ResQ TRU: A Lifepod for Survival in Natural Disasters

An Innovative Security Proposal by 111ARQ & Israel Lara

The ResQ TRU stands out for its unique properties and strengths. Designed in the shape of a capsule, it is capable of adapting to two positions depending on the severity of the outside disaster. The interior is padded to prevent injuries, and the capsule is equipped with a GPS system connected to a seismic alert, ensuring timely evacuation. Its anthropometrically suitable shape, resembling an assembly, distributes impacts and prevents concentration on a single point.

The realization of the ResQ TRU involves a careful analysis of various rescue processes and the implementation of improvements in terms of security and anthropometry. Made of steel and reinforced plastics resistant to water pressure and debris, this lifepod features a main entrance as well as a rescue access in case of being trapped in rubble. Its reflective color, transparent polycarbonate windows, and phosphorescent cover make it easily locatable regardless of the time or place of the disaster.

The ResQ TRU's functionality is enhanced by its buoyancy and ballast system, which ensures flotation and stability in a horizontal position. The capsule records the conditions of the disaster and determines the appropriate actions to be taken, allowing for continuous or intermittent use of the system. It is equipped with food supplies, an air purifier, an independent oxygen container, an audible and optical alarm system, backup batteries, and a fire-resistant film.

The ResQ TRU project was initiated in September 2014 in Mexico and completed in May 2015. Extensive research on past natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, avalanches, and floods, formed the basis for this design. The aim was to raise awareness about the devastating impact of such events and propose solutions that prioritize protection and safety.

Overcoming challenges such as governmental acceptance and funding, the ResQ TRU offers an affordable and mass-produced solution to safeguard lives. The success of this design relies on educating the population about its use and addressing the disorderly construction practices that exacerbate the impact of earthquakes.

The ResQ TRU, with its compact size and advanced technology, represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals during natural disasters. It has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2016, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. With its commitment to saving lives and contributing to a better world, the ResQ TRU is a testament to the power of design in addressing real-world challenges.