Indianapolis, IN (April 20, 2016) - At the FDIC International 2016 Conference, W. L. Gore & Associates presented the results of a human study that evaluated the physiological impact of protective barriers currently available in turnout gear. Conducted by a third party, this study confirmed that wearing the GORE® PARALLON™ liner system delivered the highest breathability followed closely by CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier, with both significantly better than the competition.

A group of firefighters wearing turnout gear completed a defined work/rest cycle in a controlled environment while their body core temperatures, heart rates, and skin temperatures were monitored. Over a period of several weeks, the same participants repeated the trial three times so they could wear each set of gear containing one of the three different protective barriers.

Before the trial began, each turnout gear composite was tested for Total Heat Loss (THL) and Resistance to Sweat Evaporation (RET) to determine which test method was more aligned with human physiological results. Several results of the trial were significant:

• First, the firefighters’ physiological responses were the best when they were wearing gear with Gore’s protective barriers.
• Second, all of the firefighters were able to complete the trial while they were wearing gear with Gore’s protective barriers. On the contrary, 40 percent of them could not finish the test when wearing the competitive barrier because their heart rates exceeded their maximum rates, which were established as part of the safety criteria before the trial began.
• Finally, the RET results directly correlated with the participants’ physiological response, whereas THL did not.

Visit www.GoreProtectiveFabrics.com/Heat-Stress-Management for more information about this study.

About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing GORE® Protective Barriers Shown to Reduce heat Stress Better CROSSTECH, GORE‐TEX, PARALLON, GORE and design are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Delaware, Gore employs more than 10,000 associates worldwide. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984.The company also appears regularly on similar lists around the world. Learn more at www.gore.com

Indianapolis, IN (April 20 2016) – INNOTEX®, one of the top five turnout gear design and manufacturing firms in North America at the Fire Department Instructors Conference International (FDIC) in Indianapolis, unveils today their latest NFPA 1971 turnout gear, INNOTEX ENERGYTM.

As designers race to keep up with high-performance turnout gear, INNOTEX ENERGYTM innovates on two pivotal features: enhanced mobility and evaporative cooling. The gear’s technology increases firefighter’s comfort by reducing heat stress and enabling an increased ability to move. With INNOTEX ENERGYTM, INNOTEX® seeks to balance ergonomics, durability and design appeal.
During the development of INNOTEX ENERGYTM, protection without compromise, unprecedented comfort, increased durability and added usefulness were the four key guiding design principles for the firm.

An INNOTEX® advisory group of firefighters, distributors and industry experts was formed. Together, they came up with a list of 75 recommendations rated by importance for the firefighter.

From the synthesis of these recommendations, INNOTEX ENERGYTM was born incorporating a long list of new improvements, including the following innovative features each with pending patents:

• AirflowTM – a three-dimensional padding system with air channels that manage perspiration while eliminating the sealed-envelope effect area when wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

• Pockets – complete with a utility hook, glove pouch and glove strap with an integrated safety release system.

• Dual metabolic zones – optimized outer shell and thermal barrier properties that increase total heat loss (THL) in high-perspiration zones.

• DuraHemTM – a rounded hem edge made of polymer coated aramid designed to increase durability.

INNOTEX® General Manager, Claude Barbeau, explains:
“We are particularly proud of the integrated Airflow technology that was inspired by technical features found in hiking backpacks. Each improvement from our new line was tested in professional training centres and by several fire departments nationwide. We are confident that INNOTEX ENERGYTM is advancing the level of sophistication of turnout gear while maintaining that rugged powerful look that firefighters seek.”

INNOTEX ENERGYTM turnout gear is available as of today. Visit innotexenergy.com for more details.

About INNOTEX®
INNOTEX® specializes in the design and manufacturing of turnout gear, providing for hundreds of municipalities, some of the largest North American and international fire departments, including the military. Innovation, quality and confidence are the firm’s cornerstones and protecting firefighters is their singular objective.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 21, 2016) - Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) delivers the performance, readiness and reliability that fire and emergency vehicle customers demand. Those three factors are what continue to make Cummins engines and Cummins Onan generator sets the leading power choices for first responders in North America. The ISL9 is the most popular engine in the fire service. This year, Cummins is showcasing the new 2017 L9 engine at FDIC International Booth 4501, along with a Cummins Onan 10 kW diesel generator for vehicle idle reduction.

