Emergency Solution Inspired by 11/9 Events 

Emergency Solution Inspired by 11/9 Events 

Photo illust. US Coast Guard
NEW YORK, New York (Sept. 11)--A Coast Guard rescue team from Sandy Hook, NJ, races to the scene of the World Trade Center terrorist attack. USCG photo by PA2 Tom Sperduto

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Did you know that 99% of the world’s fire ladder trucks cannot reach above the 7th floor? In times of danger emergency services will not always be obtainable, timely and equipped to provide rescue from multi-story buildings, air traffic control towers (ATC), or other critical infrastructure environments. High Rise Escape Systems (HRES), has developed an interesting solution for self-evacuation, rescuing people during emergency situations.

Ryan Alles, Founder of HRES, spent over a decade in the U.S. emergency services as both an EMT and professional Fire Fighter. Frustrated and angered by the events of September 11th, 2001, which proved once again how slow evacuations from high rise structures can have fatal consequences, he worked to create solutions that the average citizen can afford.

The Guardian Escape System works by using a combination of several simple, low-tech devices, that require no power, are inexpensive, have a long shelf-life and are easy to use.

The solutions are available in both permanent and portable solutions for easy attachment to a structure. Each of the systems incorporates a Controlled Descent Device (CDD), which works like a pulley. Each CDD incorporates a poly-steel cable with a neoprene inner lining and braided polyester jacket to protect it against abrasion, moisture and heat.

In operation, a user slides an Escape Harness over them, climbs over their balcony or out a window and the CDD slowly lowers them automatically at the rate of 3 feet per second, which is comparable to the descent of a slow elevator. As they descend, the opposite end of the cable automatically retracts and reloads the CDD for the next evacuee. 

Additional equipment includes the Evacuation Suits are especially effective for assisted evacuation & rescue solutions for hospitals, facilities for disabled persons, child care facilities and nursing homes. This solution is made up of an Aluminized, Kevlar-style material that repels 95% of radiant heat and is simple to put on and simple to put on others. 

The Guardian Escape System is ideal solution for evacuation and rescue solutions for apartments, condominiums and hotels, as well as theme parks, cranes, oil platforms and ships. Guardian was designed to mitigate means of egress for anyone living or working above the 2nd floor, and are widely utilized in government buildings, embassies, barracks, and air traffic control centers.

The United States military has been utilizing Guardian Escape Systems on air traffic control towers as well as Army and Air National Guard installations, according to americansecuritytoday.com.