Q: How heavy are the flatpacks compared to standard SCBA unit?

A: The new generation flatpacks are approximately 30% lighter than the bulkier SCBA bottle units currently used.

Q: Durability?

A: The pack has proven its durability while compared to the standard SCBA units; the packs can be dragged and pulled on with little to no problem, and have demonstrated flexibility and maneuverability that would not be regularly attempted with a bottle.

Q: Longevity?

A: The cells in the pack have been tested and shown to have a life of 15 years before needing to be replaced.

Q: Do the corners snag during rescue operations?

A: Testing of the pack has proven ease of moving through both wire rats-nests and tight spaces such as wall studs and small windows with minimal snagging in comparison to the bulkier SCBA bottles.

Q: How does the design of the pack aide firefighters?

A: The lighter weight, ergonomic design aides the endurance of firefighters, which consequently lengthens actual breathing time.

Q: Cost?

A: The flatpack technologies costs 10% more than the conventional SCBA system at this time. Numbers of the units will eventually drive the cost down.

Q: Safety?

A: The pack has also made a leap in safety. Unlike the standard SCBA bottles, the Vulcore flatpack is non-fragmentary and poses no additional danger to firefighters.

Q: How is it refilled?

A: The packs fill the same way as standard SCBA bottle tanks.

Q: Is there a meter and alarm?

A: Yes. The flatpack is equipped with meters and alarms that alert firefighters when air levels are depleting.

Q: What breathing times are available?

A: The available breathing times will be similar to the bottles: 30, 45, and 60 minute packs will be available.

Q: Why hasn't anybody thought of this before?

A: Concepts have been conceived, but no light-weight pack can be developed without the intellectual and technological patents using polymeric technologies of Stan A. Sanders/SID/VI.

Q: Will this technology be applied to anything else?

A: Along with SCBA and SCUBA systems, we are in the process of developing other life-support systems, such as the "Oxy Belt," which will replace bulky oxygen tanks worn by respiratory patients and bulky liquid systems.

Q: Will the trucks need retrofitting to accommodate the new flatpacks?

A: Yes. New seats will be retrofitted to the trucks which will provide more business to the seat industry. Also, the flatpack is about 50% of the size of conventional packs which will double the unit capacity allowance of flatpacks.