Holmatro expands into ventilation technology with its first battery-powered PPV, combining airflow precision, operational usability and integrated battery systems to support modern firefighting tactics and safety.
Please introduce yourself and give us an insight into your role at Holmatro.
My name is Bas Coremans, and I have been working at Holmatro since 2008. I started my career in the R&D department as a Product Development Engineer, where I was closely involved in the design and development of hydraulic rescue tools. Working alongside other engineers, rescue consultants and experienced end users gave me a strong technical foundation and a deep understanding of how equipment is used in real rescue scenarios.
In 2018, I made the transition to product management. In my current role, I act as the link between end users, engineering and sales. My focus is on translating operational needs into reliable, innovative solutions that help rescue teams work more safely, efficiently and effectively in the field.
Holmatro recently unveiled its first Positive Pressure Ventilator (PPV). Please explain how this technology works.
PPV is a tactic used by firefighters. By creating controlled overpressure, the fan pushes clean air into safe zones and forces contaminated air out, improving visibility and safety for both firefighters and civilians.
In practice, effective PPV depends on the relationship between two factors: airflow and air pressure. Airflow refers to the volume of air moved, while air pressure determines how effectively that air can be driven into and through a structure, particularly when resistance is present. Both are necessary, but their relative importance changes depending on the ventilation scenario.
Effective ventilation depends on the right balance between high airflow and high pressure:
- Large air volumes rapidly clear smoke, heat and toxic gases.
- Powerful overpressure drives clean air deep into structures, protects escape routes, and maintains safe zones.
The result is faster ventilation and safer working conditions during smoke and gas removal, PPV defense and PPV attack.
The airstream performance is defined by both airflow and air pressure. It is important to have both a high-flow and high-pressure airstream to be ready for any ventilation challenge.
Why are airflow and air pressure both important in PPV applications?
It is quite easy to develop a ventilator which just moves a lot of air, it is significantly more complex to develop a ventilator with an airstream that is completely optimised for all ventilation tactics used by firefighters.
You do not just want a high airflow, but you also need high air pressure and need to concentrate all of your airstream where it is needed the most. Usually the door of a building.
When removing smoke and toxic gases from smaller structures with little resistance, you mainly need a high airflow and only a modest pressure is needed.
For defensive ventilation, when for example you want to over pressurise a stairwell to prevent smoke from entering, you mainly need high air pressure and only a modest airflow.
But when you want to do a Positive Pressure Attack or ventilate buildings with a complex layout, you need both high airflow and high air pressure, as the PPV must overcome resistance while maintaining effective smoke movement.
This is why it’s so crucial that Holmatro PPV delivers both.
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