WOOSTER, OH—IDEX Fire & Safety introduces Captium™, the first-ever connected vehicle platform built specifically to meet the unique needs of fire and EMS. Designed for first responders, Captium goes beyond the typical fleet management system by harnessing the technical complexities of today’s apparatus. The platform allows for secure, over-the-air updates to vehicle component electronics and provides actionable insight to not only responders operating the vehicles but also their support channels responsible for keeping vehicles healthy and operational.

Captium connects equipment, electronics and vehicle networks so responders can easily share key data and mission-critical information via an intuitive Web and mobile-friendly dashboard. This new smart vehicle platform allows for safer, more efficient operations and supports increased on-demand service to drive maximum vehicle uptime.

Sean Tillinghast, IDEX Fire & Safety Group vice president, explains, “We have centuries of experience equipping fire and rescue teams, so we know the demands of the fire service and the expectations of the communities they serve. The Captium-connected equipment of our legacy brands of Akron Brass, Class 1, Hale and V-MUX, enables them to monitor the health of their vehicles and make proactive decisions to avoid costly repairs.”

Several industry-leading fire truck manufacturers in collaboration with IDEX Fire & Safety will be the first to adopt Captium as a standard offering on their fire trucks and ambulances. Jeff Zook, marketing manager for Connected Solutions at IDEX Fire & Safety, states, “We are pleased to share a similar vision of creating equipment that brings new levels of support based on intelligence inside the vehicles. Real-time access to the health of networked electrical controllers, multiplexing systems and water flow components can help save valuable time.”

IDEX Fire & Safety has partnered with Microsoft for its secure cloud platform. IDEX Fire & Safety has built the Captium platform on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform for two fundamental reasons: scalability and security. Richard Zak, Director—Justice & Public Safety Solutions at Microsoft and also a member of the fire service, states, “Responding to citizens in need requires highly trained people with the right vehicles and equipment. IDEX Fire & Safety is leading the way by leveraging Microsoft Azure to make fire vehicles smarter and better able to support the fire service mission.”

Jim MacLennan, chief information officer at IDEX shares, “IDEX makes things—lots of things—that solve critical challenges and improve people’s lives. So, it just makes sense to add our products to the Internet of Things. Incorporating connectivity and capturing data will allow IDEX businesses to add information and insights as impactful new capabilities for our products. Captium is a leading-edge example for us. We are excited about the positive impact that Captium will have for our customers and the people they serve.”

Learn more about Captium at captiumconnect.com.

About IDEX Fire & Safety: IDEX Fire & Safety represents a collaboration of global brands that deliver trusted solutions to help emergency responders save lives. For centuries, customers have relied on the brands of IDEX Fire & Safety to provide quality equipment and service. Our brands include Akron Brass, AWG, Class 1, Dinglee, Hale, Hurst Jaws of Life®, Godiva, Lukas, Vetter and Weldon. The IDEX Fire & Safety brands represent business units of

A Bronto Skylift aerial on a domestic custom fire apparatus chassis.

A Bronto Skylift aerial on a domestic custom fire apparatus chassis.

SHELBY, N.C. (April 26, 2018) – HURST Jaws of Life®, an industry leading global manufacturer of rescue tools, brings first responders two new cutters, the S 788E2 and S 788, with wider jaws and stronger blades designed for today’s high strength steels.

“High strength steels predicted to be in cars by the year 2020 are already being used in the cars of today,” said Bruce Johnston, HURST Jaws of Life director of marketing and product management. “First responders need tools that can face tough obstacles and allow easier patient access.” HURST will introduce the tools at 2018 FDIC International in Indianapolis, booth #2322.

“The new design and exceptional blade technology of our new S 788E2 and S 788 means first responders can get to the patient faster to save lives,” Johnston said.

First responders who seek the power and portability of battery-powered eDRAULIC® line, or those gaining power from generators, can use the S 788E2 and S 788 cutters as the solution. The new cutters can cut through current vehicle construction and are ready for tomorrow’s high strength steel. With a wide cutter opening at 7.87 inches, its unique blade geometry has a 6.02-inch blade reach. The S 788E2/S 788 also has 67 percent more cutting performance in the relevant work area so first responders can get to their patients faster.

With first responder safety and comfort in mind, the S 788E2 and S 788 are ergonomically designed with a star-grip that permits tool actuation from almost any gripping position. Dead man control valves will revert the tool to a neutral position if a worker’s hands slip from the control. Each tool comes with two batteries and one charger.

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. Stop by FDIC International 2018 Booth #2322 for a look at the new tools.