In a groundbreaking demonstration of rapid-response evacuation technology, the Bangladesh Fire Service recently conducted a live drill showcasing the deployment of the FreeFall emergency evacuation slider. The drill, held in a densely populated urban area, featured only four firefighters successfully preparing and deploying the innovative spiral evacuation slide from a 10-storied building—within just 3 to 6 minutes of their arrival on the scene.
6 minutes all it takes to deploy the slider.
The exercise was part of a coordinated effort to enhance the country’s preparedness for high-rise emergencies such as fires and earthquakes. Upon arrival, the team quickly assessed the situation and began unloading the compactly stored FreeFall slider from their vehicle. Designed to be lightweight, portable, and easy to deploy, the system was efficiently mounted on the building’s predesignated anchoring points. Within moments, the slide was fully inflated using its integrated gas canister, forming a secure, spiral-shaped descent tunnel for occupants trapped above ground level.
What set this demonstration apart was not only the speed but also the simplicity of deployment. The slider requires no electricity, no structural alteration to the building, and no complex tools—just four trained personnel and a few minutes of setup time. This makes it especially suitable for congested urban zones where traditional evacuation methods may be delayed or inaccessible. The drill simulated an actual high-rise fire, with actors playing trapped residents sliding safely to the ground under firefighter supervision.
Spectators, including officials from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, praised the innovation for its practicality and life-saving potential. The exercise served as a critical training opportunity for responders and as a public awareness campaign for safer evacuation practices. Fire service authorities have since expressed interest in expanding the use of FreeFall systems across major cities, especially in areas prone to fire hazards and earthquake risks.
This successful demonstration proves that emergency response does not always require large crews or heavy machinery. With innovations like FreeFall, even a small team can make a life-saving difference in minutes—redefining what’s possible in high-rise evacuation strategies.
