As part of the Interaigis 2024 Civil Protection exhibition held in Athens, we met with the President of the Swiss company DICOSY, Mr. Renato Salvel, and we discussed the company.
DICOSY is represented in Greece by the well-known company IDATOR.
DICOSY has established itself as a leader in innovative solutions for fire brigades and disaster control. Can you share your vision for the company’s future direction?
Leading a company at the forefront of emergency response requires a unique skillset. What experiences have been most valuable in shaping your leadership style?
Leading DICOSY, a company at the forefront of emergency response, has been profoundly shaped by my 35 years of experience working worldwide with authorities in homeland security, defense, and firefighting sectors. My journey through various roles starting from a technical engineer to a project manager, CEO and now as President and founder has been a continuous learning curve, emphasizing the importance of building trust and confidence with employees, clients and partners. The key skills that have been invaluable in my leadership style include passion, trust, ambition, the will to persevere, focus, and a clear mission. These attributes have guided my approach, allowing me to inspire and lead a team that is innovative and committed to excellence. My technical engineering background and experiences have taught me that true leadership in emergency response requires more than just strategic thinking; it demands a dedication to cultivating relationships and a deep commitment to public safety, driving us to constantly push the boundaries of what is possible in emergency management.
Your flagship product, the Turbo Hydro Jet, is known for its power and reach. Can you elaborate on the specific technologies that make it so effective in firefighting and disaster response scenarios?
The innovative combination of jet engine technology with a spray-jet method has marked a significant advancement in firefighting techniques, particularly demonstrated during the Gulf War for extinguishing burning oil wells and within the chemical industry. This unique technology utilizes the exhaust gas from a jet engine as a delivery mechanism, which carries a stream of water transformed into billions of tiny droplets, averaging 400µm in size. This process creates an exceptionally large water surface area, making it incredibly effective for rapid heat absorption and fire suppression. In other words, we have a powerful “rain machine” that can launch the droplets over 150 meters away and 80 meters high.
The versatility of this system is one of its most remarkable features. It can be strategically employed for point or object defense in forest fire situations through the creation of water curtains, which help contain the spread of fire by cooling and moistening the surroundings. Additionally, it has applications in nuclear facilities as a tactical-operational unit for the decontamination of water-soluble radionuclides, demonstrating its crucial role in safety and emergency response scenarios.
Another significant application of this technology is in tunnel ventilation, where it aids in clearing smoke and toxic gases efficiently, enhancing safety during underground emergencies. Moreover, this system contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing water and wastewater usage by up to 70%, underscoring its effectiveness not only in firefighting but also in conserving natural resources. This multifaceted technology continues to be a pivotal tool in addressing complex firefighting and safety challenges across various industries.
From the outset, this technology captivated me so profoundly that we invested significant energy and resources into making it accessible to every firefighting and rescue organization. One of our engineering challenges was to simplify the handling, e while also achieving rapid deployment times and ensure safe use. Today, as market leaders and specialists in this field, we can look back with pride on the successful deployment of this technology expending also in forest fires and building fires. As a result, we have not only enhanced the capabilities of emergency response teams but also significantly improved safety and efficiency in critical situations. Our dedication to advancing this technology underscores our commitment to innovation and leadership in the firefighting industry, empowering professionals across the globe with superior tools to face their challenges.
DICOSY emphasizes the importance of customization for its clients. How does your company approach tailoring solutions to the specific needs of different fire brigades and emergency response teams?
At DICOSY, customization is central to our approach, ensuring that each solution precisely meets the specific needs of different fire brigades and emergency response teams. We start by conducting thorough consultations to understand the unique challenges and requirements of each client. Our products feature modular designs, allowing for flexibility in specifications such as range, water pressure, and deployment mechanisms. For needs that extend beyond our standard offerings, our engineering team develops custom modifications or integrates new technologies. We also provide tailored training programs to ensure that teams are proficient in operating the customized equipment effectively. Our commitment to ongoing support and adaptation allows us to update and refine solutions, ensuring they continue to meet client needs effectively as those needs evolve.
