PITTSBURGH, PA -- At fire scenes, maydays are declared nearly 80 percent of the time due to a lack of firefighter situational awareness, according to Project Mayday, a collective study of mayday incidents, responses and prevention. While mayday calls are just one of many challenges facing firefighters on the fireground, MSA Safety, Inc., (NYSE: MSA) showcased solutions that address these challenges at last week's Fire Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana. FDIC is one of the world's largest firefighter conferences and attracts more than 30,000 fire service professionals. This year, to address the connectivity, accountability, and communications challenges facing those firefighters and their colleagues, MSA featured the latest enhancements to its Connected Firefighter Platform.
The MSA Connected Firefighter Platform is an ecosystem of technology-based equipment and tools centered around the industry-leading MSA G1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The Platform includes the LUNAR® Connected Device, a handheld device that provides search and rescue capabilities for firefighters and serves as a personal thermal imaging camera, FireGrid software, HUB, and ALTAIR® portable gas detectors.
Specific to accountability and situational awareness, MSA featured FireGrid™ Map View, its latest enhancement to the Connected Firefighter Platform. Map View utilizes the LUNAR device's GPS capabilities to enable tracking of a firefighter's estimated location when outside of a structure. In use, Map View provides incident commanders with additional firefighter information from other devices on the Connected Firefighter Platform, including team assignment, G1 SCBA air pressure, and alarm status.
"We're using technology to drive change and enhance safety in the fire service industry," said Nish Vartanian, MSA Safety Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "By providing customers with connected solutions, we are solving unique and challenging customer needs and leading a transformation in the ways firefighters do their jobs."
Since LUNAR's release in 2019, MSA has continuously enhanced the capabilities of the device, Mr. Vartanian explained. At FDIC, MSA highlighted the latest LUNAR update – inclusion with FirstNet®, a nationwide public safety communications network. LUNAR is the first device of its kind to work with the FirstNet network, which helps to ensure critical data and information from first responders are transmitted during high-traffic situations when cellular network usage is constricted, such as during natural disaster or national emergencies. FirstNet was developed by the U.S. Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In addition to connected technologies, MSA highlighted a broad range of other fire product safety solutions, including the G1 SCBA, MSA Cairns® fire helmets, and MSA Globe fire protective clothing and boots. Attendees can also learn more about the ALTAIR io 4™ portable gas detection wearable and MSA+™, the company's comprehensive safety subscription offering. MSA+ is currently available for the LUNAR device and ALTAIR gas detectors.
"Thanks to the strength and diversity of our fire safety product portfolio, MSA is uniquely positioned to drive change in the fire service," Mr. Vartanian said. "Firefighting is a challenging profession, and we pride ourselves in providing the firefighters who put their trust in the MSA brand with innovative solutions and technologies that help keep them safe."
About MSA Safety
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products and software that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, software, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The Company's comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, industrial manufacturing applications, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, utilities, mining and the military. MSA's core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel, and fall protection devices. With 2022 revenues of $1.5 billion, MSA employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide. The Company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA's web site at www.MSAsafety.com.
