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| Hammerhead’s Mic Keeper |
Lack of effective communications is one of the leading causes of non-cardiac line of duty deaths among firefighters, and Hammerhead Industries said many firefighters are turning to the company’s retractable Mic Keeper to secure radio equipment to their lapels and comply with new directives from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
After a string of firefighter injuries and deaths related to radio communication in the 2000s, the IAFC formed a special subcommittee that developed a series of portable radio best practices. One of the recommendations was that firefighters place radio microphones one to two inches from their mouths to avoid audio distortion problems when operating in environments with high levels of background noise.
“By using a Mic Keeper, firefighters not only ensure their radio will always be where they expect it, but it also can help a firefighter meet the IAFC recommendations for maintaining a proper speaking distance,” said John Salentine, vice president and co-founder of Hammerhead Industries.
When released after use with the Mic Keeper, he said the microphone automatically retracts to its secure position, leaving the hands free to use other critical firefighting tools.
“It keeps the mic close to the body, which prevents it from becoming entangled or damaged if they have to crawl on the ground or squeeze through tight spaces,” Salentine said.
Hammerhead Industries describes the Mic Keeper as a rugged, retractable system designed to utilize and protect gear in severe environments with maximum break strength and durability.
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