About Us
Airbags. Fuel and battery lines. High tensile steel. Seat belt pre-tensioners. What do these vehicle features have in common? They are among the numerous hazards or obstacles that Rescuers must locate and deal with before they can safely extricate a victim from a vehicle that has been in an accident.
As the Rescuers in the video above explain, there are so many different models and configurations of vehicles that Rescuers often must take valuable time to look up these features for a particular model before they can address them. During this critical period a victim's condition can rapidly deteriorate.
Also, Rescuers are trained to neutralize any hazards to themselves before attempting to extricate or treat a victim. After all, we don't show up to create even more unfortunate victims at the scene of an accident.
Each new model year presents us with increasingly complex and changing vehicle configurations, as well as more vehicles on the road, period.
David, a disabled Veteran, and Paul Smart are the inventors of the Rescue Reliance. Fourth generation Firefighters and Rescuers, we looked for a solution to the need of Rescuers to quickly access vehicle safety data in harsh environments. We found only products that fell short of the Rescuer's need for accuracy, mobility, performance and durability in the field, and so we created the Rescue Reliance.
The Rescue Reliance is a compact, Handheld Computer for Emergency Responders. It provides instant, critical information at the scene of an accident so that Rescuers can extricate victims more safely, quickly and efficiently, in order to provide them the life-saving treatment they need. In such situations, seconds and minutes count. Hence our motto: "Time Is Life".
The Rescue Reliance Patent was approved by the USPTO on its first review, no questions asked. We are committed to building the Rescue Reliance in the USA. We are committed to advancing life-saving technology for Rescuers in the field and providing assistance to victims and Rescuers in need.
One common question we are asked is, "Why not just use a phone app?". This is a great question, and the answer is, "Of course you should, and we will!"
In fact, although there are a few apps currently available, none is complete or comprehensive as ours will be. Our app will be available to all, FREE. Our app will be developed concurrently with our prototype.
However, what our handheld unit does is provide ASSURANCE that critical information is available REGARDLESS of internet/phone connectivity, and our unit will certainly withstand harsh extrication conditions that would damage or destroy your typical smartphone or other electronic device.
The Rescue Reliance will be Intrinsically Safe (non-sparking), heat, chemical, water and impact resistant, easy to navigate and visible in all lighting conditions so that a Rescuer need only scan a vehicle's VIN#, or enter its make and model to instantly access all of the information he or she needs for that model. Able to be clipped to a Rescuer's belt, it will also be mobile and compact enough to be carried into most any environment.
In our experience, and (as you can see in our video) in our extensive discussions with Rescuers in the field, we've determined that our handheld unit is the preferred solution based on its reliability, durability and accuracy.
Mission
The Rescue Reliance is designed to meet the needs of Fire, EMS and Rescue personnel, and SAVE LIVES by instantly showing them the locations of airbags, batteries, fuel tanks, and all of the other hazards that need to be addressed during an extrication.
Our mission is to build our prototype and, once we achieve full investor funding of $2 million, establish a headquarters, hire a staff and begin production. Then, our goal is to have our devices deployed in the field and saving lives within 6 months of prototype completion. We're excited that several investors have expressed interest, but want to see a working prototype in action before they commit.
Once we begin production, we will be able to sell our units for about the same or less cost as a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) which is a critical piece of gear for every Firefighter. There are over 32,000 Fire Departments in the US alone, and we believe that eventually every single department will want at least one of our units.
What We Need & What You Get
We need an initial $50,000.00 to build and program our prototype. We need to build a working prototype to earn commitments from the investors who will help see us through to full scale production. We expect to have our prototype built and programmed within 3 months of completing a successful Indiegogo funding campaign.
We need help to get to the next step, building our Prototype. We're truly grateful for any help, even $1, because if enough people support our mission, it can still add up to LIVES SAVED. If you're moved to donating to our cause we want to acknowledge your generosity and express our gratitude.
REWARDS
All rewards will be distributed upon launch of our manufacturing operations.
Along with our sincere gratitude, Please see "Perks" on the right side of this page for all contribution perks from $1 up.
If we don't happen to meet our funding goal, all funds will be used to make as much progress as possible on prototype development.
The Impact
- SAVE rescuers' and victims' lives.
- REDUCE medical, insurance costs and suits.
- Create JOBS in the USA.
In addition to the above impacts, we have other important goals. Once our company is profitable, we intend:
1. To fund a charitable arm that support disabled and injured Rescuers, Veterans and their families.
2. To establish a free hotline that any Rescuer can call for coaching or data look-up assistance, regardless of whether they own one of our devices, and
3. Provide our units and data subscriptions free of charge to select needy Fire Departments in disadvantaged locales.
Risks & Challenges
Our main challenge is in building our database and programming our software. The vehicle information we plan to include will be extensive to say the least. However all of the information we require is publicly available, and automobile manufacturers are eager to share this life-saving data.
We may initially partner or license with an organization or company that has already built the necessary database, though it may not be as all-inclusive as our finished product will be.
Our team includes experts and executives with extensive experience in the Fire and EMS Service, computers, programming, start-ups and manufacturing. They are ready to swing into action once we are funded.
All components of the Rescue Reliance are commonly available off-the shelf from multiple sources. We just need to put them together!
Other Ways You Can Help
We're lucky to have many supporters who are helping us to get the word out on Twitter, Facebook and elsewhere, advising us and providing valuable feedback to help ensure the Reliance will be of the highest quality and reliability.
We are SO grateful to the many Rescuers who have offered their testimonies, suggestions and invaluable input.
Please help us generate awareness by sharing our information through word of mouth, social media, or simply sharing our website link! All of our links are below.
THANK YOU AND STAY SAFE!
The Rescue Reliance Team
Our Legacy
http://spiritof1913.wordpress.com/tag/dublin-fire-brigade/
As mentioned in this story from over 100 yrs ago, our Great Grandfather, Thomas Smart, was promoted to Foreman in the Dublin Fire Brigade in 1913. He went on to become Chief of the Brigade.
His son, Thomas Jr., our Grandfather, was a 16 year old Irish Volunteer in the 1916 Easter Rising, and went on to become Chief of the Fire Brigade like his father before him.
Our uncle, Colin Smart, was a DFB officer, and his sons are currently Firefighters and Medics in the Brigade.
We're proud of our family's history of saving lives. We hope our company will continue this tradition by helping Rescuers worldwide and supporting our Veterans.