Kromek’s Radiation Detector Selected by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

Kromek, the designer and manufacturer of radiological and biological detectors, based in Sedgefield, Co. Durham, is delighted to announce that its D3M radiation detector has been selected by the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service under Lot 6 of the Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) Equipment Uplift contract on the UK’s National Resilience  Framework.  

The Framework, which supports all blue light services, is scheduled to be in place for four years and an initial order has already been placed specifically for the DIMS vehicles.

The D3M is a combined gamma/neutron Personal Radiation Detector with superior sensitivity and offers unprecedented situational awareness, constantly monitoring  the radiological and nuclear environment. It is able to detect even shielded fissile or Special Nuclear Material and its lightweight design and small form function means that it can be body-worn or pocket-carried by first responders, without adding to their equipment load.

The D3M displays both the current and accumulated dose rates and features an ultra-low false alarm rate – over six times better than the ANSI standard – allowing first responders to operate safely and efficiently in critical situations. Spectral data is saved on the device’s internal storage for secondary adjudication.

Additionally, the D3M can be connected to a phone and Kromek’s ID app, which allows the D3M to not only detect radioisotopes but also identify the source. The networking capability of this pairing allows the D3M to integrate into any existing system, enabling multiple detectors to be monitored from a single hub with automatic alerts and information sent instantly for comprehensive situational awareness.

Commenting on Kromek’s win, Craig Duff, Commercial Director, said: “we are delighted to have been selected by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services, acting on behalf of the National Fire Chiefs’ Council,  to provide detectors for the DIMS contract. Our devices are designed to be particularly user-friendly and require minimal training. The D3M can ensure the safety and security of first responders and will help them to identify potential radiological threats around the United Kingdom as quickly as possible.”