Looking ahead, what emerging technologies do you see playing a significant role in the future of firefighting and disaster control? Is DICOSY actively involved in research and development in these areas?
Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced sensor networks are poised to play significant roles in the future of firefighting and disaster control. DICOSY is deeply involved in research and development in these areas, collaborating closely with technical universities, professional associations, and NGOs. We engage regularly with our partners and customers to ensure our innovations meet real-world needs and stay at the forefront of technology. Additionally, DICOSY organizes professional conferences that focus not on the company, but on the specialized subjects themselves. These conferences facilitate a deeper understanding and discussion of critical topics in emergency response, fostering a community of learning and advancement within the industry. This approach ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of technology, ready to meet future challenges in firefighting and disaster response.
Effective disaster response often requires international collaboration. How does DICOSY work with partners around the world to ensure its solutions are accessible and effective in diverse environments?
Effective disaster response often hinges on robust international collaboration. At DICOSY, we understand the importance of this and have developed a global network that extends from Europe to Southeast Asia, and all the way to America. Central to our strategy is identifying the right local partners who can support the implementation of our solutions in their respective regions. These partners provide invaluable local knowledge, help navigate local regulations, and contribute to workshare. By collaborating closely with these partners, DICOSY ensures that our solutions are not only accessible but also tailored to meet the diverse environmental and regulatory challenges faced in different parts of the world. This approach enhances the effectiveness of our solutions, making them more adaptable and efficient in a variety of settings.
Beyond traditional firefighting, DICOSY highlights the role of its technology in military applications. Can you discuss the specific needs that DICOSY addresses in this sector?
Beyond traditional firefighting, DICOSY recognizes the expanding role of military forces, especially in Europe, where they increasingly engage in disaster response alongside their defense duties. Modern armies require specialized equipment to effectively handle such dual roles. DICOSY addresses this need by providing adaptable and robust technology capable of quick deployment and operation across national territories. Our equipment is designed to be pre-positioned at strategic locations, ensuring that military units can respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. This readiness enhances their capability not only in national defense but also in managing disaster scenarios, reinforcing the safety and resilience of the regions they protect. This approach integrates seamlessly with the operational strategies of the military, equipping them to face both conventional and emergent threats efficiently.
DICOSY emphasizes its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Can you elaborate on some of the company’s initiatives in this area?
DICOSY is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility, actively engaging in several key initiatives. We focus on community safety programs, partnering with local organizations to enhance emergency preparedness through workshops and training. We are dedicated to environmental sustainability, investing in the development of eco-friendly technologies that minimize the ecological impact of firefighting. Additionally, DICOSY supports educational outreach, offering scholarships and internships to foster the next generation of professionals in safety and emergency response fields.
How is your partnership with IDATOR in Greece going? What are your expectations for the Greek market? How do you view the Southeast European market?
Our partnership with IDATOR in Greece is in its initial stages, but we are optimistic about the potential it holds. Given Greece’s vulnerability to climatic challenges like forest fires and flooding, there is a significant need for advanced and professional emergency response equipment. Our collaboration aims to equip local responders with the necessary tools to effectively manage and mitigate these disasters.
Looking at the broader Southeast European market, we see a similar demand for specialized disaster response technologies. Many areas in this region face a range of environmental threats, and enhancing their response capabilities is crucial. Through our partnership with IDATOR and our exploration of the market, we anticipate playing a vital role in strengthening regional resilience and safety infrastructure.
Working at DICOSY means being part of a team dedicated to public safety and disaster preparedness. How would you describe the company culture and the qualities you look for in new recruits?
At DICOSY, our company culture is driven by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and a profound sense of responsibility towards public safety and disaster preparedness. We foster an environment where creativity, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving are highly valued. When recruiting new team members, we look for individuals who are not only technically proficient but also share our dedication to making a tangible difference in the world. Key qualities we seek include adaptability, resilience, and a passion for continuous learning and improvement, as these traits are crucial for thriving in the dynamic field of emergency response and disaster management.