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Original Contribution

One-handed Oxygen Cylinder Deployment

April 2012

It seems that no matter what you're doing on a call, having an extra hand would almost always be handy. That's just one reason Northhampton Township (PA) Fire & Rescue BC/Paramedic Thom Richmond is a big fan of the ZICO Quic-Release Strapless "D" Cylinder Bracket Model QR-D-2. You only need one hand to pull the oxygen bottle free.

The manufacturer's directions read, "To release the cylinder, slightly press it towards the backplate, squeeze the levers to disengage the latch, and allow the backspring to push the cylinder forward."

Richmond describes the one-handed deployment as, "You just squeeze the flippers and the bottle just falls into your hands. I love these things. The mechanical advantage is unmatched."

Due to safety considerations, leaving oxygen bottles unsecured was not an option. Richmond says they reviewed competitors' brackets, but were less impressed. It was harder to release the D cylinder from brackets with straps, and they don't seem to hold the bottle as securely or without rattling.

"I believe the Quic-Release Strapless Bracket will even hold a bottle tightly in place in a catastrophic event like a vehicle accident," Richmond says. He notes the quality of the engineering and materials used was superior to other brands that were evaluated.

Starting as a pilot project and later with purchases, Northhampton Township Fire & Rescue has been using the Quic-Release Strapless Bracket for about a year. Installation was as easy as taking out the old brackets and bolting the new ones in place. Richmond says the new bracket fits into exactly the same space as the bracket it is replacing.

As far as crew acceptance goes, it's been a non-issue. "Whoever sees them says, 'That's a neat invention,'" Richmond says.

Richmond is also affiliated with nearby agencies, which have expressed interest in the Quic-Release Strapless Bracket. He says those agencies are likely to purchase and install the brackets in their own rigs.

Visit www.ziamatic.com.

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