Survitec unveils new fast rescue boat for emergency first responders

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Global Survival Technology leader, Survitec, has introduced a new lightweight design inflatable rescue boat capable of rapid single-point inflation to meet the unique demands of waterborne search and rescue operations by the emergency services.

The Survitec 420 GP/GPM FR (Fast Rescue) boat, which was unveiled at the Emergency Services Show, is based on military-grade technology. The seven-person boat is unique in that it is the emergency services sector’s first 4.2m long fast rescue craft that can be rapidly inflated using just one nine-litre self-contained carbon air cylinder. The GPM 420 is light weight and is easily deployed, handled and operated to the criteria of DEFRA. The new 420 GP/GPM FR takes just 40 seconds to inflate.

Scott Tonks, Maritime Defence Category Manager, Survitec, said: “We have redesigned the manifolds to ensure the optimal amount of air is going to each compartment of the boat to minimise the amount of air expelled though pressure relieve valves.”

“Smaller, fewer cylinders are needed for a more rapid inflation, which significantly increases the speed of deployment, resulting in faster emergency response times, potentially saving more lives.”

Designed for rescues in fast flowing waters and areas prone to flash flooding, the 420 GP/GPM FR boat is 4200m long and 1800m wide has a maximum payload of 903kg. The boat is manufactured from a durable Hypalon 1670dtex fabric, and benchmarked against SOLAS and DEFRA rescue boat standards.

Tonks added: “Before now fire brigades had to tow trailers and launch boats from slipways potentially some distance away from the location of the emergency, which obviously places limitations on water rescue capability.

“With this solution, responders can access the immediate emergency area, get the boat in the water safely and quickly, and get on with the job of saving lives. We’ve been working with several fire brigades during testing stages who are very interested in this product.”

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