![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
As one of the longest-standing names in safety and medical technology, Dräger has built its reputation on protecting those working in high-risk environments. At The Emergency Services Show 2025, the company will highlight how its latest innovations – from the new PSS AirBoss SCBA to advanced accountability and location systems – are helping UK fire and rescue services meet today’s challenges while keeping crews safe.
We caught up with Liz Millward, Marketing Manager Emergency and Rescue Services at Dräger, to hear more about what visitors can expect.
1. Dräger’s heritage spans back to 1889 – how do you stay relevant to UK emergency services today?
Our heritage means we draw on more than 130 years’ expertise in manufacturing medical and safety technology designed to keep front line personnel safe. We ensure that expertise is relevant today by working closely in partnership with fire services, for example, so we understand how they work, what challenges they face and how technology can make firefighters’ lives safer and more comfortable.
2. At ESS 2025 you’re debuting the next-generation PSS AirBoss SCBA. What’s new in this model and why should firefighters care?
One of the latest AirBoss features we’ll be showcasing to attendees is our buddy light system. This innovation provides enhanced safety with an audible and visual alert system to notify team members if a firefighter is showing signs of distress, including low air, or high thermal stress.
It also provides a visual indication of the remaining air pressure on the gauge. We’ll also be showcasing the in-mask, integrated data solution that provides firefighters with hands-free, continuous information on air consumption. We’re keen for attendees to get a feel for AirBoss’ ultra-low weight and class-leading ergonomics.
Breathing apparatus is designed purely for firefighters’ safety, that’s why firefighters care about its latest advancements!
3. The UCF FireCore helmet-mounted thermal camera is getting attention again. How does hands-free thermal vision improve safety on the ground?
Imagine conducting a search in a building that is filled with smoke? This is the reality firefighters face during some incidents. The UCF FireCore provides hands-free vision integrated into a firefighters’ helmet providing clear thermal images of the environment, helping to locate victims and identify hazards.
4. You’ll be showing the latest in-cabin breathing systems and rescue helmets. How do these additions round out your offer?
Our cabin breathing system is an essential tool for emergency responders required to travel in confined vehicle cabins, for example when attending wildfires. It will help us to showcase the expertise of our engineered solutions division, capable of adapting technologies into a vast breadth of specific applications.
Our wide range of helmets will be on show, demonstrating how we provide lightweight comfort, without compromising industry leading safety and functionality.
5. Accountability tools such as FireGround are being pushed harder. How does this system help incident commanders stay in control?
The FireGround accountability system enables each firefighter’s conditions to be individually monitored, even in large-scale and complex scenarios. This, in turn, reduces manual processes and improves firefighter safety, because the entry control officers and incident commanders can achieve excellent situational awareness by reviewing live data transmitted from the firefighting equipment, rather than manually collating information.
The system allows for the remote and simultaneous monitoring of multiple incidents producing a comprehensive incident log for organisational review once the incident has been closed. The data collected can then be used to help with post-incident debriefings and accident investigations.
6. The kit on your stand will vary from breathing apparatus to detection tools. What’s the theme – or story – you hope visitors take away?
Dräger’s stand is all about showcasing how our technology is designed to ensure emergency responders return home from each shift safely. The show is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of technology we have – all designed to protect those in the line of duty.
7. ‘Technology for Life’ is Dräger’s enduring motto. How does that inform your R&D today?
‘Technology for Life’ summarises the theme of our stand mentioned above. As our technology is designed to bring emergency responders home safely after every shift, in turn our research and development is geared towards designing technology that enhances safety and mitigates hazards.
8. Beyond equipment, how are you supporting UK services with training, servicing or data-led insights?
We work closely with UK fire services, not only before in the research and development stages, but also after product delivery. Training is an important offering to ensure that firefighters embrace new technology safely and effectively – in order that they realise the maximum safety benefits.
With more than 100 manufacturer-trained engineers nationwide, Dräger also provides expert maintenance and repair of breathing apparatus, telemetry and associated equipment to ensure the longest possible product lifespans.
9. How do you decide which new products to bring as a Premier Partner – especially for ESS?
It’s always a tough decision as our product portfolio is vast, but we try to focus on areas which show our advanced capabilities and where we think greater utilisation is important for emergency responder safety.
10. Looking ahead, what’s next from Dräger for emergency services – either for this year’s show or in the pipeline?
An important technology for the future, and also on our stand at this year’s show, is firefighter location technology. Developed in partnership with Dräger, Arwain’s digital localisation system augments real-time visibility for Incident Command and the BA Entry Control Officer, enabling both parties to track the live progress and location of fire crews once they enter a building. Presented in 2D or 3D form, real-time data is provided, showing the horizontal and vertical location of a firefighter, including the room and floor they are in.
This technology differs from more traditional GPS enabled or direction-based location systems that are rendered inaccurate and impractical within the confines of an enclosed building. This accurate insight is going to become a vital tool in helping to keep emergency responders safe while attending incidents.
To read similar articles, check out our Products channel.
Dräger is a Premier Partner at The Emergency Services Show at the NEC on 17-18 September, and will be exhibiting in Hall 5, Stand D180. Check out the full exhibitor list here.
