REFRA – Safety at Scenes
Protec REFRA Controller
Gaining entry into buildings or houses can be very difficult and, as luck would have it, it’s usually the time when we need to be in quick. It is even more frustrating when supporting Police units, arriving moments later, face a closed or obstructed door. This can lead to panic, which in turn, causes further delay when time is of the essence and rapid entry is essential.
The REFRA Controller is a simple solution that WILL save lives. Designed by Police and Fire Officers the unit has many adaptations were applying one takes seconds and the time saved is immeasurable.
On a daily basis they are used to indicate where Police staff have entered a building or room. Discreet enough not to draw attention to an unwanted presence, the REFRA’s bright yellow outer shell is a clear indication to the trained eye that there is a Police presence behind a door. This is an ideal tool for night duty when searching for house numbers in the dark can be impossible. The unit can be clearly identified in torch light and even be left attached to a garden gate near the roadside.
Police are often called to situations at a roadside location, “Fight in progress on the High Street”. First Response crews are often then drawn in to buildings near the location leaving supporting Officers unaware of their colleagues exact whereabouts. Situations in high rise blocks can provide a multitude of potential dangers. The REFRA Controller can prevent a door slamming shut or show where in the building the Police Officers are.
1-2-3 Technique
When used during a building search the 1-2-3 Technique will standardise communication and lead to safer investigation and quicker aid.
Position 1 = Safe route in or out.
Position 2 = Behind this door is a hazard.
Position 3 = Room has been investigated and closed.
Relatively cheap it is sturdy and easily looked over by the untrained eye. The Protec REFRA controller comes in police colours so other emergency crews can see who’s already in the building. It is compact, light and easily carried on a utility belt or police vest. The units can also be carried in or on response vehicles or attached to bicycles frames for quick access.
Some additional uses include:
Route Indicator – Health & Safety Building Evacuations.
Door Jam – used on the hinged side to keep doors wide open to assist ventilating contaminated scenes.
For further information regarding the REFRA, or if you have any suggested uses, please contact Protec Police Supplies.
I picked one these up at the HOSDB show. It is great, one of those bits of kit that once you start using it you just can’t stop. Gives me that bit of reassurance that the door is always open as well.
This would be ideal to ventilate scenes contaminated by incapacitant spray. With a little extra training on the refresher course we could use it to extend the “duty of care” plan.
What a great idea, the simple things are often the most effective.
This would also be good for ambulance rapid response and solo responders so the back up ambulance crew can gain access to buildings and know what house you are in if unable to park outside. Do they come in ambulance green?
This is a new product and our launch design states ‘Police’ on the Refra. However, we see this as a product for ALL Emergency Service Staff and we are capable of producing individual labels for the Refra but minimum orders do apply due to cost implications. Samples can be issued to procurement departments for Official enquiries. We will be developing a range of Refra products for general sale in the future.
Review 1:
Hi Admin my name is Bryan and I am a first responder in South Wales, I have used the REFRA 3 times now . It’s great easy to use and convenient to carry , no need to worry about how the intercom works if this is used . It leaves you able to deal directly with the patient without distraction . I Failed once to apply, but this was due to an old entry door which was just too wide . I feel as a responder this could be invaluable as once we have applied it, the ambulance crew can gain access without having to wait for me to stop and allow access for them, which could mean having to stop CPR.
All The Best
Bryan .
Review 2:
My name is Steve and I am an EMT in the Vale of Glamorgan, we have a large number of premises in our area, usually flats, where there is a single entry door and off that can be a number of flats with their own entry doors. This piece of kit is so simple to look at, you would be forgiven for saying “what is all the fuss about, it’s a bit of plastic, that’s all”, well this bit of plastic has been used on EVERY shift I have done since obtaining it, and it has allowed the next crew or service immediate access to the property without having to ring a bell and wait.
Not only that it has proved very useful not just for following services/crews but for me and my partner, I have gone back to the vehicle to get stretcher / carry chair, but because of this door stop I no longer have broken pens, nor do i have to scout around for anything to shove in the door like a newspaper, as inevitably another occupant comes along and opens the door, drops whatever was wedging the door, and back to square one….
This simple piece of plastic is invaluable in our job and would recommend it to anyone.
Steve H
EMT Vale of Glamorgan