WMD/Hazmat

Portable gas detector/alarm unit
The Detective, from Crowcon, is a free-standing, transportable gas detector and alarm unit that provides reliable protection wherever there are short-term hazards. It can be used individually or in groups to monitor up to four gases at once. If a dangerous gas level is detected, the unit warns with a wailing 101-decibel siren and flashing high-intensity LED beacon visible from any direction. Used as a stand-alone unit, the Detective can monitor small areas or protect lone workers. For wide-area coverage, several Detectives can be linked in minutes to create a perimeter around a site. Any units detecting a dangerous gas level flash their warning lights faster than the others in the network, allowing personnel in the area to identify the safest exit route.
For more: 800/5-CROWCON; 859/957-1039; www.crowcon.com.

Protective ensemble for multiple threats
Tactix MT94 is a multi-wear ensemble designed to provide protection against a variety of threats, including chemical/biological terrorism agents. Available from Lion RescueWear, it is certified to meet NFPA standards 1994 (Class 2) and 1992. Although the NFPA 1994 standard was established to address select chemical/biological terrorism agents, the MT94 has a wide range of uses, including technical rescue, hazmat, confined-space rescue, decon, high-risk entries (such as narcotics labs) and bombs (secondary threat protection). In addition to guarding against the challenges identified in NFPA 1994 and 1992, the MT94 also offers protection against flame and "weaponized" chemical and biological agents.
For more: www.lionapparel.com.

Fast bio-agent detection
The M1M Analyzer is a biological-agent detection system designed to help minimize the impact of natural disasters and biological warfare. Based on BioVeris' proprietary electrochemiluminescence technology, the M1M can rapidly identify harmful organisms and toxins, including botulinum neurotoxins, anthrax, ricin and staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B, among others. The system and its user-friendly BioVerify test kits can test an environmental or food sample and provide highly accurate results in 30 minutes or less. Using specification and configuration input from BioVeris' biodefense, life science and industrial customers, the M1M was custom-made to meet the needs of field, mobile and centralized research laboratories. It is a user-friendly, ruggedized system that can withstand extreme temperatures and be transported easily.
For more: www.bioveris.com.

New line of disposable backboards
FSI North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fire Safety International, Inc., recently launched a complete range of patent-pending FSI "Transporter" disposable, fluid-resistant adult and pediatric backboards. Transporter backboards are offered in a number of configurations (with/without straps, autocradles, c-collar, etc.). They come packaged in boxes of five and take up little space, since they store flat. When one is needed, the user simply pulls the zip tab on the back, and in less than 30 seconds, a fully configured backboard is in place and ready. There is no glue or tape to dry out and fail over time. The specially coated structural cardboard can be left out in the rain overnight.
For more: 440/949-2400; www.fsinorth.com.

PAPR amplifier/radio interface
Cleveland-based Ultra Electronics--Audiopack, a global leader in designing and manufacturing rugged voice and data communications equipment for harsh environments, has introduced a new version of its triple-featured amplifier and radio interface system dubbed the WMD TriCom. The product is designed for powered air-purifying respirator wearers in hospital (triage) and first responder environments. Users of the WMD TriCom can communicate to team members via their existing two-way radios, as well as face to face with this all-in-one system.
For more: 216/332-7040; www.audiopack.com.