On 10 July, Rosenbauer UK hosted our, now annual, ‘Tech Day’ event at our Holmfirth premises, with the 2024 edition being a resounding success. With the highest number of attendees to date and participation from 11 other partner companies, the day was a remarkable showcase of innovation, collaboration and the future of firefighting technology.
The Great British summer proved ever reliable, and despite being overcast early in the morning, attendees were not deterred, with the day opening with a greeting and networking session. Attendees were able to catch up with their peers from across the country, meet the whole team at Rosenbauer UK and get to speak to exhibitors before the proceedings started.
Our series of demonstrations opened with Prosol’s Firecloak EV Blanket, a ground-breaking product, available for purchase through Rosenbauer UK. This innovative blanket is designed to rapidly suppress electric-vehicle fires, providing an essential tool for the modern firefighting arsenal. A smoke grenade was used under a standard scrap petrol car to simulate and represent the smoke given off from an EV undergoing possible thermal runaway. The simulated demonstration showcased its efficiency in suppressing smoke and vapour clouds and ease of use in handling, leaving attendees impressed with its potential to enhance and increase decision-making time in emergency situations.
Next on the agenda was a technical overview and practical cutting demonstration of our own RFC Cuttex abrasive cutting and extinguishing system. This state-of-the-art tool utilizes Ultra High Pressure (UHPS) technology and an aggregate delivery system to cut through obstacles and extinguish fires with unparalleled precision. Our scrap practice car had its doors penetrated so that attendees witnessed first-hand how the RFC Cuttex system can cut through metal barriers and deliver a deep and powerful extinguishing stream, revolutionizing firefighting tactics with its innovative design and functionality, helping to remove firefighters from contaminant danger, when viable.
Following this, Weber Rescue’s wide range of extrication tools took centre stage. Known for their reliability and performance, these tools are critical for rapid and safe extrication in emergency scenarios. The practical demonstration highlighted their versatility and strength, reaffirming their status as indispensable assets in rescue operations.
Attendees were then introduced to the Respiroclenz method for cleaning Rosenbauer HEROS Titan Helmets, presented by Breathe Safety. Rosenbauer UK and Breathe Safety have been working together to demonstrate a repeatable and standardised cleaning method for the helmets to advance best practices in helmet decontamination. This innovative cleaning method ensures helmets are thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated, whilst maintaining their integrity and EN safety standards. The practical demonstration underscored the importance of proper maintenance and hygiene, offering a practical solution for prolonging the lifespan of essential firefighting gear. Important though for Fire Services, we have independently and scientifically verified that through their method, 100% of contaminants are removed from the helmet, based on 0.5ng / LOD.
The demonstrations of pioneering technology continued with a technical review and capability overview of the RTE Robot. This advanced, modular, robotic system showcased its impressive agility and functionality. The RM35 Turret payload module demonstrated its impressive throw range, and versatility of spray patterns. Attendees were intrigued by its potential applications, and were introduced to a forward-thinking solution and a future where robotics play an integral and supportive role in firefighting operations.
Our domestic fire trucks, the AT and ET models, were the focus of the next segment. Participants had the opportunity to engage in a detailed walk-around of our AT vehicles. Examples were shown of freshly delivered vehicles from our factory, and the excellent work our production team do in preparing the vehicles, fully stowed, for customers. Mark Campbell, our Vehicle Sales Manager, gave a talk-through of the ET vehicles we current offer to the industry, exploring their respective features and capabilities. Mark took the time to highlight Rosenbauer’s design and engineering philosophies and how they relate to the B-Type requirements of UK fire services, offering an enhanced solution to current norms. The ET range, known across Europe for its flexibility and affordability, and the AT range, recognized in the UK for its premium features, both garnered significant interest, showcasing a multi-tiered domestic portfolio of vehicles. Focus was on the extra stowage capacity that we are able to utilise, as well as fire-crew comfort features, with attendees gaining an appreciation of the design approach and engineering excellence that Rosenbauer brings to every vehicle.
Rounding off the day was a talk by our Brand Ambassador, Helena Brown. Helena, a current serving firefighter with Greater Manchester Fire Service, shared her inspiring fitness journey and her experiences competing in the British Firefighter Challenge. Her story was captivating, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and resilience in the demanding profession of firefighting. Helena’s passion and dedication left a lasting impression and will hopefully help motivate others to push for professional and personal excellence.
In addition to the dedicated presentations and talks throughout the day, attendees had the chance to explore Rosenbauer’s Panther ARFF vehicle, fitted with HRET and piercing tool, and aerial appliances. Other products and services from 11 other partner companies, added additional value to the event for attendees, showcasing a wide array of cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to enhance firefighting effectiveness and safety.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended Tech Day ’24. Your participation and enthusiasm made the event truly special.
For those who were unable to join us, we are pleased to announce a second opportunity to experience these innovations. We will be hosting another Tech Day event close to Bournemouth this October, ensuring those that missed out have the chance to view some of the future innovations of firefighting technology.
Follow our social media channels for further details, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next event. Through collaborative events such as these, we at Rosenbauer hope to continue to advance the frontiers of firefighting, ensuring safer and more effective operations for fire services across the UK.
About the Author
Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith joined Rosenbauer UK as Business Development Manager for Fire & Rescue Equipment, before being appointed Sales Director at the start of 2024. Prior to joining Rosenbauer he worked in a number of fields including aerial platform rentals and specialist pump sales. In his capacity at Rosenbauer UK he is responsible for Fire & Rescue equipment, thermal-imaging cameras and built-in components and stowage solutions.
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