About Access

Accessibility is one of the most important key factors at the scene of an accident. Rivercrossings may be difficult, especially in more rural areas lacking infrastructure.
For better access to the victims and a successful rescue procedure, the “Access” system had to fulfill the requirement of mobility, meaning easy transport of the components themselves and a quick set-up, as well as providing adjustability to various topographical environments. The fire brigade, one of the first rescue teams at the scene of an accident, provides the necessary capabilities for the usage of “Access”. The firemen’s quickly inflatable lifeboats allow a fast river crossing, in order to set up the system on both sides of the river.
The “Access” system consists of a lightweight construction. The creation of a reduced frame made of bent aluminum pipes combines the connection as well as the protection of all required moving and sensitive parts. The units are anchored deeply into the ground, in order to achieve a safe and stable river crossing. The necessary static stability is made possible by spanning two ropes across the river. The system inflates a flexible floating jetty with compressed air locked into place by the ropes. This provides a stream resistant crossover and allows fast transport of injured people as well as rescue teams and materials.
This project addresses the requirements of emergency rescue operations as well as the analysis and observation of topographical conditions. Based on a fertile dialogue and the ensuing practical knowledge of the professional fire brigade in Kiel (Germany), this proposal to solve the problems described above was developed .