The MCD® Fire Escape System
The MCD® (Military Compact Descender®) Fire Escape System by Tech Safety Lines is a compact bail-out kit designed for first responders. It supports both self-rescue and assisted rescue, providing a controlled means of descent from elevated environments during emergency situations.
- Extreme Heat Resistance — The system's rope is rated to withstand temperatures up to 932°F, providing critical protection in the high-heat environments firefighters face on the fireground.
- Exceptional Strength — With a minimum breaking strength of 6,700 lb., the MCD® Fire Escape System delivers the structural integrity required for life-safety applications. Technora rope is specifically designed for strength retention in chemical exposures covering a wide range of aggressive chemicals, concentrations, exposure times, and temperatures.
- Ultralight at Any Length — The complete 50 ft. kit weighs just 2.7 lbs., meaning firefighters gain a full self-rescue capability without meaningfully adding to the load they already carry.
- Dual braking system — both an active brake and a passive brake.
- Compact, Pocket-Ready Design — The entire system fits directly into a standard firefighter pant pocket, ensuring it is always on the firefighter and immediately accessible — no extra gear, no added bulk.
- Magnetic Quick-Access Bag — A magnetic bag closure allows for rapid, one-motion deployment when seconds count, eliminating fumbling or delays at the moment of need.
- Fully Glove-Compatible — Every component of the kit is designed to be accessed and operated while wearing firefighting gloves, so dexterity limitations never compromise a rescue.
- Versatile Connection Options — The system accommodates both carabiner and stealth hook connections, giving firefighters the flexibility to deploy in whatever configuration best fits the situation.
The MCD Fire Escape System has been 3rd party certified by UL as meeting NFPA 2500, Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services, Edition 2022.
The MCD Fire Escape System includes the following components:
- NFPA Anchor Hook Connector with Steel Tip
- 6mm Technora Rope
- Military Compact Descender®
- NFPA Carabiner
- Compact bag
MILITARY COMPACT DESCENDER (MCD)
FIRST RESPONDERS & SWAT TEAMS
The MCD is utilized by first responders and SWAT officers for self-descent, assisted descent, gear lowering, evacuation, and assisted rescue.
Its hands-free braking system allows for tactical positioning, freeing both hands to carry out critical objectives, including weapon deployment.
The MCD can be deployed from both moving and static structures and is suitable for use on any elevated structure, including buildings and bridges.
US ARMED FORCES
The MCD is designed for self-descent, assisted descent, gear lowering, evacuation, and assisted rescue operations.
Its hands-free braking system enables tactical positioning by freeing both hands for critical tasks, including weapon deployment.
The MCD can be deployed from both moving and static structures and is suitable for use in urban, wooded, and mountainous environments.
US NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE
The MCD is utilized by United States Forest Service personnel for self-descent, assisted descent, gear lowering, evacuation, and assisted rescue.
Its hands-free braking system allows for tactical positioning, freeing both hands for critical tasks.
The MCD can be deployed from both moving and static structures and is suitable for use in wooded and mountainous environments.
MCD® Fire Escape System
Women Owned Small Business
Since 2002, our female-led team has delivered innovative, life-saving technologies to industries worldwide, including aerospace, energy, and construction.
Custom Solutions
TSL provides a full range of consulting services—from safety assessments to custom product design—and is trusted by leading organizations such as Bell Helicopter, GE, and Duke Energy.
Certified
ISO 9001:2015 certified across multiple domains, including Rescue Training, Rescue System Design, Fall Protection Equipment, and Rescue Consulting Services.
Rooted in the mission of saving lives.
Inspired by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Diane Waghorne felt a profound calling to develop safer ways for people to evacuate from perilous situations. Her research led her to a device designed for emergency descent in dangerous conditions. Recognizing its life-saving potential, Diane acquired the patent for the Military Compact Descender (MCD) and brought its manufacturing to North Texas.
Driven by her passion for incident prevention and her unwavering commitment to safety across all industries, Diane established Tech Safety Lines (TSL) as a trusted leader in rescue solutions.
Today, Tech Safety Lines operates from two training centers in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, with more than 50,000 rescue kits deployed in over 35 countries worldwide.