Life CAS Breathing Apparatus for Escaping Fires in High Rise Buildings

Life CAS is a concept breathing apparatus designed specially for escaping fires in high-rise buildings. In the UK 260 people are killed in relation to fires each year (House for National Statistics, 2017), 71 died in Grenfell tower in June 2017 (Metropolitan Police, 2017.) 90% of fire related fatalities, show signs of smoke inhalation (Gormsen, Jeppesen, Lund, 1984.) Life jackets are on boats, why isn’t there an equivalent for buildings?

Designed by Dominic Wigg, LIFE CAS a.k.a Life Compressed Air Saver, is a wearable system providing air for victims of high rise building fires. This essential lifesaving equipment will be the first thing you look for when you see smoke and allow you the time you need to escape alive.

The equipment is designed for people aged 5 and over, providing 15 minutes of breathing air to escape or be rescued. The bold color scheme and compact torch ensure the user can be seen by the fire service and increase visibility for the user in the smoke-filled environment. It would be stored on corridor walls in containers that become unlocked and illuminated when smoke is detected. Basic instructions printed on the bag illustrate to the escapee to simply wear the system as a backpack and escape. Dominic Wigg owns the right to this project’s intellectual property as Life CAS is a registered design.