TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a safety device and in particular to a safety device for erecting an emergency cordon.

BACKGROUND

Accidents and other medical emergencies can occur in public places. Before an ambulance or other service arrives to take a patient to hospital or perform an assessment of injuries at the scene, there will be a waiting time. It may not be safe or possible to move an injured person, so instead the area should be blocked off.

People may want to help or get a closer look at the injured person, but a gathering crowd could potentially put the patient in danger. In a dense crowd the patient may be in particular danger if they have collapsed or otherwise found themselves on the ground, as people may not notice the patient and could trample them, worsening their injuries. Further issues include that medical professionals may also struggle to find a patient in a crowded area, in particular if they are at ground level. On-lookers may witness unpleasant detail of an injury, which can of particular importance in televised sporting events, such as motor racing or the like. If an injury has occurred in the throes of a crime, it may be beneficial to prevent the public from approaching the injured person or the surroundings, in order to preserve evidence.

It is common for first responders and even members of the public to gather around an injured person to form a human cordon. In this case, cooperation of the public is relied upon, or enough of a presence of first responders to form an effective cordon. Police, for example, form cordons using eye-catching tape and/or chains and cones or other supports. A sufficient supply of supports needs to be available. Alternatively, temporary barriers may be used as a cordon. Cones and barriers and other blockades can take up room in an emergency vehicle that could otherwise be used to store medical supplies.

US 2018/0142495 describes an inflatable gawker fence having inflatable tubular framework. However, such system requires an external air compression source. Furthermore, said system is directed to a simple visual barrier and thus may not provide sufficient deterrent to members of the public. Additionally, only a visual barrier is provided.

It is an objective of the present invention to at least ameliorate the above disadvantages. SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety device for erecting an emergency cordon, said device comprising: an inflatable barrier for at least partially enclosing an area; and a pump for inflating the inflatable barrier, wherein the pump is connected to the barrier and configured to inflate the barrier to create a cordoned area demarked by the barrier.

The safety device provides a portable safety cordon that can be more easily transported and erected to cordon off an area to maintain safety for occupants within the area demarked by the barrier. By providing an inflatable barrier, the barrier can be easily and quickly erected and equally quickly deflated and stowed away for later use.

By providing the pump, which may be a motor driven air compressor similar to a tyre inflator, or a bouncy castle inflator, or may be a pressurised gas source, the device is able to be self- contained and easily erected by a single user. Having the pump connected to the barrier allows for the barrier to be a self-contained unit that can be easily and quickly deployed. This allows installation or provision of such barriers in fixed locations, rather than relying on providing the barriers to a response team that also provides the means to inflate the barrier.

Typically the device further comprises a battery configured to power the pump. Battery powered pumps increase portability and are typically suitable for the short term cordon desired to be created by the safety device. It can be appreciated that utilising a battery further increases the ability to install or provide such barriers in fixed locations, and allows the barrier to be inflated without specialist equipment or training.

In embodiments, the barrier may comprise a pyramid shaped inflatable body. The pyramid shaped inflatable body may be configured to placed on the ground (or whatever surface is available) such that the point of the pyramid points upwards. The pyramid shaped inflatable body may have good stability due to its shape, for example good wind resistance. The pyramid shaped inflatable body may have a square base, or may be more cone shaped, having a round base.

In embodiments the barrier may comprise a first body and at least one leg connected to the body such that gas can pass between the body and the leg, wherein the pump is configured to inflate the body and the leg and wherein the leg is configured to support the body above the ground when the leg is inflated. Typically a second body may be connectable to the first body, wherein each of the first body and the second body comprises an opening configured to allow gas to pass between the bodies when connected. The first body can comprise a valve operable to control the passage of gas between the bodies when connected and/or configured to allow gas into or out of the first body. The second body may not include a leg, and accordingly when the first and second bodies are connected, the at least one leg of the first body are also configured to support the second body above the ground when the at least one leg is inflated. The first and second bodies may be connectable to form a corner in the barrier. This provides a modular structure for the safety barrier, with the different bodies acting to together form the safety barrier.

In some embodiments the pump may be connected to the barrier at the at least one leg, the leg including an opening allowing gas to be pumped into the leg by the pump. This aids the user in inflating the safety device, with inflation occurring at one end of the device.

