Dräger launches compact thermal imaging camera

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, has launched the UCF FireVista, a thermal imaging camera (TIC) that can be activated one-handed with just one button, providing split-second access to critical visual support within a firefighting incident.

TICs provide vital insight when visibility is significantly reduced due to fire, smoke or darkness, thereby supporting firefighters whilst attending the most challenging environments. They deliver vital intelligence in locating casualties and helping locate the seat of a fire, so that it can be rapidly extinguished.

With the ability to detect even the smallest change in temperature, and providing a clear contrast between walls, doors and stairs, the UCF FireVista proves especially useful in detecting hotspots when a fire is behind cladding or in a building’s void. It therefore limits invasive physical damage as emergency teams have less need to strip out the fabric of a building to reach the fire.  

The UFC FireVista is compact, robust and features an ergonomic design and almost indestructible outer shell. It can withstand mechanical stresses and its IP67 protection class guarantees that is water and dust resistant. A fast frame rate and ultra-high image picture quality deliver a quick overview of an incident even under the most difficult operating conditions.

Weighing only 870g, the UFC FireVista is one of the lightest thermal imaging cameras currently on the market. This helps increase the mobility and reduce the physical strain placed on the firefighter.

The camera has an operating time of approximately five hours, due to its powerful rechargeable battery, which gives enough leeway for longer deployments. The camera is virtually maintenance-free, and the integrated battery has a lifetime of approx. 4000 charging cycles.

The compact and intuitive camera is easy to use and operate, with just one on/off switch, which means it can deliver vital information in seconds. 

Liz Millward, Marketing Manager Emergency and Rescue Services at Draeger Safety UK, says the UFC FireVista is an excellent addition to the range: “Dräger’s thermal imaging cameras are designed to supply firefighters with vital information during any incident where visibility is impaired, whether as a result of smoke or an underground or collapsed environment. The UFC FireVista is an important tool when speed, straightforward functionality and high-quality imaging are required,” she says. 

“Ultimately, it supports firefighters’ ability to save the lives of others and to protect their own safety.”

Venari Group partners with Avon Protection for thermal imaging camera distribution

Avon Protection, has announced Venari Group as its new distributor of thermal imaging cameras (TICs) for the UK fire market.

The agreement will see Venari commence distributorship of Avon’s ‘argus’ range of TICs with immediate effect. The British-manufactured argus technology has been the market leader within the UK fire and rescue industry for three decades, having continually invested in R&D and product innovation. Its evolved ‘Mi-TIC’ unit is the world’s smallest NFPA 1801-certified thermal imager for firefighting applications.

After launching into the fire market in early 2020 we have made significant strides forward, having acquired the UK’s biggest and most established ambulance manufacturer, O&H Vehicle Technology. We have also been announced as the UK manufacturer of Ziegler Group’s technologically advanced range of firefighting vehicles – providing world-class fire truck technology whilst wholly manufacturing in Britain.

Now, with the latest evolution in the Mi-TIC’s legacy, Venari will be tasked with spearheading customer care, sales and marketing for the UK fire and ambulance services, from its state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq. ft. emergency vehicle manufacturing facility.

Avon Protection European Sales Director, Mark Ridsdale commented: “I’ve worked with Oliver and many of the Venari team in the past and very much look forward to working with them again. Their passion for the Mi-TIC thermal imager completely mirrors that of our own which is an extremely exciting prospect for the UK fire and rescue services.

“With our latest development of Mi-TIC, incorporating the IGNIS engine, it means our thermal imaging camera can provide absolute clarity to firefighters in the most demanding situations. For our TIC be supplied and backed up by Venari’s incredibly efficient team will provide an excellent platform for our market share to solidify its position as the UK market leader.”

Venari Group CEO, Oliver North, added: “Avon Protection’s world-class range of TICs has long been at the forefront of UK firefighting strategy. Alignment of Avon and Venari completely champions the importance and significance of strengthening UK manufactured products.

“Avon Protection is genuinely one of the most exciting companies I’ve had the privilege of working with in my career to-date, and continuation of our previously very dynamic partnership is one which I’m excited to re-ignite.

“I’ve previously had seven years of experience with the Mi-TIC, and I’m thrilled to represent it to its fullest potential in both the UK fire and rescue market as well as the ambulance market with hazardous area response teams (HART) teams. Many of the wider team at Venari are also hugely experienced with the incredible Mi-TIC and wholeheartedly share my passion for the range.”

venari-group.com