Sterling FDNY Large Area Search Kit – Firefighter Search & Rescue System

The Sterling FDNY Large Area Search Kit is a purpose-built search system developed to the specifications of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) for large-area search operations in high-hazard, smoke-filled, and low-visibility environments. The system combines Sterling SearchLite rope, directional distance indicators, attachment hardware, and a dedicated deployment bag into a complete firefighter search-line package.

At the center of the system is 200 feet of Sterling SearchLite, a compact 7.5 mm fire search rope originally developed for FDNY. SearchLite incorporates reflective fibers into the sheath to increase visibility when illuminated, while its blended nylon and Technora® core enhances strength and reduces the potential for failure caused by melting.

Heat-resistant conical directional indicators are positioned every 25 feet along the search line. The cones provide firefighters with tactile reference points for determining both distance traveled and direction back toward the exit, an important capability when visibility is severely limited.

A locking double-action aluminum swivel snap hook provides attachment to a stationary object, while the SearchLite rope is packaged in a durable vinyl search bag with a quick-release shoulder strap for transport and deployment during search operations.

The SearchLite rope has a minimum breaking strength of 3,012 pounds (13.4 kN) and weighs approximately 2.2 pounds per 100 feet. Its compact diameter allows 200 feet of search line to be carried in a relatively small deployment package while retaining the heat resistance and visibility characteristics required for firefighter search operations.

Kit includes 200' of 7.5 mm Sterling SearchLite rope with heat-resistant directional cones every 25', locking double-action aluminum swivel snap hook, and vinyl search bag with quick-release shoulder strap.

Performance Ratings and Specifications