A third body may be connectable to the second body, wherein each of the third body and the second body comprises an opening configured to allow gas to pass between the bodies when connected. Accordingly, when inflated the first body and the third body each has a longitudinal axis, wherein the axes run parallel to one another and wherein the second body extends between the first body and the third body such that a cordoned area with an open side and three sides blocked by the bodies is defined. This configuration provides a U-shaped barrier and maximises the demarked area.

Typically the first body may be configured to be packed away when not inflated into a package.

More than one of the bodies may be configured to be packed away into the same package, or each body may pack away into its own package. The barrier may be formed from a single body, configured to be packed away into one package. The single package may be convenient for travel and for packing and unpacking the barrier. Multiple packages comprising separate bodies to form the barrier may be smaller in volume than a single package so may be more practical for transport. Either option is more practical than a barrier that does not pack away. In some embodiments the barrier may comprise a flat side when inflated, the flat side configured to lie flat on the ground. The barrier may also comprise a curved side connected to the flat side, configured to reach a non-zero height above the flat side when the barrier is inflated. The flat side may have reinforcing to reduce risk of the device being pierced. The reinforcing may include thicker material and/or reinforcing material. The barrier may also comprise two ends and a curved central region between the two ends, having a concave shape configured to provide a cordoned area. The pump may be connected to the barrier at one of the ends, via an opening in the barrier configured to allow gas to pass into the barrier. In some embodiments the barrier may further comprise an indicator configured to be inflated by the pump, connected to the barrier via an opening configured to allow gas to pass into the indicator, wherein when inflated the indicator is configured to extend from the barrier at a non-zero angle with respect to a plane of the barrier in order to indicate the location of the barrier. The barrier acts to alert people of both the device inflating and can also act to alert people of the cause of the cordon.

In further embodiments the pump may be configured to stop pumping gas into the barrier after a predetermined time period from being switched on and/or wherein the safety device includes a pressure sensor and wherein the pump is configured to stop pumping gas into the barrier automatically when the pressure sensor measures a pressure above a predetermined threshold pressure. It can be appreciated that this can depend on the material used to create the barrier and whether a continuous inflation is required, or if the material comprises a sealed inflatable material. Example material includes ripstop fabrics, typically made of nylon, that are resistant to tearing and ripping. Coating with PVC, polyurethane, silicon, or vinyl or the like may be done for increased waterproof, airtight and/or fire safety reasons. Alternatively the material may be such PVS, vinyl or nylon.

Typically the pump may be configured to deflate the barrier by extracting gas from the barrier and/or wherein the barrier comprises an air release valve operable to emit gas from the barrier into the surroundings. This allows the device to be quickly deflated and packed away.

The device may further comprise a pump module including the pump, wherein the pump module comprises a light and/or a speaker. It can be appreciated that the light and/or speaker may be provided independently of the or a pump module. The speaker may be configured to emit an alarm that sounds automatically when the pump is inflating the barrier. The speaker may be connectable to a microphone. As noted above, this can aid nearby people of the purpose of the cordon. Such additional non-visual alert means can aid in providing a cordon effect that is non-visual, which may be invaluable in low visibility conditions and/or for people with visual issues.

The safety device may have a communication module configured to transmit and/or receive a signal. Such signal may allow the cordon to be controlled remotely, for example remotely controlling the pump module and/or the additional alert means, and/or may be used to relay information to and/or from the cordon. This may be useful to provide alerts to an emergency service, and/or such that first responders and/or helpers on the scene can receive or provide information about the status of injured parties within the cordon. In embodiments, such communication module may comprise means for connecting a visual recording device to the cordon, for example to allow a helpers mobile device to be used as a live video device who’s feed can be streamed to external emergency services to provide visual updates of the status of the scene.

A locator module may be provided to determine a location of the safety device. This may allow the exact location of an incident to be easily determined by emergency services.

A treatment module may be provided, said module comprising breathing apparatus configured to assist a patient with breathing.

A comfort module may be provided comprising an inflatable cushion, wherein the pump is configured to inflate the cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples, which should not be construed as limiting, are shown in the figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a safety device according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a safety device according to an embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a safety device according to an embodiment; and

Figure 4 shows a pump module and other example modules of the safety device.

Embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example below.

