WMD Gear for the First Responder

New suits, masks, and breathing apparatus for first responders.

Melanie Basich 2012 Headshot

Avon-ISI

The stealth ISI Viking ST SCBA system was designed by law enforcers for tactical officers, SWAT teams, correctional officers, and bomb squads dealing with high-risk situations. The Viking ST SCBA has critical, timesaving features, like the AirSwitch, built-in hands-free two-way radio communications and amplifier, and the two-point, pull forward head harness. The system is made to be lightweight and easy to use. Its all-black design and stealth mode ensure that your position won't be compromised.

 

Blauer

Blauer Manufacturing Company's WZ9430 Major Incident Response Team (MIRT) suit is the law enforcement industry's first breathable ensemble to be certified to NFPA 1994 [2007 Edition], Class 3 Standard. Made with a breathable, lightweight GORE CHEMPAK Selectively Permeable Fabric, the WZ9430 MIRT suit minimizes heat stress while providing protection against specified toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The breathability of the Gore fabric allows the first responder to remain involved in a mission for longer periods of time without compromising protection.

The low-profile ensemble allows first responders to operate discreetly in civilian populations, while maintaining a ready posture for terrorist incidents. By donning the hidden hood, approved APR gas mask, and gloves, first responders can go from discreet to deployed in a matter of minutes.

 

Defense Technology

The NIOSH- approved Opti-Fit CBRN Gas Mask from Defense-Technology provides respiratory protection to first responders from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents in addition to toxic industrial chemicals. The anti-scratch, single piece polycarbonate lens provides the widest field of vision available. The Opti-Fit design ensures excellent fit and comfort with additional features of three-position canister mounting, five strap head harness and 40mm DIN threaded connectors. NIOSH approved with the Model 1745 CBRN Canister.

 

Draeger Safety

The SCBA-G is a modular combination SCBA/PAPR designed to provide long-duration breathing protection to emergency responders. Utilizing proven, tested technology, the SCBA-G is ideal for missions requiring long entry/egress or involving unknown elements that may require more or less protection. Without exposure to the environment, the user chooses the level of protection—compressed or filtered air. Featuring the Draeger AirBoss PSS100 SCBA and C420 PAPR technology, the SCBA-G's modular design provides the option of a standard, standalone SCBA or CBA (Combination Breathing Apparatus).

 

Lakeland Industries

Ideal for law enforcement, ChemMAX 3 chemical protective coveralls use the latest technology to produce a superior product. Durable and lightweight, ChemMAX 3 provides a barrier against a broad spectrum of toxic industrial chemicals, dual use chemicals, chemical warfare agents, and other harmful contaminants.

The multi-layer film is applied to a heavy polypropylene nonwoven for increased strength and durability.  The barrier film is significantly softer than other products on the market, resulting in a quiet, more comfortable garment.

ChemMAX 3 garments are available in eight models available with sealed seams for maximum protection from dangerous chemicals and contaminants.

 

MSA

MSA's Millennium CBRN gas mask is a version of the reliable military-style gas mask (MCU-2/P) used by the U.S. Air Force in Operation Desert Storm.

Features include a flexible, one-piece polyurethane lens with a wide field of vision; drinking tube; internal nose cup with two check valves; and a fully elastic, six-point head harness that promotes easy on/off and adjustment with no hair pulling. A standard mechanical speaking diaphragm is included, or MSA's optional ESP II communications system can be added. The mask's dual-canister mount allows weapon sighting from either shoulder, and a butyl-coated nylon hood is available for complete head protection.

 

Remploy

Remploy's Frontliner suit provides protection against a wide range of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) as well as weapons of mass destruction (WMD) contaminants. Its three-layer system provides incremental levels of protection.

The "Cooler" inner layer is a jersey-knit base layer made from dedicated SMART materials that helps dissipate excess body heat with minimal heat stress.

"Britannia," the intermediate layer is a hooded, full body cover garment made from a lamination of polyester and adsorptive carbon layers and bio-membrane filter. With chemical-proof rear zip access, it provides CBRN protection against vapor and particulate contaminants.

The "Peeler" outer layer is a one-piece coverall protecting the user from head to ankle. Made from high performance Nomex meta-aramid fibers and materials laminated with PTFE membrane, it offers flame retardant and liquid splash-vapor/bio protection.

 

Safety Tech

The Safety Tech International M95 Gas Mask is designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear even over long periods. Its low breathing resistance facilitates extended wear without adversely affecting user performance. A small silicone inner-orinasal mask provides a comfortable fit against the skin and reduces dead space to a minimum. It's fast donning for immediate protection. The polyester/Lycra head-harness is resistant to chemicals and aging.

The facepiece has filter connections on both sides for left or right-handed operation. Close-fitting design is compatible with tactical equipment used in field operations such as optical, communication equipment, shoulder-fired weapons, protective clothing, and helmets. Halo-butyl rubber used for the M95 Gas Mask is specially engineered to enhance resistance to known NBC or CBRN agents.

 

Scott Health and Safety

The Scott AV-2000 CBRN air-purifying respirator is NIOSH approved for use against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear contaminants in non-IDLH applications such as decontamination or triage. When used with the Scott CBRN 40mm adapter and CBRN Cap-1 canister, the current Scott AV-2000 facepiece (with Kevlar head harness and grey nosecup) becomes a CBRN air-purifying respirator, with no upgrades or repeated fit tests required.

Scott's Top Down Convertibility design allows the AV-2000 with CBRN approval to be used universally in first responder CBRN applications, giving the responder the ability to quickly transition from air-purifying applications to one requiring the iDLH respiratory protection of an SCBA.

 

Survivair

The rugged and durable CBRN-approved Survivair Panther SCBA provides dependable protection without sacrificing comfort. It now features a reliable, wired Heads-Up Display (HUD) and Rapid Intervention Crew/Company Universal Air Connection (RIC UAC). With Survivair's wide range of accessories and options, you can customize your Panther SCBA by choosing those features that meet your individual needs and preferences.

The Survivair Panther is backed by a 12-year warranty, with a 15-year warranty on the cylinder and a lifetime warranty on the first stage regulator.

 

Tex-Shield

The Hammer Suit is a Saratoga chemical and biological warfare agent protective suit specifically designed for first responders. It is produced in the same battle-tested, two-piece configuration as the JSLIST Suit used by the Department of Defense, but in navy blue and with hook-and-loop fastener tape on the chest and sleeve shoulders for the placement of department identification patches. It is also available as a one-piece coverall.

The Hammer Suit meets or exceeds the level of protection against chemical warfare agents specified in U.S. MIL-C-29462. Tex-Shield is the exclusive U.S. licensee of the Saratoga chemical protective technology, which is based on a proprietary activated carbon sphere technology.

 

Wilcox Industries

Wilcox Industries' Patriot Hybrid Life Support System provides up to eight hours of operating time in contaminated chemical and biological environments with a hybrid system that utilizes a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and a Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), Air Purified Respirator (APR) and Surface Air Respirator (SAR). It has been tested and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense to operate in contaminated, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments.

The Patriot is manufactured from chemically hardened polycarbonate materials and aerospace-grade aluminum and features extension rings that allow for the use of any type of filter. To accommodate left- and right-shouldered shooters, the breathing bag/hose can be mounted on either the right or left side. The Patriot mounts securely to a Universal Load Bearing Backpack System and features as an additional accessory a quick detach system.

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Melanie Basich 2012 Headshot
Managing Editor
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