IDEX Fire & Safety used the stage at FDIC International 2026, the most important fire service gathering of the year, to highlight how it is advancing intelligence, interoperability and performance across the modern fireground.
Across its portfolio, IDEX Fire & Safety introduced new solutions that reflect a clear focus on intelligence, interoperability and performance.
“FDIC is where first responders come to see what’s next,” IDEX Fire & Safety President Brian Houk said. “These announcements reflect how IDEX Fire & Safety is focused on delivering intelligence, connectivity and real‑world performance, helping departments get more from the equipment they rely on today while preparing for what’s ahead.”
AI Comes to Equipment Service
At the center of IDEX Fire & Safety’s presence was the launch of Captium™ IQ, an industry‑first AI Technician from HURST Jaws of Life®. Built to support service and equipment readiness, Captium IQ brings AI‑assisted diagnostics and guided support directly to technicians, helping accelerate troubleshooting, standardize service workflows and improve equipment uptime.
- Puts technical guidance in technicians’ hands at the point of service
- Helps diagnose issues faster and identifies likely issues based on past usage patterns
- Promotes more consistent, documented maintenance to support fleet readiness
Available through a mobile app starting in May 2026, Captium IQ is designed to reduce service complexity while strengthening long‑term aftermarket and support capabilities across the Captium platform. Over time, these AI‑enabled insights can help departments and service teams make more informed maintenance decisions and keep critical rescue tools in service.
“Captium IQ is designed to make servicing HURST Jaws of Life tools more efficient, consistent, and accessible,” said Phil Griffin, Director of Product Management with HURST Jaws of Life. “By combining guided diagnostics, clear repair workflows, and AI-powered support, Captium IQ helps departments and service partners improve uptime and maintain confidence in their equipment.”
Turning Apparatus Data Into Fireground Insight
IDEX Fire & Safety also announced expanded Captium integrations, enabling departments to stream data from existing apparatus into trusted third‑party platforms, without new trucks or data plans.
By acting as a secure data hub, Captium helps deliver real‑time pump, water and response intelligence directly to command staff and firefighters, unlocking more value from equipment already in service and reinforcing IDEX Fire & Safety’s commitment to interoperability.
Expanding Water Control Options
Akron Brass introduced the Flat Out™ Assault Ring Kit, a field‑installable upgrade that adds a flat disperse discharge pattern to select Assault nozzles. Designed for exterior attack, wildland and wind‑driven conditions, the new pattern delivers controlled, linear surface coverage while retaining straight stream and power cone functionality.
The kit integrates with SAM™ and SAM BOOST™ and installs quickly with no permanent modification.
Previewing the Future of Fire Pumps
Rounding out the announcements, Hale previewed the next‑generation QMAX‑APX Fire Pump at FDIC. Building on the legacy of the widely specified QMAX platform, QMAX‑APX introduces a more modular, future‑ready design intended to simplify apparatus engineering, accommodate evolving emissions systems and support expanded connectivity through Captium.