Figure 1 shows a safety device 100 for cordoning off an area for view. The device 100 is shown as comprising a pump module 110 and an inflatable barrier 120. The pump module 110 is connected to the barrier 120 and allows the barrier 120 to be inflated after deployment around an area to be cordoned.

The pump module 110 typically comprises an automatic battery operated air pump or compressor that acts to inflate the barrier 120 into an inflated condition, although a pressurised gas canister may be used for smaller barriers. The barrier 120 is shown in Figure 1 in said inflated condition. The barrier 120 is configured to be rapidly deployable through inflation by the pump in an emergency situation. The barrier 120 may be suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

In Figure 1, a patient 200 is being attended to by two first responders 210. The first responders 210 may have brought the safety device 100 to the scene and deployed it in order to form a cordoned area, allowing them to attend to the patient 200 as necessary without people crowding. As described above, the pump is configured to pump gas into the barrier 120 to inflate the barrier 120. The gas is typically air although another suitable gas (with a suitably high density) may be used in embodiments where the pump module 110 includes a pressurised canister of gas.

The pump includes a compressor driven by a motor 118 and is configured to draw in air from the surroundings, for pumping into the barrier 120. The pump may be configured to inflate the barrier 120 and to retain the barrier 120 in an inflated state, for example by topping up the gas in the barrier 120 as needed.

In embodiments, the barrier 120 may be manufactured by stitching for example, as is known in large scale inflatables, such that gas is constantly escaping via holes left by the stitching. The pump is configured to supply gas, either occasionally or constantly, to maintain the barrier 120 in an inflated state.

The pump module 110 is connected to the barrier 120 at an opening 130 in the barrier 120. The opening 130 is further connected to a conduit 132 as shown in Figure 1 and the conduit 132 connected to the pump module 110. The conduit 132 allows passage of gas between the pump module 110 and barrier 120. The conduit 132 may be connected to the barrier 120 in a manner that prevents gas leaking at the opening 130. For example, a seal may be provided at the conduit, such as around the conduit 132 where it connects to the barrier 120, to prevent gas leaks. The conduit 132 is typically formed from plastics material or rubber. It can be appreciated that the conduit 132 may itself be inflatable and may be configured to be inflated by the pump.

The barrier 120 is formed from a plastics material, for example polyvinylchloride (PVC) or the like - typically 500 - 700 gsm PVC. PVC is typically used because the material of the barrier 120 is ideally stretchable to aid inflation. PVC is also waterproof, although it can be appreciated that for other materials the barrier 120 may include a waterproof coating, such that the barrier 120 can be used in wet weather. The material may be configured to be tear resistant (to prevent the barrier 120 from bursting open or being punctured).

In the example shown, the barrier 120 includes one or more bodies. Each body is generally elongate and tubular or includes a hollow inner area, to allow gas inside the body. Each body may be free from barriers inside the body that would prevent the flow of gas through the body. Each body may be generally straight when inflated or may be curved or include corners. In Figure 1 the barrier 120 includes three bodies 121, 122 and 123, but any suitable number of bodies may be provided, including a single body forming the barrier 120. Each body 121, 122, 123 may have a width - for example, where the body has a circular cross-section, a diameter - of 300mm to 500mm, for example. Each body 121, 122, 123 may have a length of 2m to 5m. A body 121, 122, 123 may have a length of 2m or of 2.5m, or between 2m and 2.5m. More than one body 121, 122, 123 may be the same or substantially the same length. Two or more of the bodies 121, 122, 123 may differ in length. The lengths of the bodies 121, 122, 123 may determine the shape of the cordon once the barrier 120 is inflated. The barrier 120 may be configured to accommodate a person lying on their back and two people kneeling or sitting close to the person - allowing sufficient space for the patient 200 to be assessed or even treated (for example via CPR) by two first responders 210. An example configuration of bodies 121, 122, 123 may include first and second bodies having a first, equal length and a third body of a different length - for example 2m, 2m and 2.5m. In this way, most people (those below around 6ft 6 inches or 1.98m tall) can lie down within an area cordoned off by the barrier 120.

The barrier 120 may have a diameter when inflated and may be tubular. The diameter of the barrier 120 may be 0.1m or between 0.05m and 0.1m, or between 0.1m and 0.2m. The barrier 120 may have another cross-sectional shape having a length or width of 0.1m, between 0.05m and 0.1m, or between 0.1m and 0.2m.

