developments, and thoroughly test and future proof them. It also enables us to utilise 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. 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 a resilient and proven support infrastructure.