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Dräger SCBAs have evolved through 80 years of persistent engineering dedication. The Dräger SCBA journey began in 1941 with Modell 10 which was used for short-term use to provide air for up to 10 minutes.

In 1951, the PA30 followed with new innovation in the form of a two-cylinder apparatus giving the wearer longer operating time.

Not even two years had passed, and Dräger introduced its PA34. Providing medium pressure from the back, it integrated a lung demand valve (LDV) and hose which extended from the back plate to the wearer’s full-face mask.

In 1953, the DA58 came out with an additional feature which made movement much easier for the wearer. By placing the medium pressure reducer closer to the mask, the air supply hose became smaller, thus increasing the freedom of movement.

In 1969, PA54 was introduced as the first SCBA using 300 bar technology, it was also the first ever polymer back plate which significantly reduced its weight and enhanced its ergonomics.

In 1975, the launch of the PA80 brought with it more first-of-its-kind technology. Its highlights included the first balanced pressure reducer and the first positive pressure (PP) lung demand valve.

In the 1990s Dräger continued its leadership in technology for life with new, state-of-the-art advancements to the evolution of the SCBA. The PA90 and PA94 can be succinctly summarised in one word: better.

In 1995, the PA90 Plus and PA94 Plus were introduced onto the market in 1995. Significantly upgraded components further pushed the SCBA technology forward—always with the user’s needs at the forefront.

In 1997, PSS® 500 was introduced with a revolutionary design for the cylinders, allowing never experienced before wearer’s comfort. The PSS 500 ushered in new technologies which focused on ergonomics and first-of-its-kind innovations.

In 1998, the PSS® 100 was introduced to the market. The PSS® 100 showcased the first height adjustable back plate, assisting the wearer to swivel and slide thus markedly improving flexibility of movement.

As one century closed another began with just as much dedication and commitment to new and advanced innovation possibilities. The year 2000 welcomed more performance functionalities within the PSS family.

In 2007 the PSS® 7000 was launched with a multitude of advanced functions and features. The first model to incorporate a rubberised harness, giving the wearer improved stability and freedom of movement; the first to have reflective shoulder straps thus making the user much more visible.

In 2010, the PSS® 3000 was engineered to enhance performance. The PSS® 3000 had the lightest fire-fighting back plate of its generation.

In the same year, The PSS® 5000 was designed with extended features in mind and showcased expanded functionalities such as its integrated PASS device with pneumatic gauge.

In 2015, the PSS® 4000 joined the family. It is the result of our long commitment to technology for life. The PSS 4000 combines the lightweight built of the PSS® 3000 with the wearing comfort and rugged design of the PSS® 5000.

In 2021, the latest release in the evolution of the SCBA the Dräger PSS® AirBoss family was introduced, aiming at assisting firefighters to accomplish their tasks in longer and increasingly complex emergencies. The new line of PSS® AirBoss provides maximum visibility & situational awareness, reduced weight & profile; best-in class ergonomics & wearing comfort, improved communication & coordination through connectivity inside & outside the hazardous area on the incident site. With over a decade focus on firefighter’s health and wellbeing, the Dräger PSS® AirBoss family supports clean & healthy procedures on site and is designed for fast reconditioning after use in the workshop.

A tight seal around the face maintains a higher air pressure inside the mask than the surrounding air pressure.

During inhalation a diaphragm inside the LDV is pulled toward the face mask allowing air to flow into it.

When not inhaling, the diaphragm remains in the initial position stopping the airflow, while maintaining a positive pressure inside the mask.

The Personal Alert Safety System automatically gives audible and visual alarms in case a firefighter is not moving due to being trapped or unconscious.

Ultra-lightweight, yet high-strength, material provides thermal, impact and chemical resistance properties.

Made of steel, aluminium or carbon fiber composites, its low weight contributes to a lower overall SCBA weight.

Integrated into the backplate to reduce snagging and the risk of entanglement, easily re-routable and replaceable.