Each body 121, 122, 123 includes a leg or multiple legs, which may be inflatable; the pump module 110 may be configured to inflate the or each leg. In Figure 1, the first body 121 includes a pair of legs 124, 125 and the third body 123 includes a pair of legs 127, 128. The legs 124, 125, 127, 128 may be configured to support the respective bodies 121, 123. In Figure 1, the legs 124, 125, 127, 128 are on the ground and are configured to support the bodies 121, 122, 123 above the ground. The bodies 121, 122, 123 may be supported generally at waist height of average adults or higher, to prevent people from stepping over the barrier 120 easily. The barrier 120 may also be supported so as to be too low to duck underneath easily for adults of average height. For example, the length of the or each leg 124, 125, 127, 128 may be 1 metre. The length of the or each leg 124, 125, 127, 128 may be between 0.5m to Im, for example 0.75m or 0.8m.

When combined, a leg 124, 125, 127, 128 of around 0.8m and a barrier 120 of diameter/length/width of around 0.1m when inflated form a cordon at a height of around 0.9m above the ground. This is high enough for people to have to walk around, whilst being inconvenient for most people to climb over or under the barrier 120. Once the barrier 120 is positioned, it is desirable to prevent it from moving. One or more of the legs 124, 125, 127, 128 may include a weight to anchor the legs to the ground. The barrier 120 can also include clips, hooks or other mechanisms for attachment to guide ropes or the like, to anchor the barrier 120.

The second body 122 as shown does not include any legs, but in other examples the second body 122 may include at least one leg. In the example shown in Figure 1, connecting the second body 122 to the first and third bodies 121, 123 may provide sufficient support for the second body 122 and legs 124, 125, 127, 128 may not be needed. Using a minimal number of legs 124, 125, 127, 128 (i.e. only those needed to support the bodies 121, 122, 123) may allow for easier storage of the barrier 120 when not inflated. Including at least one leg 124, 125, 127, 128 on each body 121, 122, 123 may improve the blocking ability of the barrier 120, as the legs 124, 125, 127, 128 may effectively block a person from ducking under the bodies 121, 122, 123 at the leg’s 124, 125, 127, 128 position.

Each body 121, 122, 123 may have two opposing ends. In Figure 1, the bodies 121, 122, 123 are connected at their ends to form the barrier 120. The bodies 121, 122, 123 may otherwise be connected together to form the barrier 120. For example, one of the bodies may be connected to another one of the bodies between its two ends. Bodies may be connected together to form a grid when inflated. The barrier 120 may be a closed square or rectangle, for example, which may comprise four bodies connected together such that gas can pass into all of the bodies via the opening at the pump module 110.

In Figure 1, the barrier 120 has a U shape, including three sides (the bodies 121, 122, 123) and an open side. The open side may allow easy access for emergency services. The open side may be arranged against a wall of a building (such that the wall provides a fourth side of the cordoned area) or against a vehicle for example. The open side may allow access to an ambulance where the patient 200 needs to be stretchered into the back, avoiding the need to lift the patient 200 over the barrier 120.

In an example, the shape of the barrier in Figure 1 may be achieved by a single body and not interconnected bodies. A single body may form a square, rectangular, or circular barrier 120.

As shown in Figure 1, the pump module 110 may be arranged with respect to the barrier 120 such that it sits within the cordoned area. This may prevent a person who is outside of the cordoned area from tampering with the pump module 110.

The barrier 120 may be decorated with bright colours such as red or yellow to draw the eye to the barrier 120. The barrier 120 may be striped, which is a pattern commonly used on police cordons. The barrier 120 may include a written warning, such as “stay clear” or “emergency”, or even “do not cross”. Each body 121, 122, 123 may include a different written warning.

As multiple bodies 121, 122, 123 may be connected to form the barrier 120 and gas may be passed through one body to another, the bodies 121, 122, 123 may include an opening where the bodies 121, 122, 123 are connectable. One or more of the openings may comprise a valve operable to control the passage of gas between the bodies when connected.

The openings may also be used to deflate the bodies 121, 122, 123 respectively, if the openings are opened to the surroundings.

