BOC eases the load for emergency services

Guildford, UK, 30 November 2009 - For frontline emergency medical services, BOC Healthcare’s revolutionary new oxygen cylinder offers an ultra-lightweight and easy-to-use source of medical oxygen. Developed in cooperation with Ambulance Trusts, this 1-litre, 300-bar cylinder weighs in at just 1.55 kg at full capacity – the lightest cylinder package available!

As well as having the best gas weight-to-duration ratio available on the market, the new BOC oxygen cylinder has the added benefits of lightweight integral valves, regulators and easy-click settings.

BOC, a member of The Linde Group, worked closely with Luxfer Gas Cylinders to develop the ultra-lightweight product which incorporates Luxfer’s Odyssey-L7X® cylinders. Easy to transport and manoeuvre, they are the ideal choice for emergency medical services and pre-hospital care. They can significantly reduce the risk of occupational strains and injuries associated with patient- and equipment-handling to crews working under pressure, particularly in confined or inaccessible spaces.

BOC Healthcare’s Product Manager Gloria Jennings adds: “We worked very closely with Ambulance Trusts to ensure that this new lightweight cylinder technology enhances their ability to respond rapidly, cost-effectively and above all, safely.”

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is one of the first Trusts in the UK to benefit from this new 1-litre cylinder technology. Eddie Webb, Operational Supervisor from SCAS Kidlington Resource Centre & Motorcycle Response Team, said: "This 1-litre cylinder is proving vital for our bike division. It weighs less, takes up hardly any space, and means that paramedics arriving at the scene of an emergency incident can administer life-saving oxygen immediately."

Manish Vadher, Marketing Director for Luxfer Gas Cylinders, commented: “Luxfer was delighted to work with BOC in developing a great product using our patented higher-strength, lighter-weight L7X® aluminium alloy technology.” Luxfer Odyssey-L7X® cylinders are part of the extensive Luxfer Medical range of aluminium and composite products.

The success of this collaborative project demonstrates the vision shared by both companies - to harness expertise and technology to the benefit of patients and the professionals who care for them.

The Linde Group
The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with almost 50,000 employees working in around 100 countries worldwide. In the 2008 financial year it achieved sales of EUR 12.7 billion. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable earnings-based growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.
For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com

Luxfer Gas Cylinders
Luxfer Gas Cylinders is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-pressure aluminium and composite cylinders for a wide range of gas-containment applications, including medical, life support for emergency services personnel, alternative fuel, fire extinguishers, beverage, industrial and speciality gas, inflation, performance racing, paintball and scuba diving. The company operates manufacturing facilities in England, France, the United States and China. Luxfer Gas Cylinders is a member of The Luxfer Group of high-technology companies. For more information, visit: www.luxfercylinders.com

For further information:
Simon Napper
BOC Communications
Phone: +44.7500.815166
simon.napper@boc.com