By Shannon Eliot
EMS1 Editor
While incendiary flares have long provided first responders with the ability to communicate critical information in various operations, they have also presented certain challenges.
The smoke they release can not only decrease the visibility of an emergency scene, but have the potential to leave responders with minor burns or smoke inhalation. In addition, the disposable nature of the flares requires departments to make repeated purchases, while the alkaline corrosion mandates their replacement every three months.
New to the market and utilizing LED technology the 6.7-oz. PowerFlare , a non-combustible, reusable device that aims to solve problems presented by traditional incendiary flares. Powered by lithium batteries, the devices have an estimated lifespan of 20 years.
“In addition to lasting longer than a typical incendiary flare, the PowerFlare is extremely durable and completely waterproof,” said Jeremy Samuelson, Account Manager for PowerFlare. “It can be thrown on the road, driven over, and still be seen at the depth of 80 feet in the water, making it a great tool for scuba divers as well.”
Possessing 16 individual LED lights, each device operates with a one-button mechanism. They can be purchased in both rechargeable and non-rechargeable versions, with the former lasting two to three years with 1000 charges and the latter having a shelf life of 10 years.
“An EMS captain told me that PowerFlare is the only product that does what it says it does,” Samuelson said. “Such statements from leaders in the industry really validate the product’s efficacy and usefulness.”
For EMS responders, the PowerFlare has proven remarkably effective in mass casualty scenes, according to Samuelson.
“In MCIs, colored PowerFlares can be used that correspond to the appropriate triage level,” Samuelson said. “For instance, a kit of red, green, amber, and white lights can be placed in the areas of the wounded to inform other responders of patient status.”
The product has also made an impact with EMS workers in air vehicles that need quick and reliable access to landing zones, Samuelson added.
“A significant amount of EMS activity takes place in rural areas in the middle of nowhere, and we are seeing more departments purchase such lights just to create landing zones for rescue,” Samuelson said. “They are sturdy and won’t blow away as the helicopter lands, and are great for volunteer departments that don’t have a lot of money.”
Search and rescue teams have also had success with the product. By setting patterns with the lights, rescuers are able to retrace their steps for up to 150 hours in the quest for a lost citizen.
“In one instance, the lost individual made his way to the emergency vehicle that had a PowerFlare on its roof because he saw the flashing lights from afar,” Samuelson said.
The device has also been popular in military applications, particularly in Iraq and rescue team operations. Used in National Guard units for traffic control, it is also used in establishing landing zones for high altitude ‘halozone’ jumpers.
“Infrared units have used PowerFlares for clandestine landing zones as well,” Samuelson said. “And at 9300 feet, they can still be seen by the halojumper.”