As the planet warms and sea levels rise, so does the need for emergency equipment innovations to assist in search and rescue operations during flooding. Designed in collaboration with local firefighters and rescue specialists, the Trident provides a reach-and-rescue solution in which emergency personnel can telescope the pole to reach individuals up to 8 feet away.

On the end, an expanding foam tip for which it’s named gives the endangered person three loops to grip with their hands or cling to by inserting their arms. It also serves as a flotation device to keep them above water during the rescue. The pole is tipped with a stainless steel disc that prevents the person’s hands from slipping and keeps it from getting settled into mud. Made almost entirely from fiberglass, the telescopic design can be collapsed for easy transport and storage.

Designer: Dominic Siguang Ma