Rescue Intellitech has marked a major milestone with the installation of its 50th Solo Rescue machine in the British Isles, following a new installation at States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (SJFRS). The specialist machine has been introduced to improve the speed, effectiveness and safety of PPE cleaning for SJFRS, supporting best practice in post-incident decontamination.
Based in Sweden, Rescue Intellitech first launched its specialist Solo Rescue machines to fire services in Scandinavia in 2012, offering a means of cleaning firefighter helmets, SCBA, boots, and gloves swiftly and effectively. Today, its machines are used by fire departments across the globe, complemented by the introduction of specialist washing machines for firefighter clothing, as well as drying
cabinets for all PPE.
Research published by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in 2023 highlighted the importance of swift and careful decontamination of PPE following fire-related incidents to protect the long-term health and well-being of firefighters, prompting many FRSs to introduce additional procedures and measures to guard against toxic smoke exposure. Rescue Intellitech has now supplied 50 Solo Rescue machines to FRSs across the British Isles.
SJFRS’s new machine has been installed at its headquarters in St Helier as part of a reconfiguration of its decontamination room, where all PPE cleaning for the island’s 113 firefighters is undertaken. According to Station Commander Ben Elliott, the cleaning area is being redesigned in line with best practice recommendations. He comments:
“Previously, our SCBA and other PPE items were carefully cleaned by hand. We recognised that by investing in the Solo Rescue machine, the process would be quicker and more efficient, as well as safer for our staff. Crucially, the mechanical cleaning of PPE helps to reduce exposure and contact time. In particular, SCBA sets are complex and tricky to clean manually, but come out visibly cleaner with the Solo Rescue.”
The Solo Rescue machine was installed in a day, along with a demonstration and full training for the core team responsible for operating it. On request, Rescue Intellitech also created a bespoke shadow board for SJFRS to house ancillary products, such as brushes, gloves and detergent sprays. SC Elliott continues:
“We have been really impressed with the customer service provided by Rescue Intellitech, from initial discussions to installation, to ongoing support. Our location means we can’t rely on external managed services to clean and return our kit swiftly, so we have to handle all our own cleaning on site. The Solo Rescue machine has helped make these cleaning processes safer and more efficient, and feedback from the staff has been very positive.”
To complete the fit-out of the newly configured decontamination area, SJFRS has also ordered two drying cabinets, a large DC20 and a smaller DC8, which will be located in the adjacent drying room. The cabinets are suitable for all PPE, gently drying interior and exterior surfaces simultaneously without mechanical action, so that the kit is not damaged and is quickly ready to use.
Rescue Intellitech’s Area Sales Manager, Nick Croad, comments:
“It’s been a pleasure to work with SJFRS on the installation of our 50 th Solo Rescue machine in the British Isles. The team here has recognised the importance of mitigating the health risks associated with toxic smoke particles and has established a robust set of procedures to help keep its crews safe. We’re proud to have played a part in this process, and to be continuing our support with the provision of specialist drying cabinets.”
To find out more about Rescue Intellitech’s complete range of PPE decontamination solutions, visit: www.rescueintellitech.com
