For the past decade, voter resistance to fire department bond initiatives has increased. As populations grow and demand for resources increases, how can a fire department continue to serve the public on an ever-shrinking budget?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. April 26, 2017 – Following the successful launch of last year's industry-changing INNOTEX ENERGYTM technology, INNOTEX®–one of the leading turnout gear manufacturers in North America– is back at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis to unveil today yet another unprecedented innovation with their latest in protective equipment: INNOTEX GRAYTM.

Where INNOTEX ENERGYTM raised the bar in lightweight turnout gear innovation by offering protection without compromise, unprecedented comfort, increased durability and added usefulness, INNOTEX GRAYTM tackles rising firefighting health issues through precise, cutting-edge protective equipment that mitigates risks while maintaining air permeability, comfort and mobility.

INNOTEX®’s ongoing passion for creativity and thirst for innovation led the company to tackle the rising health concerns in the firefighting industry. They turned their attention to an increasing number of scientific studies that provide strong evidence between increased health risks and toxic particulates found in the combustion of structural fires, as well as higher rates of certain cancers in firefighters than in the rest of the population.

With this as their guiding design principle, INNOTEX® pushed the envelope even further by conceiving the development of its INNOTEX GRAYTM technology, aimed at tackling these health hazards directly. The INNOTEX GRAYTM line of protective gear specifically reduces the risks of carcinogenic contamination by blocking particulates as small as 0.1 to 1.0 microns (µm) that are found in the combustion of structural fires by >98%, while maintaining air permeability, an essential feature in preventing core temperature increase. 

The gear keeps firefighters cool and comfortable but especially safe from hazardous occupational exposure through the following features, each with pending patents:

• INNOTEX GRAYTM 25 HOOD – Shields the vulnerable area between helmet & coat with a 3-layer system that includes an air permeable, particulate-blocking outer shell and a smooth, cooling inner viscose filament liner (available in TTP 29.7/THL 380).

• INNOTEX GRAYTM WRISTLET & SLEEVE WELL – Shields vulnerable areas between sleeves & gloves with seamless protection and an air permeable particulate blocking layer as lining.

• INNOTEX GRAYTM STORM BAND – Shields the vulnerable area between coat & pants with an adjustable elasticized waistband made of an air permeable particulate blocking layer.

• INNOTEX GRAYTM LEG GAITER – Shields vulnerable areas between pants & boots with an elasticized water well made of an air permeable particulate blocking layer.

INNOTEX GRAYTM is the result of the firm's continued attempts at innovating in this much-needed and slightly overlooked area. Proof of their forward-thinking vision, it meets the requirements of the proposed 2018 Edition of the NFPA 1971.

INNOTEX® President, Louis Carpentier, explains: 

“Motivated by a continuous desire to produce the highest caliber turnout gear in the industry, we launched INNOTEX ENERGY™ in April 2016 and created a garment providing ideal equilibrium between protection, comfort and durability. Its launch propelled our business to another level, making the past year one the most exciting in our history.

Nevertheless, we're eager to mark the coming year with the introduction of our INNOTEX GRAY™ technology, which enhances protection by reducing contact with harmful particles that threaten health and well-being; a true testament to our vision for the future of firefighting."

INNOTEX GRAYTM is available as of today. Visit www.innotexprotection.com for more details. 

ADDITIONAL INNOTEX® INNOVATIONS

Expanding on the huge success

In my experience, the following components make a successful firefighter wellness program: 

A Strong Foundation 
• Focus on taking care of the customer (developing and applying compassion) 
• Focus on taking care of self and others (training in  stress resistance, resilience, and recovery) 

Behavioral-Health Program Development 
• Peer team and outside resource development 
• Operational guidelines 

Continuing Behavioral-Health Education Classes 
• How to have difficult conversations 
• Maintaining successful relationships 
• Dealing with change 

The city of Seattle has fined an ambulance company hundreds of thousands of dollars for responding to calls late, missing the standards laid out in its contract with the city. KIRO 7 discovered American Medical Response paid the city nearly $900,000 in fines in 2016. The city’s firefighters call AMR to transport patients when a situation is not a life-threatening emergency but still requires medical care.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2017 11:40:07 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7

SHELBY, N.C. (April 27, 2017) – Nearly 2,000 first responders across the country earned Green Cross honors from HURST Jaws of Life, Inc. last year in recognition of their dedicated efforts to save or free entrapped patients. The 1,674 recipients include fire fighters, emergency medical technicians and law enforcement officers from 37 U.S. states, Canada, and Central and South America.

“HURST Jaws of Life rescue tools are only as good as the first responders who use them, and we’re proud to be in the hands of these 1,674 men and women who set high standards for excellence,” said Bruce Johnston, director of marketing and product management for HURST Jaws of Life.

HURST Jaws of Life earned its name nearly four decades ago because of its ability to reduce the time needed to extricate a patient from a car crash, literally snatching them from the “jaws of death.” Today, HURST Jaws of Life tools including cutters, spreaders and rescue rams assist first responders in easily pulling, prying, lifting, pushing and cutting the high strength steel on today’s cars so they can access the victim and provide medical attention. HURST Jaws of Life and its worldwide network of dealers provide year-round tool training and product development so first responders are prepared with the best techniques and tools during a rescue.

“The Green Cross from HURST Jaws of Life is a small testament to the huge commitment shown by first responders,” Johnston said. “We thank them for their tireless efforts night and day to save lives.”

HURST Jaws of Life, which updated its Green Cross symbol this year for a more contemporary look that reflects the unstoppable power and high technology of the brand, first awarded the Green Cross in 1973. First responders and their co-workers and supervisors can register for the Green Cross online or by calling 704-487-6961 to request a registration form.

Recognition includes a patch bearing the Green Cross symbol that should be applied to the first responder’s HURST Qualification Patch.

For more information about HURST Jaws of Life, visit www.jawsoflife.com.

About Hurst Jaws of Life

Hurst is the only manufacturer of the Jaws of Life® brand. There is no equal to saving lives. The company’s commitment to research and development and dedication to quality engineering and manufacturing, has resulted in a line of innovative products known for outstanding safety, durability and performance. Hurst Jaws of Life, Inc., is a unit of IDEX Corporation, an applied solutions company. For more information about Hurst Jaws of Life, please visit www.jawsoflife.com.