Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, has launched the Dräger BG ProAir, a closed-circuit breathing apparatus with innovative features to protect firefighters attending long-duration deployments such as those in tall buildings, complex structures, basements and tunnels.
The BG ProAir’s positive pressure breathing closed circuit prevents toxic substances from entering the breathing system. Both inhalation and exhalation are optimised by cooling and enriching the air with oxygen before inhaling, and CO2 being absorbed when exhaling. An even distribution of the breathing apparatus’ weight enhances comfort and ergonomics, especially important during extended missions.
Oxygen is supplied according to the wearer’s personal workload, allowing more than 4 hours duration at low breathing rates, and the new cooling concept also makes breathing easier and more natural. This allows the firefighter to manage the incident at a lower work rate.
It is further enhanced by smart onboard electronics, which include a low-pressure sensor. The integrated low pressure sensor warns when there is a lack of oxygen to ensure safe breathing. The sensor also provides a low pressure leak test of the breathing system.
The BG ProAir’s housing features highly visible reflectors and a buddy light system that alerts other firefighters to their team members’ vital information, such as cylinder pressure, and operating time.
With a high contrast, full-colour display, user data is plainly visible even in the most difficult environments such as darkness, bright sunlight or smoke. An integrated Bluetooth® module provides a short range connection to work with external devices such as gas detectors as well as a PC connection to download data and perform configuration.
The BG ProAir’s integrated data telemetry and RFID assists the user in multiple scenarios such as entry control management and absorber status tracking. In addition to time calculations such as time to whistle, Dräger have also integrated recognised features like PASS, ADSU and temperature readings.
With a fully sealed housing, the BG ProAir has been approved to the highest standards for heat, flame, and chemical resistance. For additional safety, it also comes with an optional buddy system, which enables the user to safely share oxygen with those in need during rescue situations.
The new apparatus is easy to assemble, disassemble and clean – vital for Fire Services that are now further prioritising thorough and consistent cleaning processes to deal with contaminants.
Liz Millward, Marketing Manager at Dräger Safety UK, says the BG ProAir is the culmination of proven manufacturing and design experience: “Dräger’s BG ProAir is evidence of our commitment to continual improvement. It delivers new functionality that has the potential to save lives and will improve wearer comfort, especially important when attending the most challenging, longer-duration incidents.’’
