Pittsburgh, PA - - Using proprietary technologies, Draeger Safety, Inc. has engineered and developed the 
first entry control system of its kind – the Draeger PSS Merlin Telemetry System. Designed for Fire Fighters and Haz-Mat incident responders, the Merlin takes the guesswork out of entry control and accountability procedures by bringing the information from inside the ‘Hot Zone’ of each individual fire fighter or first responder to an area set up outside the event. Information such as the individual’s cylinder pressure, time to warning whistle and PASS alarm information is independently monitored to control and protect the lives of responders inside.
The Merlin system incorporates an entry control display board, a DrägerMan® Sentinel II® device and a portable remote entry module (REM) attached to the firefighter’s SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus). This compact, self-contained electronic system uses radio technology to continuously transmit and receive data from up to twelve individual firefighters per entry control board simultaneously. Merlin remotely monitors their real-time status and safety situation from outside the fire or Haz-Mat incident area. Fully automatic and able to support rapid deployment procedures, it provides one continuous display channel for each firefighter. As a result, the Merlin system provides command officers with a constant updated supply of vital information thereby enabling them to react immediately to an emergency (faster than using traditional manual systems).
The Sentinel II device combines SCBA cylinder pressure information thermal absorbed, temperature monitoring and distress signaling in one unit. Most importantly, the Sentinel II provides the wearer (as well as the command officer via Merlin) with accurate real-time information of remaining air time which is updated every second and is based upon actual air consumption. Firefighters log on to the Merlin system by removing a tally key from the Sentinel II and inserting it into the entry control board. The responders are then given a specific channel and two-way communication is established immediately. Each channel displays an on-line signal, voluntary withdrawal signal, and two PASS alarm escape signals. These signals can be given, received and acknowledged by the SCBA wearer or command officer.
The command officer can select whether to view time to alarm, cylinder pressure, or thermal absorbed temperature. Additional data can be displayed according to application requirements. Group and individual evacuation commands are also supported by a separate evacuation icon/button. In the event of a radio signal being lost, audible and visual alarms will alert both the SCBA wearer and the command officer.
The rugged Merlin entry control board is designed with carrying handles for easy portability and is powered by two rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries. Data-logging is also possible for post incident analysis.
Draeger Safety, a manufacturer of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and Gas Detection instruments, has been based in the Pittsburgh area since the beginning of the last century. The original office, opened in 1908, was located in the Commercial Building at 422 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.
Contact:Shelli Cosmides, Marketing Communications MangerDraeger Safety, Inc.Phone: (412) 788-5671Email: shelli.cosmides@draeger.com