Petzl will showcase its innovative, NFPA-compliant EXO AP personal escape system at FDIC International 2017. New for 2017, Petzl has endorsed 25 premier fire rescue-training organizations as official EXO AP trainers.

“Petzl is committed to providing 'solution-based' support to firefighters who brave the fireground, with continuous improvements of innovative products and training,” said Michel Goulet, professional division manager for Petzl America.

The upgraded, ultra-light EXO AP, $489.95, is 20-percent smaller than its predecessor. The original EXO was developed in 2006 following a terrible tragedy, which unfolded in New York City in January 2005. In its wake, Petzl’s research and development team worked closely with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) to create a device that would allow firefighters to escape burning buildings via a personal rappel safety system.

It took the fire rescue industry by storm and landed a Time magazine Best Invention of 2006 award thanks to its patented lever mechanism, which allowesusers to control their speed of descent.

The new EXO AP better controls panic-fueled escapes with an anti-panic function that engages if the user's adrenaline spikes and he or she yanks too hard on the handle. The descent will stop and give the firefighter a moment to collect him or herself before re-engaging the handle for a controlled descent.

The EXO AP descender allows users to quickly and securely anchor the rope, move horizontally, climb through a window and safely descend, including the ability to control speed or stop a descent. The 50-ft. Technora escape rope provides greater resistance to abrasion and high temperatures than nylon or polyester ropes. The Nomex carry bag attaches the system directly to the harness.  

Petzl will also debut two new NFPA-compliant products at FDIC International: a cam-loaded rope grab and fire rescue rope as well as a new seat harness.

The updated RESCUCENDER, $84.95, is an openable cam-loaded rope grab designed for use in raising systems as a haul cam and a progress capture device. The integrated cam spring helps avoid accidental snagging and increases durability.

The VECTOR, $192.95, is a low-stretch kernmantle, high-strength rope with excellent handling characteristics for rescue work. Its large diameter ensures great strength, abrasion-resistance, and excellent compatibility with rescue hardware when manipulating heavy loads.

The FALCON, $184.95, is a lightweight, comfortable seat harness designed for the rescue professional. It features a gear management system and a steel ventral attachment point that distributes the load between the waist belt and the adjustable leg loops during suspended rescue. The Falcon comes in three versions that are specially adapted to a

ResponderX, a Bryan (TX) based startup, will unveil its TaskForce Tracker system at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 27-29.

Developed by local firefighter Andrew Jarrett after a fire that took two firefighters lives and seriously injured two others, TaskForce Tracker will bring new technology to the fireground to improve firefighter safety.

Utilizing the latest technology available, TaskForce Tracker, will provide incident commanders and safety officers with the ability to account for and track firefighters while operating on emergency scenes. Designed to withstand the rigors of the hostile environments encountered on the fireground, TaskForce Tracker is an easy to deploy mesh network based system. This system will also collect valuable data on fire conditions and relay that data to incident commanders, essentially serving as an electronic set of eyes and ears for fire officers.

FDIC is the largest gathering in the United States of fire service professionals and vendors, attended by over 20,000 fire service professionals. Traditionally, fire service vendors will introduce new products and equipment at this event.

Led by founder and CEO Andrew Jarrett, the ResponderX team will provide product demonstrations and will be looking for departments interested in piloting and/or purchasing this system. Interested attendees and media are urged to contact Director of Client Relations Christian Kehl to schedule interviews or individual meetings with Mr. Jarrett during the conference.

Please visit www.responderx.com for more information.

ResponderX, a Bryan (TX) based startup, will unveil its TaskForce Tracker system at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 27-29.

Developed by local firefighter Andrew Jarrett after a fire that took two firefighters lives and seriously injured two others, TaskForce Tracker will bring new technology to the fireground to improve firefighter safety.

Utilizing the latest technology available, TaskForce Tracker, will provide incident commanders and safety officers with the ability to account for and track firefighters while operating on emergency scenes. Designed to withstand the rigors of the hostile environments encountered on the fireground, TaskForce Tracker is an easy to deploy mesh network based system. This system will also collect valuable data on fire conditions and relay that data to incident commanders, essentially serving as an electronic set of eyes and ears for fire officers.

FDIC is the largest gathering in the United States of fire service professionals and vendors, attended by over 20,000 fire service professionals. Traditionally, fire service vendors will introduce new products and equipment at this event.

Led by founder and CEO Andrew Jarrett, the ResponderX team will provide product demonstrations and will be looking for departments interested in piloting and/or purchasing this system. Interested attendees and media are urged to contact Director of Client Relations Christian Kehl to schedule interviews or individual meetings with Mr. Jarrett during the conference.

Please visit www.responderx.com for more information.

An FDIC International instructor in TECGEN PPE supplied by Fire-Dex.

By Chris Mc Loone

The training one receives at FDIC International is known the world over. Each year participants from around the world arrive in Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend hands-on training, preconference workshops, and classroom sessions as well as to see the newest fire service products.

This year, one international attendee from Switzerland approached FDIC International with a request. Mireille (Mimi) Glauser is attending this year’s conference but was in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) to participate in H.O.T. classes. FDIC International Education Director Bobby Halton go to work to make sure Glauser wouldn’t miss out.

After determining that she would not require structural firefighing PPE, Halton got in touch with Fire-Dex, which provides “Firefighter Fatigues” to all FDIC International non live fire instructors to loan Glauser a set of Firefighter Fatigues.

According to Jenny McPherson, assistant marketing manager, Fire-Dex, the company is supplying Glauser with a set of NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1951 compliant TECGEN PPE. “TECGEN PPE is a single-layer garment that provides protection against both heat stress and repeated exposure to harmful carcinogens residing on turnout gear,” says McPherson.

The gear donation is the embodiment of what FDIC International is: the combination of the fire service and fire industry coming together to prepare firefighters to do their jobs with the best training and newest products. “Fire-Dex is huge supporter for the health and safety of firefighters, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to provide gear support to firefighters who are striving to continue to learn and grow,” adds McPherson.

Fire-Dex continues to support FDIC International by providing H.O.T. instructors with personalized sets of TECGEN PPE. Do you have any general comments about supplying this PPE this year at FDIC International 2017? This is the second year Fire-Dex has provided the gear. “Last year was an incredible opportunity for us and we are grateful to continue this gear donation for another year.”

You can visit Fire-Dex at booth 1823.

For more information, visit http://www.firedex.com/tecgen/product/jackets-pants/.