LIFT Helps Deliver Lifesaving Technology to Firefighters

Michigan fire department becomes first-ever to deploy innovative firehoses helping first responders save lives and fight fires more efficiently

DETROIT – LIFT – Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow, a Manufacturing USA institute, announced today it successfully aided Lifeline Firehose with the production of a state-of-the-art technology that makes it possible for a firehose to deliver both breathable air and water/foam simultaneously. The technology is being launched initially on a Grand Ledge Area Fire Department truck in Grand Ledge, Michigan, allowing firefighters to battle fires longer, as well as get critically needed air to downed personnel and victims.

The groundbreaking technology uses a patented coupler system, which LIFT engineers helped prototype, to deliver both air and fire suppressants to the end of the nozzle utilizing equipment firefighters are already trained on. The innovative coupler design allows for the simultaneous flow of air and water/foam through a double-jacketed fire hose system. The coupler technology is a positive disruptor in this industry and allows the air and water/foam to be sealed separately, which eliminates the chance of cross contamination.

“Since we conceived of this product, we knew it would play a critical role in helping first responders save lives,” said Pat Reedy, chief engineer, Lifeline Firehose. “But we could not have gotten to where we are today without the work of the team at LIFT. Their input and engineering expertise combined with the machinery at their Detroit facility were key to making these hoses a reality.”

“It has been quite rewarding to help Lifeline Firehose bring this vitally important technology to the firefighting community – to help those dedicated men and women do their job more safely and efficiently”, said Nigel Francis, chief executive officer and executive director LIFT. “Our engineers were able to not only successfully prototype a design that worked, but also keep critical weight down through the use of lightweight materials and embodying lightweight design principles.”

The Lifeline Firehose system includes an air cart, which can be portable or permanently installed on a fire engine. The Grand Ledge Fire Department is the first to integrate the system directly into a fire engine.