Lifeline Firehose is the standard for continuous breathable air.
A Partnership of Innovation: Snap-tite Hose and Lifeline Firehose
In the world of firefighting, innovation can mean the difference between life and death. The collaboration between Snap-tite Hose and Lifeline Firehose has been a testament to how cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships can redefine fire safety. This groundbreaking relationship has evolved over the years, overcoming challenges and refining designs to bring firefighters a superior, lifesaving product.
Lifeline Firehose technology offers first responders a redundant source of continuous breathable air for firefighting and dangerous environments.
The Beginning of a Vision
The story of Lifeline Firehose began with a simple yet revolutionary idea: integrating an airline within the fire hose itself to provide a dedicated air supply for firefighters in extreme conditions.
The journey to perfection, however, was not without obstacles. The early models were considered bulky in a firefighter’s hands, prompting a search for manufacturing improvements.
The Game-Changing Partnership with Snap-tite Hose
Enter Snap-tite Hose, a trusted name in fire hose manufacturing. Lifeline saw an opportunity to enhance its product with the expertise of Snap-tite. Discussions with CEO Jim Novinsky and the engineering team led to critical design refinements.
"We saw the potential in what Lifeline was creating," said Novinsky. "By leveraging our advanced weaving and jacket technology, we knew we could create a more efficient, durable, and firefighter-friendly hose."
Through rigorous testing and collaboration, Snap-tite helped transition the Lifeline Firehose from its original design to the more refined Gladiator outer jacket, which provided a narrower fit. The internal structure was also enhanced with a Conquest TPU liner woven through the hose, ensuring the airline remained intact and functional.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
While the partnership was gaining traction in 2019, the onset of COVID-19 posed significant setbacks. However, the team remained resilient, working through supply chain challenges and engineering refinements.
Scot Morrison from Lifeline reflected on the journey: "Innovation takes time, persistence, and the right partners. Snap-tite’s expertise allowed us to bring Lifeline to a new level, and together, we’re setting a new standard for firefighter safety."
The Future of Fire Safety
In 2016, a 20-year-old volunteer firefighter in North Carolina tragically lost his life after he ran out of air and became disoriented while fighting a fire in a commercial strip mall. In 2018, a firefighter in Connecticut lost their life from asphyxia due to a lack of breathing air, which also led to a cardiac arrest. And in 2022, two firefighters lost their lives from asphyxia and thermal injuries in a house fire in Pennsylvania. These are just a few examples. According to the National Fire Protection Association, asphyxiation was the fourth leading cause of death in 2022.
Lifeline Firehose, proudly built with Snap-tite Hose, is committed to making a tangible impact in the field, bringing these fatalities and injuries from a lack of continuous breathable air to zero. Fire departments across the country now have access to a hose that not only delivers water but also ensures firefighters have a reliable air supply when it matters most.
With innovation at the core of their collaboration, Snap-tite and Lifeline continue to push boundaries, ensuring that those on the front lines have the best tools to protect and save lives. As this partnership grows, one thing remains certain—when expertise and vision align, the future of firefighting is brighter than ever.
Visit the Lifeline Firehose website to learn more and be sure to visit them at FDIC Booths #9710 (Lucas Oil Stadium) / #6011 (Indiana Convention Center).