IDEX Fire & Safety at FDIC 2024: Watch Recaps from the Biggest Event of the Year

At the heart of our showcase this year was the SAM Integrated Total Water Control System. SAM is one of IDEX Fire & Safety’s cutting-edge innovations, acting as eyes and ears to eliminate human errors, simplify  pump operations, and save precious time for firefighters on the fire ground. We put SAM in the spotlight with a unique live demonstration: The SAM Challenge. This head-to-head challenge pitted a traditional mechanical fire truck against a truck outfitted with SAM, showcasing the power of automated water flow and control.

Attendees witnessed firsthand the revolutionary difference SAM can make in pump control and firefighting operations. The SAM system streamlines and automates pumping tasks that traditionally require significant manual attention, allowing operators to focus on critical decision-making and enhancing situational awareness on the fireground. This challenge was an eye-opening experience for those who participated, revealing the potential for SAM to transform water flow management in emergency response.

Professional firefighters from around the U.S. took the challenge and shared their thoughts on using the technology.

With SAM on the fireground, operators can turn saved seconds into added safety with these benefits:

The SAM Challenge proved its technology interface is intuitive and easy to use, making a significant difference when up against the clock. In the field, that translates to putting firefighters at ease, bolstering confidence, and saving lives during high-stress situations.

Live Demonstration of Hurst Jaws of Life.

Another thrilling highlight of our FDIC 2024 presence was our HURST Jaws of Life demonstrations. Held across two days of the event, these live extrication scenarios showcased the capabilities of the HURST Jaws of Life E3 CONNECT tools, taking on a Ford Mustang Mach E in a full-scale, realistic rescue operation. The scenarios, including door removals, dash lifts, side-outs, and vertical crushes, were designed to display HURST's rescue tools’ incredible power, speed, and precision.

With each extraction maneuver, attendees gained insights into how these tools can be used in various challenging scenarios, giving them the confidence and understanding to tackle real-world rescue operations. The E3 CONNECT products set new standards for efficiency, effectiveness, and connectivity, ensuring first responders have the reliability and control needed when time is of the essence.

E3 CONNECT products can record tool and battery alerts, such as tool drops, overheats, and roll warnings, and transfer that data to the cloud. This readily available data reduces tool downtime and enables the early detection of problems . The smart dashboard provides up-to-the-minute feedback and records data for easy maintenance management, making the smartest rescue tool even smarter.

E3 Connect Features

Live Demonstration of Hurst Jaws of Life at FDIC 2024.

The demonstrations were an invaluable opportunity for IDEX to connect directly with those who rely on these tools and show them what the HURST Jaws of Life can do in real-life, high-stakes situations.

This year, our team facilitated a fun and interactive way for attendees to explore our newest products and learn more about us with an IDEX Fire & Safety Scavenger Hunt.  Participants were given a map to find six scavenger hunt QR codes hidden throughout our booth exhibits. The QR codes could be found in our indoor or outdoor booth areas, encouraging the hunters to engage with our technology and products as they scavenged.

To top off the event, participants who found all six QR codes to reveal the coded answer were entered into a giveaway for a chance to win one of three prizes.

As one of our most popular rescue tools] , the grand prize HURST StrongArm breaching tool is designed for versatility in rapid entry. It allows firefighters, rescue and tactical teams, and first responders to quickly cut through locks, chains, or doors in emergency situations.

This year’s 2024 IDEX Fire & Safety Scavenger Hunt winner was Aaron McKeever from United Fire & Rescue in Wisconsin. 

The scavenger hunt was an all-around smash hit, and we’re thrilled to announce that due to the overwhelmingly positive response, we’ll be bringing it back for FDIC 2025.

Beyond the main event highlights, FDIC 2024 allows the fire industry to collaborate and share solutions for a safer, more efficient fire and rescue response. We demonstrated our latest advancements in rescue and suppression technology, focusing on simplifying operation processes and reducing the burden on first responders. Our goal remains to provide fire departments worldwide with the technology they need to face the ever-evolving challenges of fire scenes and to keep the public safe.

Our booth exhibits featured an array of new and legacy products, each designed to help firefighters and emergency responders perform their jobs more effectively, including:

While the technology, tools, and training are the focal points of FDIC, the event serves as a forum for professionals worldwide to learn from one another and rekindle the spirit of collaboration. The thousands of attendees at FDIC have a shared mission, and the exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences among them strengthens the entire firefighting community.

From classroom sessions to hands-on training, FDIC offers a wealth of educational opportunities, each led by world-class instructors. IDEX Fire & Safety was proud to be part of this, and our team engaged with industry professionals, sharing best practices and gathering feedback on how we can better support firefighters and rescuers. As leaders in fire and rescue solutions, it’s vital for us to listen to and learn from those on the front lines.

As we wrap up FDIC 2024, we’re already planning and innovating for next year’s event in Indianapolis in April 2025. Each year, FDIC allows us to connect with firefighters and rescue professionals, showcasing the solutions they need and understanding their challenges. This feedback shapes our product development and helps us bring more practical, impactful innovations to market.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booths, participated in the SAM Challenge, attended the HURST Jaws of Life demos, or participated in our scavenger hunt. Your dedication and commitment to serving the public inspire us, and we are proud to stand with you and support you in your heroic work.

Thank you, FDIC 2024 – see you next year!