Two men who have witnessed first-hand the devastating effect of house fires have launched a new life-saving product into the market.
Matthew Sygrove and Joe Barratt were working as retained firefighters in Beverley when they spotted a gap in the market for a household oxygen mask.
The duo created a prototype model back in 2015, and have now launched their Air For Life product to the general public.
The gadget comprises of a small, handheld oxygen tank and a mask, and allows someone trapped in a house fire to breathe safely while waiting for the fire service to arrive.
Figures have shown around 85 per cent of deaths caused by fire-related incidents are due to being overcome by gas or smoke.
Mr Sygrove said: “If you trapped upstairs in your house during a fire, the idea is you can put the mask on and have access to oxygen.
“It is small enough to fit inside your bedside cabinet or cupboard. The biggest killer in house fires is smoke inhalation, so this product has the potential to save lives.
“My background is as a firefighter, and Joe (Barratt) is still employed by the fire service. We have seen first-hand the consequences of house fires, and that is why we have created the product.”
The duo were surprised to find no similar product existed in the market.
The challenge for the pair was finding a way to store the amount of oxygen needed inside a small, handheld canister.
Matthew and Joe enlisted the help of Dr Tony Ryan, a science professional with expertise in gas adsorption.
Air For Life uses innovative new technology which compresses enough oxygen inside the tank to keep a person breathing until fire services arrive.
During a house fire, oxygen levels drop very quickly.
Once levels fall below 15 per cent, only an external source of oxygen will keep someone trapped alive.
Mr Sygrove said while the pair had created a prototype several years ago, it had taken time to get the design and regulations in place.
Air For Life is now available to buy online.
A single oxygen canister and mask costs £34.99, with a family park of four available for £120.
For more details, visit https://airforlife.org.uk/ .
