By Bill Adkins
Have you ever arrived on the scene of an emergency incident and realized that you forgot to release the restraint strap across your SCBA? The frustration of needing to doff the SCBA, releasing the strap to the restraint system and don the SCBA again tends to make us play catch up. This also does not look good to the eyes of the public when they see other firefighters exit the fire apparatus and you are seen taking your SCBA off instead of exiting yourself. SmartDock by IMMI is committed to preventing firefighters from wasting time with our gear when seconds count.
The SmartDock restraint system provides single motion insertion and extraction of almost all SCBAs, holds the cylinder securely in place while the apparatus is in transit, and releases using no straps or levers. In the event of a crash, the SmartDock system will lock up (like a seatbelt) and prevent the SCBA from becoming a projectile in the cab of the apparatus. SmartDock has been crash tested at the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation (CAPE) to exceed the NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus. The SmartDock restraint system, however, does not take the place of the apparatus seatbelts. When the apparatus is in motion firefighters should still wear seatbelts.
SmartDock comes with easy to install base plates to fit all major SCBA manufacturer’s used in the U.S. today. Smart Dock adjusts to accommodate 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute cylinders from various models. Equipped with an easy-to-use adjustment screw on top of each unit, it allows your department to change SCBA sizes and/or manufacturer’s without having to buy another restraint system.
Firefighters who have used the system for a while recommend marking the height adjustment on the SmartDock. A firefighter that does not understand the system can easily see the marked SmartDock and have the ability to readjust if needed. It is important when installed, that the adjustment is correct and maintained. If the system is out of adjustment, the SmartDock may not release when needed.
To release the SmartDock restraint system the firefighter takes off the seatbelt and simply leans forward at the waist and the upper claw comes out and up. Be careful not to lean forward too fast, as the locking mechanism may lock into place preventing the SmartDock to release. When training on the SmartDock with multiple firefighters, I have found that firmly holding the shoulder straps while leaning forward helps aid in the release. This is needed when firefighters keep their shoulder straps loose.
When buying a new apparatus look at all the different styles to determine what SCBA restraint system best suits your department. The unique feature of the SmartDock hands-free SCBA holder is that it eliminates the need to perform any extra latching, buckling or strapping action when placing the bottle in the bracket, or for removal.
