Each April, my in-box starts to fill up with emails from apparatus manufacturers and equipment companies introducing new products or, in some cases, spreading intrigue about upcoming announcements. It can only mean one thing: FDIC.

FDIC boasts the biggest exhibit floor of any U.S. fire conference, so big that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Of course it’s nice just to browse sometimes, but the pre-FDIC announcements that companies send out can give you some direction on what to see.

I’ve been gathering some of those announcements and here’s just a taste of what you can expect to see on the floor. If you’ve heard about a major product or apparatus release at FDIC that’s not listed here, please let me know!

PPE
FDIC is a great place to try out new PPE, from SCBA to hazmat suits. Here’s a few highlights I’ve heard about:

· More gear companies these days are focusing on gear that’s safe and stylish, and Nine 1 One is no different. They’ll be showing a new line of gear that includes high-tech jackets, vests, liners and antimicrobial t-shirts. These garments have more of a “snowboarder” style to them, but still offer the safety and performance of traditional first-response apparel.

· Lion Apparel recently announced that it has teamed up with the Shoe Technology Company to bring Lion Technical Footwear to the U.S. fire service, and Lion is using FDIC as its launching point for a new line of leather structural firefighting boots. Two models will be offered—the pull-on Marshall and the zip-lace Commander. The leather-vs.-rubber battle continues, but with this release, Lion has just added reinforcements to the leather side.

· Sometimes it seems like technology is taking over the fire service, but there are times when a low-tech solution is just as good. GlowZone makes glow-in-the-dark striping, handles, sleeves and hose couplings that are placed on your equipment and PPE to make them visible in smoke and darkness. No batteries, no fancy systems, just a simple solution to prevent you from losing sight of your crew or your equipment.

· Following FDIC last year, I wrote about how hazmat PPE was starting to become more comfortable. One of the products premiering at that time was Saint-Gobain’s ONESuit line of protective single-skin hazmat suits. It’s worth a second look. The single-skin design of ONESuit products allows for maneuverability and user comfort—last year, I tried on the gloves and was able to write with a pen while wearing them.

· While you’re walking around the exhibit floor, be sure to take a few steps in Fire-Dex’s new leather boots. They’re calling it the “Fire-Dex Challenge” and for everyone who participates, they’ll donate $25 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. In addition, participants will be entered to win a 2010 Ford F-150 SXT 4x4.

Apparatus & Accessories
Although I kind of miss the Dome, there is something very impressive about the sight of the Lucas Oil Stadium filled with apparatus. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, or if you just love fire trucks, there’s no better place than FDIC. Many apparatus manufacturers bring their best to this show. Here’s just a couple early releases:

· Even the fire service is starting to go green, and HME is the first to introduce a response vehicle powered by a compressed natural gas (CNG) engine—something that’s especially intriguing in light of the new diesel engine requirements. The rig is covered with a unique multi-colored “green” graphics package and features an auxiliary power unit that eliminates the need to have the large propulsion engine running when the unit is idling. In addition, HME will exhibit Transportation Safety Technologies Eagle Eye collision avoidance system, which monitors side and rear blind areas for vehicles or objects.

· Transportation Safety Technologies is also expected to unveil its Touch Screen 850 control system on a Life Line Emergency Vehicles ambulance at FDIC. The system manages power distribution from the chassis throughout the vehicle with the touch of a finger.

· Oshkosh and Pierce are planning an unveiling of a new ARFF product. And in typical fashion, they’re keeping it a secret until the show, so I don’t know much more. The only thing I can share is their teaser: “ARFF threats are always changing. We’ve changed the way you fight back. 4/21/10 is the start of greater response.” The invite-only unveiling takes place Wednesday at the Lucas Oil Stadium and the company is also planning a briefing session on Thursday that will include ARFF industry guest speakers in addition to product highlights.

· Hoping to reduce the number of firefighter LODDs, Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Edward Mann posed a safety challenge in September 2009 to fire industry manufacturers nationwide. Hale’s answer to the challenge: a new suppression agent delivery system it calls SafeBuy, which it will premier at FDIC. The Hale Web site says SafeBuy is “a system of critical fire suppression components that have been pre-engineered to work together to ensure an uninterrupted flow of suppression agent. From pump to nozzle—including the pump house, hoses, monitors, valves, safety devices, diagnostics and plumbing—SafeBuy reduces the risk of firefighter injury and property damage.”


While you’re at FDIC, don’t forget to stop by and visit FireRescue magazine and FirefighterNation.com at booth 3755. And watch FirefighterNation.com for daily reporting from the show!

Shannon Pieper is deputy editor for FireRescue magazine.