The barrier 120 may be configured to be packed away when not inflated. For transporting the safety device 100, it may be desirable to pack the barrier 120 away separately from the pump module 110, as the barrier 120 may be compressed (once deflated) for storage. For the example of Figure 1, each body 121, 122, 123 may be individually storable.

Figure 2 shows an alternative safety device 100. This example safety device 100 comprises four bodies 121, 122, 123, 129. Each body 121, 122, 123, 129 is shown with a pyramid shape. Whereas the barrier 120 of Figure 1 includes bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 connected together (or may be a single piece), the barrier 120 of Figure 2 is formed from separate bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 . Any suitable number of bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 may be provided to create the barrier 120.

In Figure 2, the barrier 120 is deployed between walls 230. The barrier 120 may be formed by arranging a body 121, 122, 123, 129 between two walls 230 to close an available through route or indicate that a route should not be taken. The pump 110 may be used to inflate each part of the barrier 120 (each body 121, 122, 123, 129) rather than the bodies being connected and allowing gas to be pumped through them in sequence. Each body 121, 122, 123, 129 may therefore have an opening 130 and may each have a conduit 132. Of course, the walls 230 need not be used as part of the barrier 120. The barrier 120 may not define a closed cordoned area but may merely indicate that a cordon is intended. As shown in Figure 2, a person could walk between a body 121, 122, 123, 129 and another body 121, 122, 123, 129 or a wall 230 easily, but may choose not to, based on seeing the barrier 120 and intended cordoned area. Legs are not used for the barrier 120 of Figure 2. Each pyramid-shaped body 121, 122, 123, 129 is laid directly on the ground and points upwards. Each pyramid may have a height above the ground of around 0.5m or a height of between 0.3m and 0.8m, which should be sufficient to indicate that a person should not cross the barrier 120. Each pyramid may have a height intended to meet the knee of a person of average height for example. Even though the barrier 120 of Figure 2 is lower down than that of Figure 1, so may not be as eye-catching, its height may be enough such that if a person walks directly into one of the bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 they are stopped in their tracks. As mentioned above, each body 121, 122, 123, 124 may include markings - in the case of the pyramids, this may prevent the barrier 120 from being a trip hazard.

A body 121, 122, 123, 129 may be stored as a package . Each package may include one body or more than one body. Any number of suitable packages (and bodies 121, 122, 123, 129) may be provided to build the barrier 120.

A body 121, 122, 123, 129 may be foldable to form the package , such that a portion of the body 121, 122, 123, 129 forms an external surface of the package and the rest of the body

121, 122, 123, 129 can be enclosed by the external surface. The body 121, 122, 123, 129 comprises a pocket into which the rest of the body 121, 122, 123, 129 can be folded.

The package comprises a housing , which may be flexible. The housing may be a bag or cover. The housing may be formed from the same material as the bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 for example. The housing is typically a rigid housing a box or other rigid container. The housing may include a door to allow the body 121, 122, 123, 129 stored therein to be removed. The body 121, 122, 123, 129 may be connectable to the pump module 110 while still housed or partially housed by the housing . The door may be configured for quick release if the body 121, 122, 123, 129 begins inflating inside the housing . An inflating body 121,

122, 123, 129 may apply pressure to the door to open the door.

The housing allows the pump module 110 to be connected to the body 121, 122, 123, 129, for example the housing may include an opening or conduit.

Multiple bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 are connectable together while still housed in their respective housings . When stored, the openings for allowing gas to pass between bodies 121,

122, 123, 129 may be accessible/exposed such that a first responder 210 can bring the bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 together ready for successful inflation (while still housed or partially housed).

It may be possible to inflate each body 121, 122, 123, 129 individually, using the pump module 110, then to connect them together. However, this would require each body 121, 122,

123, 129 to include an opening 130 for allowing gas to enter from the pump module 110, and each body 121, 122, 123, 129 may include a conduit 132. It may be desirable that each body 121, 122, 123, 129 can be connected to the pump module 110, to reduce time at the scene for inflation. The first responder 210 or another user would not need to identify the single suitable body 121, 122, 123, 129 for connection to the pump module 110. Where only one of the bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 is connectable to the pump module 110, the body 121, 122, 123, 129 or for example the housing may be marked as such.

