Dräger supports Tyne and Wear with state-of-the-art breathing apparatus upgrade

January 10, 2025

Dräger is providing Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) with 220 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) PSS Airboss® sets supported by Dräger’s FireGround accountability system to protect firefighters from the inhalation of dangerous gases during live incidents and training events.

The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process, involving extensive market research, and supplier demonstrations. The SCBA sets form an essential part of TWFRS’ incident response armoury and replace existing breathing apparatus systems that have come to end of their operational life.

This new equipment represents a major step forward in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of TWFRS firefighters. The new system will provide the advanced functionality and ergonomics the Service needs to meet the challenges of modern firefighting while also supporting a diverse workforce.

Dräger’s PSS® AirBoss Connect SCBA was selected because of its advanced functionality, light weight, and future proofed, ergonomic design. Through shifting the centre of gravity between the user and the set, the weight of the PSS® AirBoss is carried by the legs and pelvis, rather than the shoulders and back. This reduces the risk of strain-related injuries and fatigue when wearing the set operationally, as well as extending the time a firefighter can spend in the field because of reduced physical exertion.

PSS® AirBoss is also adjustable to suit the physiological differences of men, women of varied age groups. This is paramount to being safe in operation and more comfortable to wear, as well as meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse workforce.

Dräger’s FireGround Accountability system provides emergency teams with the ability to monitor, communicate and report incidents involving active users of SCBA. It provides a real-time view of all firefighters deployed at an incident, linking firefighters to its system, and relaying vital information back to the Entry Control Board. Information is also sent to FireGround’s web portal, where the user-friendly interface can be used for both live remote monitoring and post incident analysis.

Councillor Phil Tye, Chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, says: “By modernising the Fire Service’s SCBA equipment, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing a first-class emergency response, in turn, protecting our communities, and safeguarding the welfare of our firefighters. This investment provides a range of important aspects including prioritising equality, safety, and operational effectiveness, alongside empowering all staff to perform safely and confidently.

“The purchase of state-of-the-art breathing apparatus sets is another example of TWFRS and the Fire Authority’s dedication to reinforce firefighter safety, operational excellence, and delivering value for money for our communities.”

Peter Heath, Chief Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, says: “We are proud to be continually investing in our workforce and in particular within the area of firefighter safety. The new breathing apparatus sets will ensure inclusivity for all our crews, and the investment reflects our strategic goals of effectiveness, efficiency, and people. The equipment is paramount for life-saving rescues when firefighters need to enter fires or other hazardous environments. As a former firefighter myself it is encouraging to see continual development and improvement of breathing apparatus sets.

“Dräger is one of the leaders in its field and can deliver significant benefits to our firefighters including weight reduction that helps to ease firefighter fatigue, enhances flexibility, and supports a diverse range of body types. This will ensure that all our operational personnel can perform effectively during high-pressure incidents.”

Matthew Bedford, Managing Director UK & Ireland Commercial at Draeger Safety UK, said: “Dräger is delighted to be working alongside the operational teams at TWFRS. It means firefighters in Tyne and Wear will benefit from the latest technology alongside the proven track record of Dräger’s world-leading breathing protection equipment.”

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