Packexe Smash

Time Critical Glass Management for vehicle extrication

Packexe SMASH® self-adhesive film secures glass for fast and safe vehicle extrication.

Protects the rescue team and casualty from glass fragments and dust, while maintaining visibility.

Packexe SMASH® manages glass so effectively that it can stay in place while extrication work continues.

Results show that the Packexe SMASH system virtually doubles the strength of glass, averaging a 42% reduced risk of glass breaking.

Adhesive

Packexe SMASH has been developed with a specifically formulated adhesive, appropriate for holding glass, protecting both the casualty and rescue team from glass fragments and dust. The adhesive grips equally well in all weather conditions, wet or dry.

Perforations

With perforations set at every 100mm, Packexe SMASH film is easily detached from the roll. Rescuers have the flexibility of using Packexe SMASH film in small sections to cover awkward areas, such as quarter lights. Perforated film ensures accurate application, which in turn reduces wastage.

Proven to strengthen glass

Tests undertaken by Exeter Advanced Technologies at the University of Exeter in July 2009 prove that the strength of glass is almost doubled with the application of Packexe SMASH, reducing the risk of breakage by approximately 42%.

No need to remove glass

Having successfully gone beyond designing a product to aid glass management, Packexe has streamlined the whole process. By reinforcing the glass, Packexe SMASH has eliminated the need to forcibly break and remove it. It is recommended that Packexe SMASH is applied to all glass identified as a risk upon arrival at an RTC to make it safe before extrication starts.

Dispenser

The unique dispenser completes the Packexe SMASH system, which is currently the subject of a patent application. Ergonomically designed and easy to use, Packexe SMASH can be applied in seconds by just one person. The full system has been designed to bring control and speed to the application process.

Background

Packexe identified the need for a successful solution to glass management. Current methods consist of hard and soft protection (blankets and body shields) and have always proved to be a two or three person job. The focus has been on breaking glass and then attempting to limit the risk from glass fragments. A specifically designed product has always been needed and has only now been recognised.

Initial concept

A firefighter, who worked as a part time painter and decorator, asked whether Packexe could resize their carpet protection film for the management of glass at road traffic collisions. Product development began with the formulation of a unique adhesive, strong enough to securely hold glass in place upon shattering. The roll was also adjusted to a manageable size appropriate for covering a vehicle.

Development of the full Packexe SMASH system

Packexe needed to design a dispenser for effective application of the film by just one person. The unique dispenser is designed with foam rollers which follow the contours of the vehicle for smooth coverage, minimising air bubbles. The film is also perforated for slick application and to eliminate waste. Trials have proved that the film performs well in wet and windy conditions. The invention of the dispenser has transformed Packexe SMASH into a complete glass management system, which is the subject of a patent application.

Product tests show remarkable results

Through further product trials, Packexe observed that the film appeared to strengthen the glass, as in some cases the glass was not breaking under pressure. At this stage tests were undertaken with Exeter Advanced Technologies at the University of Exeter. Results prove that the strength of glass is almost doubled with the application of Packexe SMASH, reducing the risk of breakage by approximately 42%.

Packexe have re-evaluated the way glass is managed

Having successfully gone beyond designing a product to aid glass management Packexe has streamlined the whole process. By reinforcing the glass, Packexe SMASH has eliminated the need to always forcibly break and remove glass. It is now recommended that Packexe SMASH is applied to all glass identified as a risk upon arrival at an RTC, managing glass before extrication starts.

Packexe SMASH supports worldwide extrication challenges and the development of extrication techniques

Well received by the Fire and Rescue industry, Packexe SMASH is seen as a time saving and effective solution. Packexe has been involved with extrication challenges worldwide, attending the UK regional and national challenges and the TERC International Challenge and will be attending the World Extrication Challenge in Frankfurt. World Champions, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Extrication Team are Packexe SMASH enthusiasts and use the product both in challenges and on trial operationally. Watch Manager Steve Barrow, the Hampshire FRS Extrication team manager and specialist RTC instructor for the County says:

"Packexe Smash is a very simple and versatile glass management system that has great benefit at road traffic collisions in respect of casualty and rescuer safety. It can also be utilised at any incident, such as a forced entry, where glass needs to be made safe."

The future for Packexe SMASH

Packexe SMASH will change the way glass is managed worldwide. Although designed specifically for vehicle extrication, Packexe SMASH has been identified as an important aid for glass control by all emergency services, including managing glass upon forced entry at domestic sites.