The packages /stored bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 may have a pyramid shape. This may be useful when storing the packages in warehouses, for example on shelves. The pyramid shape may discourage anyone from putting heavy objects (or any objects) on top of the packages , which may be damaging but may also slow down deployment, making them harder to grab. Other shapes of package may also be used, for example cubes or cuboids, or the barrier 120 may be rolled up for storage. Each package or stored body 121, 122, 123, 129 may be conveniently dimensioned to be picked up by a person. Each package 200 or stored body 121, 122, 123, 129 may have a volume of less than 0.5 cubic metres.

In an example, the barrier 120 may comprise a flat side 310 when inflated, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 also shows a zoomed in portion of the barrier 120. The barrier 120 of Figure 3 may have any of the features of the barrier 120 of Figure 1. However, in this example, the barrier 120 may not comprise as many legs, or any at all, compared with the example that is raised off the ground by legs shown in Figure 1. The flat side 310 may be configured to lie on the ground when the barrier 120 is inflated. The barrier 120 may be anchorable to prevent movement of the barrier 120 from its desired position; the flat side 310 of the barrier 120 may be weighted, or may include a pocket to receive a weight.

The barrier 120 of Figure 3 is shown comprising a curved side 320 connected to the flat side 310, configured to reach a non-zero height above the flat side 310 when the barrier 120 is inflated. The non-zero height may be between 100mm and 300mm. This would not prevent a person from stepping over the barrier 120 but would be a useful visual indicator that the area was being cordoned. The barrier 120 may have straight sides attached to the flat side 310 instead of the curved side 320. The curved side 320 may be preferable to reduce wear and tear compared with including sharp corners in the barrier 120. Inflating the barrier 120 having a curved side 320 may be quicker and easier.

The barrier 120 of Figure 3 is shown as having two ends and a curved central region between the two ends - i.e. a substantially semi-circular shape. The barrier 120 may have a concave shape. The barrier 120 may define a cordoned area within the concave shape. This shape may reduce susceptibility of the barrier 120 from being pushed by the wind, improving stability.

As described for the barrier 120 of Figure 1 where there is an open side, the concave barrier 120 may be arranged against a wall or vehicle or otherwise positioned to close off the concave area and create an enclosed cordoned area. The opening 130 may be located at or near one of the ends of the concave barrier 120 of Figure 3, such that when connected to the pump module 110 gas may be pumped around the curve from the end with the opening 130 to the other end. The concave barrier 120 of Figure 3 may be modular, including multiple bodies 121, 122, 123, 129, as described for the version in Figure 1.

The barrier 120 may include the flat side 310 and curved side 320 but may not be concave. For example, the barrier 120 may comprise one or more straight bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 formed with a flat side 310 and curved side 320. A square, rectangular, circular or U-shaped barrier 120 may be formed including a curved side 320 and flat side 310, configured to be placed directly on the ground without the need for legs.

The barrier 120 may comprise an indicator 340 configured to be inflated by the pump, connected to the barrier 120 via an opening configured to allow gas to pass into the indicator 340 through the barrier 120. The indicator 340 may be inflatable by the pump through an opening in the indicator 340 directly. When inflated, the indicator 340 may be configured to extend from the barrier 120 at a non-zero angle with respect to a plane of the barrier 120 in order to indicate the location of the barrier 120. The indicator 340 may be a protrusion such as an inflated pole, inflated to stand vertically or substantially vertically, as shown in Figure 3. The indicator 340 may have a length and extend a non-zero height when inflated, with respect to the height of the rest of the barrier 120 above the ground. For example, the length of the indicator 340 may be between Im and 1.5m. The indicator 340 may be configured to extend a height above that of average adult human height, such that it can be seen above a crowd. The combined height of the rest of the barrier 120 above the ground and the indicator 340 may exceed that of an average human adult, to be seen above a crowd.

More than one indicator 340 may be included on the barrier 120. Although described with respect to the barrier 120 flat on the ground of Figure 3, any example barrier 120 described herein may comprise the indicator 340.

Where the barrier 120 has legs 124, 125, 127, 128, it may still not be tall enough to be seen easily through a crowd, so there would be a benefit to the indicator 340 extending above average adult height. The indicator 340 may include a light, for example at or near the highest part of the indicator 340 when inflated, configured to attract attention. Where the body 121, 122, 123, 129 is a pyramid shape, the light may be included at the point. The light may be battery powered. The light be configured to flash.