2017 L9
With emergency vehicle tailored ratings from 270 hp to 450 hp and 720 lb-ft to 1250 lb-ft of torque, the 2017 L9 will continue to lead its class with the highest power-to-weight ratio. This design includes an integrated fire pump governor interface, and no derates for emissions-related faults. The L9 is built on a legacy of over 5 million C and L Series engines built and 27 years of continuous improvement, for total confidence. The new Single Module(TM) aftertreatment package offers further reliability improvement and weight savings for the 2017 L9. With further enhancements in reliability on an already proven heavy duty design, the L9 will continue to be an engine that firefighters and rescue crews can depend on.

2017 Single Module Aftertreatment
The new Single Module aftertreatment system is up to 30 percent lighter and up to 70 percent smaller than current aftertreatment solutions. The Single Module is a customer-voice-driven design that combines the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems into a single canister. Simple and optimized Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) dosing with the UL2 Urea Dosing System eliminates the need for engine coolant lines to and from the DEF injector, reducing installation complexity and allowing for easier serviceability. The injector's proprietary atomization nozzle minimizes the risk of deposit formation, and offers a freeze-robust design and improved reliability. Furthermore, a range of systems ideally sized for each engine rating ensures the most efficient operation, for improved thermal management across a diverse range of duty cycles.

Cummins Onan 10 kW Generator For Vehicle Idle Reduction
The 10 kW standard diesel generator for idle reduction technology was developed specifically for the emergency vehicle market. This liquid-cooled diesel generator features a 200-amp DC power system with an optional air conditioning compressor. The 10 kW generator eliminates the need to run the chassis engine, resulting in fuel savings, lower emissions and extended aftertreatment regeneration intervals. This unit offers exceptional value, with features to match.

Unmatched Support
In addition to the traditional service network, Cummins provides a number of ways for you to stay directly connected to your engine. The Cummins Fault Advisor is a free app available for Android(TM) devices. This free app is downloadable for Android devices from Google Play,(TM) and the readily available ELM327 OBD2 Bluetooth(R) and SAE J1939-to-OBD2 adapters are available through many online sources. Cummins Connected Diagnostics(TM) is an innovative way to remotely monitor engine fault codes. A diagnosis of the fault, and clear recommendations regarding continued vehicle operation or the need for immediate service, are sent instantly to you either via e-mail or the new mobile app. QuickServe(R) Mobile is just one more way to stay connected. Available for Android and Apple(R) iPhone, this free app provides instant access to parts and service information, including engin

Sheilah Sweatman (Photo courtesy of the Winnipeg Sun.)

By Derek Rosenfeld

Wednesday afternoon classes commenced with a somber but informative look at an unfortunate side effect of poor training decsions, as Terrace (British Columbia, Canada) Fire Department Deputy Chief David Jephson presented Death of a Member During a Training Exercise. Jephson's presentation focused on the case of Sheilah Sweatman, a Nelson (British Columbia, Canada) Search & Rescue volunteer who lost her life in the line of duty while training on June 29, 2011.

"This topic is very serious to me and the fire department. After being a witness on the stand at the Sweatman inquiry, I felt that I needed to start hammering the truth about what happened and try to lead the charge against trainers who think it is okay to hurt or end a life of a student, Jephson said. "I will talk about three instructor who have done this, and one week after each death went and instructed another class, like there was nothing wrong. One even went to the police and asked for his suit back for a course."

Jephson continued, "I believe that all trainers need to be held accountable, encouraged and respected for what they do, they are leaders in the fire service. For our fire departments, we have changed our whole approach to training, records, lessons, and ideas because of my experience at the inquiry. A day does not go by at the fire hall that we don't mention a judge, a jury, or the ramification of an injury or a death. We believe it has made us better."  

Here, Jephson begins by talking about the line of communications and logistics used for search and rescue by the province of British Columbia, Canada:

According to Jephson, "Training, leadership, accountability, leading by example, public perception, supporting the cause, and embracing what the fire service truly is" are incorporated into this topic.

Here, Jephson talks about the events of the day and the press coverage in the immediate aftermath of Sweatman's disappearance:

Here, Jephson talks about the time line of the incident and what he and other administrators did to create new search and rescue safety standards in the wake of Sweatman's death:

On FDIC International, Jephson said, "This will be my second [conference]. Last year was very quick, but I was able to see what has been created (I drank the koolaid). The wealth of knowledge and the desire to learn by all I think is the aspect that I felt."

"After being there last year for three days I new I could send a strong message to all trainers by using my Sweatman presentation."

Jephson conculded, "Be the best that you can be for the student that you lead and teach. You are the one setting the tone for their whole career. And stick to the program, follow your topic and training material by who ever it is from, do not deviate to make it o