For over three decades, Ruth Lee Ltd has been at the forefront of creating world-leading rescue training manikins, enabling the rescue community to train more realistically and effectively. Our commitment to excellence has driven us to continually innovate and refine our training products, helping rescue professionals worldwide hone their skills in life-saving scenarios.
However, our dedication to the cause doesn’t end with training manikins. We’re now proud to be taking a giant leap forward to provide rescue professionals with not only exceptional training tools but also operational products and technologies that directly contribute to saving more lives.
FReD (Fast Rescue Device) is a revolutionary unmanned surface vessel designed to provide swift and effective water rescue solutions. Jess Ward, Technical Rescue Trainer for Outreach Rescue in North Wales, was the first person in the UK to test FReD. Taking it out to Llyn Padarn in Snowdonia, one of the largest natural lakes in Wales and the fast-moving Menai Strait off Anglesey, she was able to experience exactly what a rescue with FReD is like. Here’s what she had to say…
A Brilliant Device for Swift and Safe Water Rescue
Jess’ first-hand experience with FReD showcased its exceptional capabilities in various water rescue scenarios. In her words,
“FReD is a brilliant device for scenarios where you need to get a buoyancy aid out quickly to a conscious casualty in water. It’s big, orange and buoyant with nice easy handles to hold on to and would be a useful tool for stabilising a person in the water.”
Even in fast-moving open water with waves up to 3 meters, she was impressed with FReD’s ability to reach the speed of 7 knots (unloaded) whilst remaining under controlled operation, enabling precise manoeuvrability to reach those in distress swiftly.
What sets FReD apart is its ability to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the casualty. Jess highlighted,
“It provides a low-risk option to the person conducting the rescue. Because the user operates it from land, they don’t have to commit to getting into the water, avoiding the associated risks of in-water rescue.”
Once FReD reaches the person in distress, it doesn’t stop there. The device offers multiple options for ensuring a successful rescue. Jess Ward explained,
“It can automatically return to land using GPS positioning, can be manually directed back, or just used as a buoyancy device while awaiting rescue from trained professionals.”
“It will be useful in popular bathing areas where it can be deployed as soon as someone gets into difficulty to provide rapid assistance and prevent a situation from worsening.”
We’re really excited to be able to introduce FReD to the UK rescue community and are looking forward to seeing the device equipping teams with faster, safer water rescue operations.
To find out more about FReD or request your free demonstration please click here. If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch, our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you either by email or telephone.
Thank you to Jess from Outreach Rescue for providing us with her invaluable feedback on FReD and its potential for professionals like her.