Figure 4 shows the pump module 110. The pump module 110 comprises a power switch or button 109, configured to switch the pump module 110 on and off. The pump module 110 is typically operable by a user, such that when the pump module 110 is “on” the pump is pumping gas and when the pump is “off’ it stops pumping gas. Switching the pump module 110 “on” may not immediately start pumping of gas - the pump module 110 may require configuration before the pump starts pumping gas. For example, the pump module 110 may be switched on and the user may enter a time period for which the pump should pump gas. The pump may be configured to stop pumping gas into the barrier 120 after a predetermined time period from being switched on, or from being configured to start pumping gas.

The pump module 110 includes a controller configured to control the pump. The predetermined time period may be selected based on the volume of gas required to inflate the barrier 120 to a desired level. The predetermined time period may be a factory setting for the controller, or may be selected by a user based on the desired inflation of the barrier 120 for use.

The pump module 110 may include a user interface, configured to allow a user to control the controller and/or other elements of the pump module 110.

The pump module 110 may include a funnel 111 configured to allow gas into and out of the pump module 110. The conduit 132 may be connectable to the funnel 111.

The user may simply switch the pump module 110 off when enough gas is in the barrier 120. The pump module 110 may remain switched on but may be configured to stop the pump from pumping gas. As noted above, the pump may be used to maintain the barrier 120 in an inflated state, by replacing gas lost to the surroundings (for example, through stitching in the barrier 120). For this, the pump may operate at a lower level than when the barrier 120 is initially being inflated, as less gas is needed.

The pump module 110 may comprise a pressure sensor 112, such as a pressure gauge 112. The pump module 110 may comprise a processor, for example the pressure sensor 112 may be a digital sensor and may comprise a processor. The processor may be configured to process a measurement from the pressure sensor 112. The controller may receive information from the processor based on a processed measurement from the pressure sensor 112. The controller may control the pump to stop or start pumping or control the amount of gas being pumped (increase or decrease the amount), based on a measurement by the pressure sensor 112.

The pump may be configured to stop pumping gas into the barrier 120 automatically when the pressure sensor 112 measures a pressure above a predetermined threshold pressure.

The pump may be configured to start pumping gas into the barrier 120 automatically when the pressure sensor 112 measures a pressure below a predetermined threshold pressure. The predetermined threshold pressure may be a factory setting or selected by a user based on desired use and may be set using the user interface for example.

The pump module 110 may include a battery 114 (not visible; internal to a housing of the pump module 110) or may include another on-board power source or may be connectable to an external power source. The battery 114 may be configured to power the motor 118 (not visible; internal to a housing of the pump module 110) of the pump. The battery 114 may be configured to power any powered elements of the pump module 110, for example the controller and processor.

The pump module 110 may include a light 116 configured to indicate to a user the status of the pump module 110. The light 116 may be on when the pump module 110 is on and/or when the pump is inflating the barrier 120. The light 116 may be off or may be on but a different colour or brightness when the pump is not inflating the barrier 120. The light 116 may be off when the pump module 110 is off (e.g., receiving no power).

The pump module 110 may comprise a battery monitor 115 configured to monitor the power left in the battery 114. The battery monitor 115 may comprise an indicator such that the user can identify battery power. The battery 114 may be replaceable or rechargeable.

The pump may be configured to deflate the barrier 120 by extracting gas from the barrier 120. The user interface may allow the user to select whether the pump inflates or deflates. The controller may control operation of the pump to inflate or deflate (i.e. to emit gas or to take gas in). The user interface may include a button, switch or dial to allow the user to select whether the pump inflates or deflates. In Figure 4, a dial 117 is shown. The user interface may be a touchscreen in place of switches, buttons or dials, or may rely on voice commands for example.

The pump may be configured to switch from inflating to deflating (i.e. emitting gas to taking gas in) based on a measurement from the pressure sensor 112. Automatic switching may be controlled by the controller and may be based on information from the processor.

The user may be enabled to override an automatic switch from inflating to deflating, or from pumping to not pumping, using the user interface.

