Base-X Shelter Review

The Emergency Incident Shelter and Command Post Systems by Base-X, Inc. provide first responders with a lightweight, compact and mobile solution for protection in emergency situations. Military tested and currently in use in Iraq and Afghanistan, these shelters can endure 55 MPH sustained winds and 65 MPH wind gusts. They can also withstand a 2" per hour rain force and are insulated with a patented air gap to give its occupants insulation from the elements.

These collapsible structures can be used as both incident command posts and medical centers. A power generation system, interior lighting with hang posts, and an air distribution system make the shelters fully operational for either application. As part of its command post configuration, Base-X offers its customers a cutting edge communications system, which allows police, fire, EMS, and military personnel to communicate with each other directly. This system is also compatible with cell phones, making it possible for first responders to communicate via telephone when traditional radios are not available.

As medical centers, Base-X's shelters are outfitted with removable decontamination liners, prepackaged medical tools and supplies, and hygiene kits. They can be used as triage centers or as a safe area for displaced victims to come to for basic medical care. As an additional service, Base-X offers packaged medical kits, which they inventory and restock when an emergency situation occurs.

With units ranging in size from 150 square feet to nearly 1,000 square feet, Base-X offers fire departments, law enforcement agencies and EMS teams a variety of options to fit their needs. These structures are available in tent or dome models, as well as in a free standing, inflatable air cell version. According to the manufacturer, one of the shelters can be assembled by two people and can be fully operational within four minutes.

Base-X offers direct purchasing options for fire departments, law enforcement agencies and EMS departments. Through the Base-X website, military agencies can order the shelters via GSA and DLA/DSCP contracts.