CMC, the California-based rescue and work-at-height company dedicated to helping save lives and keeping people safe, today announced the introduction of its all-new CMC LEVR System — an intuitive bailout system that features improved performance, new functionality, and a compact size that conveniently and unobtrusively stows in a user’s turnout gear.
Made in the USA, the LEVR System will be demonstrated at FDIC International 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana, from April 23-28, at CMC Booth #1438.
The system, and its new LEVR descender, is named for its ergonomic shape and intuitive operability. It offers easy payout, reliable edge transition, and simple descent control. The system’s compact size accelerates deployment, reduces risk of entanglement when in use, and minimizes interference with other firefighting duties when not in use.
“The LEVR’s patent-pending design was developed from the ground up with a focus on solving key issues found in existing bailout systems,” said Tyler Mayer, CMC Director of Engineering. “The design was continually reviewed, tested and validated with the CMC School, fire professionals and industry thought-leaders, who pushed us to create the best system available. The net result is a fully optimized bailout system that offers best-in-class performance in an unbelievably small package.”
The LEVR descender maintains an ultra-low payout force, which allows the user to easily reach the point of egress once the anchor has been placed, while its streamlined profile allows the device to easily negotiate obstacles such as window sills, railings or parapets even when loaded.
Simple descent control is made possible by the LEVR’s unibody actuation, ergonomic shape, and knurled handle – which offers a sturdy, confidence-inspiring grip even when wet. In the event of a dynamic drop, impact force mitigation limits the maximum force exerted on the system reducing the chance of overload. This both protects the anchor and limits impact forces on the firefighter.
“Most existing bailout systems regularly get caught on ledges and sills, which require us to take certain precautions, such as pre-measuring rope around the window sill, that delay our descent from the burning building,” stated Kelly Byrne, Washington DC Firefighter and CMC School Instructor. “The LEVR isn’t like most other systems, though. It’s compact and sleek shape prevents these typical hang-ups and eliminates the need to pre-measure rope during the bailout. It allows us to get from the building to the ground-level easier, safer, more-efficiently than ever before – it’s as simple as that.”
The LEVR System is comprised of the LEVR descender, the FlashLite Hook, CMC Fire Escape Web (11mm), and an escape bag, which comes pre-rigged and is available in two package options: the cargo pocket/ waist belt bag – with either a 40’ or 50’ web – or a customizable package for fire departments with unique and specific packaging requirements such as fitting an existing pocket.
The patented FlashLite Hook escape anchor is the lightest escape use-certified model available, and delivers outstanding strength with minimal weight, while the Escape Web features 100% Technora® fiber for superior strength and durability when exposed to heat and flame.
“The CMC LEVR System and its LEVR descender are engineered to perform reliably during bailout scenarios where every second counts,” concluded Ole Kils, CMC’s Lead Engineer for the LEVR Project. “We’ve carefully considered each necessary step to get from an elevated position inside a burning building to the safety of the ground, and tailored the LEVR System accordingly. We’re proud of the performance and safety enhancements achieved by the