Rescue Intellitech marks 50th Solo Rescue machine installation in British Isles

Rescue Intellitech milestone installation at Jersey fire headquarters

Rescue Intellitech has installed its 50th Solo Rescue machine in the British Isles, with the latest unit installed at States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (SJFRS) headquarters in St Helier.

The machine was introduced to improve the speed, effectiveness and safety of PPE cleaning for SJFRS and to support post-incident decontamination.

Rescue Intellitech launched the Solo Rescue machine to fire services in Scandinavia in 2012.

The machine is designed to clean firefighter helmets, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), boots and gloves.

Today, the company’s machines are used by fire departments globally, with its product range also including specialist washing machines for firefighter clothing and drying cabinets for PPE.

Jersey decontamination room redesign and Solo Rescue installation

The new machine has been installed at SJFRS headquarters as part of a reconfiguration of its decontamination room, where PPE cleaning for the island’s 113 firefighters is carried out.

Station Commander Ben Elliott said: “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 installation was completed in a single day and included a demonstration and training for the team responsible for operating the machine.

A bespoke shadow board was also created to store ancillary products including brushes, gloves and detergent sprays.

Elliott added: “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.”

SJFRS has also ordered two drying cabinets, a DC20 and a DC8, which will be located in an adjacent drying room.

The cabinets are designed for PPE and dry interior and exterior surfaces simultaneously without mechanical action.

Area Sales Manager Nick Croad commented: “It’s been a pleasure to work with SJFRS on the installation of our 50th 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.”

Context from 2023 decontamination research cited in announcement

The announcement referenced research published by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in 2023, which highlighted the importance of swift and careful decontamination of PPE after fire-related incidents to protect the long-term health and wellbeing of firefighters.

This research has prompted many fire and rescue services to introduce additional procedures and measures to reduce toxic smoke exposure.

Rescue Intellitech has now supplied 50 Solo Rescue machines to fire and rescue services across the British Isles.