Brownie’s Third Lung
940 NW 1st Street
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33311
Phone (954) 462-5570
Fax (954) 462-6115
For Details, Contact:

Stephen Grasso
Public Safety Product Manager
steve@publicsafetydiving.com
Phone (772) 201-6049
For Release 9 a.m. EDT
February 18, 2003
Brownie’s Public Safety, a division of Brownie’s Third Lung Manufacturing, is introducing the HELO Systemä for public safety and air rescue dive teams.

· Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, February 18th, 2003: Brownie’s Public Safety has developed a system for rescue divers deployed from helicopters.

The HELO System
The Brownie’s HELO System is a compact scuba system designed specifically for rescue divers working from rotary wing aircraft. Compact and lightweight, the HELO System allows rescue divers to use the standard seating configurations within the aircraft.
Until now, divers have struggled with full sized scuba rigs in these applications. Depending on the helicopter, divers wearing full scuba would not be able to use the seats and would resort to sitting on the floor - greatly increasing discomfort, fatigue and complexity of handling the gear within the limited space in the aircraft. The HELO System’s front mounted pony bottle allows the diver to comfortably sit for extended periods, or move about the aircraft with greater efficiency. Since the bottle is mounted at the divers waist, he can more easily control his gear during deployment, further adding to comfort and safety.

Key features:

Compact – The entire system stows in a single padded briefcase sized bag, so it can more easily fit in the tight confines of a helicopter.

Streamlined – Components fit close to the divers body reducing the chance of snagging in the water.

Fast – The HELO system can also be donned over a duty uniform or street clothes in less than 90 seconds.
Freedom of movement – Mini scuba cylinder is worn in the lap for comfort while sitting in tight spaces. Adjustable leg straps will not restrict circulation in the legs and can fit over street clothes or cold-water exposure suits. Inflatable air cell remains stowed until needed, allowing the rescuer total range of motion of arms for swimming.
Self-contained air supply – provides rescuer with better means to initiate search and rescue than breath-hold diving.

Surface flotation – Deployed air cell provides up to 37 pounds of lift in the water, providing a better means for rescuer to bring even unconscious victims to shore.

Potential applications are,

· Fire Department Air Rescue Teams
· Police, Park Rangers and Marine Patrol
· Offshore Power Boat Rescue Teams
· Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers
· Military Air Rescue

.... And virtually any situation where you may be required to make a rapid in-water rescue from a helicopter.

For additional information contact Brownie’s Third Lung in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.