The barrier 120 may comprise an air release valve 134 operable to emit gas from the barrier 120 into the surroundings. This may allow the user to open the barrier 120 and increase the speed of deflation, alongside the pump, or alternatively to the pump (for example as a fail safe in case of power loss). The pump module 110 may further comprise a light 113, which may be used to illuminate the area around the pump module 110 in dark conditions. This may improve safety, illuminating any hazards. This may also allow emergency services or the first responders 210 who are setting the barrier 120 up to see the scene. The light 113 may be illuminated automatically when the pump module 110 is powered on or may be separately illuminated (for example via the user interface). The battery 114 may be configured to power the light 113.

The barrier 120 may comprise one or more lights 113 similarly configured to illuminate the scene.

The pump module 110 may further comprise a speaker 119. The controller may be configured to control the speaker 119. The speaker 119 may be configured to emit an alarm sound automatically when the pump is inflating the barrier 120. The user may use the user interface to cause the speaker 119 to emit a sound - this may be an alarm sound, or the speaker 119 may be connectable to a microphone and the user may issue a verbal warning for example. The user may trigger an alarm sound to help people find the location of the barrier 120 or may use it to warn people to stay away from the barrier 120 for example.

The safety device 100 may comprise a communication module 400 configured to transmit and/or receive a signal. The communication module 400 may be connected to the pump module 110. The communication module 400 may comprise a transmitter, configured to transmit a signal from the communication module 400. The signal may be from a microphone (included in the communication module 400) - for example a first responder 210 may be reporting on the situation at the scene where the safety device 100 is located. The user interface may include a keyboard, so that information (for example about the scene or the patient 200) can be entered and sent by the transmitter. Signals may be transmitted to emergency services. The communication module 400 may comprise a receiver configured to receive a signal. A received signal may be conveyed using the speaker 119. The communication module 400 may include a screen configured to display a received signal. The communication module 400 may comprise a computing device such as a mobile phone or tablet. The computing device may be connected to the pump module 110. The communication module 400 may be storable with the pump module 110, for convenience, but may be removable for ease of use at the scene - for example, where the communication module 400 comprises a mobile phone or tablet, it may normally be housed on or in the pump module 110 until needed.

The communication module 400 may be used to allow remote control of the pump module 110. The communication module 400 may be connectable to the pump module 110. The battery 114 may be configured to supply power to the communication module 400.

The safety device 100 may comprise a locator module 500 configured to determine a location of the safety device 100. The communication module 400 may be configured to transmit an indication of the location of the safety device 100. This may be received by and aid emergency services in finding the scene. The locator module 500 may include a GPS system.

The locator module 500 may be connectable to the pump module 110. The battery 114 may be configured to supply power to the locator module 500.

The safety device 100 may include a treatment module 600. The treatment module 600 may allow a first responder 210 to take action at the scene before support such as an ambulance can arrive. The treatment module 600 may include breathing apparatus configured to assist a patient 200 with breathing. The pump module 110 may comprise an attachment to allow the module to be used as a breathing aid. The attachment may comprise a mask for covering the patient’s 200 mouth and nose. Air from the pump module 110 may be delivered to the patient 200 via the mask. The treatment module 600 may comprise a valve configured to control air flow to the mask from the pump. The valve may be configured to operate based on the patient’s breathing, opening and closing to allow air into and out of the mask. The valve may be configured to admit air into the mask when the patient 200 takes a breath.

The treatment module 600 may include a defibrillator or another resuscitation device. The treatment module 600 may include a housing configured to receive unpowered elements, such as a first aid kit or foil blanket or the like, conveniently stored for use alongside the barrier 120.

The treatment module 600 may be connectable to the pump module 110. The battery 114 may be configured to supply power to the treatment module 600.

The safety device 100 may comprise a comfort module 700 comprising an inflatable cushion. The pump may be connectable to the inflatable cushion and operable to inflate the cushion. The inflatable cushion may be attached to or may be part of the barrier 120 or may be a separate cushion. The inflatable cushion may be formed from the same material as the barrier 120. The inflatable cushion may be used to elevate a body part of the patient 200, or for general comfort. The inflatable cushion may be dimensioned to fit under the patient’s head, or may be larger - for example, the inflatable cushion may be more of an inflatable bed, dimensioned such that a person’s whole body may be supported. The comfort module 700 may be stored in the same housing as one of the bodies 121, 122, 123, 129 for convenience. Although specific examples have been described, these are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be determined with reference to the accompanying claims.