As you bring your aircraft down to the surface of the water, you suddenly find yourself inverted and the cockpit is filling with water fast. You attempt to release your seatbelt but the tension from being upside down has caused the release to fail. You leverage yourself back up into the seat and try again. This time it works but you are now completely submersed. You make an attempt to egress but the seatbelt has snagged your lifevest and has once again stopped your progress. This is the point where panic takes over. You tug and pull but the seatbelt is still snagged. Suddenly, you remember you have a HEED3 Bottle in your lifevest or hanging near the exit. You reach for the HEED3 and within seconds you are breathing nice clean dry air. After three breaths, you are calmed. You look down and realize that the seatbelt is lodged in the corner of your lifevest. You calmly pull the seatbeat out and out you go. This story is based upon a true episode experienced by a U.S. Coast Guard Pilot that I interviewed in 1995.
The Helicopter Emergency Egress Device 3 (HEED 3) manufactured by Submersible Systems, Inc. is an updated version of the original HEED. A compact, lightweight and reliable self contained breathing apparatus, the HEED 3 is designed to increase the survivability of military and commercial personnel in short-term out-of-air emergencies.
Provides lifesaving air needed to egress from a downed aircraft or a rolled vehicle in the water.
Ideal for all helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, float planes, watercraft and vehicles that operate around possible water emergencies.
Protects personnel from inhaling dangerous and lethal toxic fumes from fire or smoke.
Over 250,000 systems sold worldwide.
Includes: 1.7 cu. ft. unit with Dial Guage Pressure Indicator (So you always know how much air is in the bottle), a Holster, and a set of Nose Plugs.
Provides 30 breaths for a duration of 2-5 minutes (varies upon user's lung capacity, physical exertion, depth, and temperature of water).
Caution:Training on this device is highly recommended.
Aviation Survival Technologies is an authorized repair facility for the Submersible System, Inc. Spare Air and HEED3 Units.
