LifeGuard Technologies - SmartDock - SCBA Holder

SMARTDOCK TESTIMONIALS
“Before, the guys would do two things to get around buckling their belts, so they wouldn’t have to sit against the SCBA holder and potentially get stuck. They would sit on the edge of the seat to avoid putting pressure on the sensor. Or they buckled their seat belt behind them. Now we have a policy on seat belt use, and we also have a product that works, so usage has greatly improved.” Capt. Joe Moran of the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department in suburban San Antonio, Texas, explains the difference the SmartDock Gen2 has made in their department’s safety.

“Whether you pull a strap or push a handle to release your SCBA, most of us hate how SCBAs are secured in the apparatus—or at least we hated how SCBAs were secured in the apparatus until LifeGuard Technologies’ SmartDock Gen2 hit the streets. Finally, no more hassling with the SCBA’s seatbelt.” Scott Cook, former chief of the Granbury (Texas) Volunteer Fire Department, and product reviewer for FireRescue Magazine, comments on his experience with SmartDock Gen2.

1. How does SmartDock hold the SCBA?
SmartDock is the first hands-free SCBA holder for fire apparatus. The system provides single-motion insertion and extraction of the SCBA, holds the cylinder securely in place while in transit, and releases using no straps or levers. In the event of a crash, the inertial locking feature prevents it from becoming a projectile.

2. Why is hands-free operation important to firefighters?
Hands-free release of SmartDock leaves the firefighter free to reach for tools, exit the truck and get to the job at hand. Current docking stations on the market require firefighters to operate release levers and cumbersome straps that can become entangled with seat belts and firefighting gear. The innovatively designed SmartDock is a strap-free docking station that offers single-motion SCBA insertion and hands-free release when the firefighter moves forward to exit the seat.

3. How do I install an SCBA in the SmartDock?
SmartDock offers the convenience of single-motion insertion. Simply insert the cylinder valve into the base of SmartDock and lock it into place by pushing the cylinder into the top latching mechanism. No straps or harnesses are needed.

4. If there are no straps, what holds the SCBA in place?
The heavy-duty top latching mechanism in the SmartDock housing grips the cylinder and holds it securely in place during transit. In the event of a collision, inertial forces cause the top latching mechanism to lock the SCBA in place, preventing it from becoming a projectile.

5. How is the SCBA released?
Simply strap on the SCBA and move forward in the seat. No release levers are required. The body’s natural momentum releases the tank as the firefighter moves forward in the seat to exit the vehicle.

6. If the SCBA is strapped on in transit, do I still need to wear a seat belt?
SmartDock is NOT an occupant restraint system, therefore the vehicle seat belt must be worn anytime the vehicle is moving.

7. What happens if a firefighter is sitting in a seat without an SCBA? Is SmartDock safe to sit against?
SCBA seats with SmartDock installed should have an SCBA in place while the vehicle is in motion.

8. Where do I get information on my SmartDock Gen1?
Please refer to the Support section or call 1-866-765-5835.

9. Can I fit SmartDock into my current seat?
With its low profile, SmartDock interfaces effectively with a wide variety of SCBA seats on the market. For information on fit with your model of SCBA, call Pierce Aftermarket Parts at 1.888.974.3723

10. Does SmartDock accommodate SCBAs of different sizes/manufacturers?
SmartDock adjusts to accommodate 30-minute, 45-minute and 60-minute cylinders of various makes and models of SCBA, fitting the majority of SCBAs used in US fire departments. For information on SCBA compatibility, contact Pierce Aftermarket Parts.

11. If my department has several SCBA models, do I need to get several models of SmartDock, or can I adjust the equipment at the station to fit my equipment?
SmartDock is offered in one model. The design is engineered to fit a wider varity of makes and models of SCBA than the original SmartDock, and with its low profile, it interfaces effectively with a wide variety of SCBA seats on the market. Instructions are provided to aid customers with installation to achieve the best fit for specific SCBAs and seats.

12. Has the SmartDock been crash tested?
Yes. SmartDock has been tested at the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation (CAPE) to exceed the NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus. When evaluated to the NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, SmartDock Gen 2 met requirements for retaining both the cylinder and the pack in dynamic testing.