This summer the Fargo Fire Department put to use the DTX Rescue Launcher while running water rescue drills. The launcher gets an initial messenger line across the river, which is typically replaced by a thicker rescue rope.
They were kind enough to share some videos of the launcher in action. These videos are unedited, so you can get a feel for their experience/the timeframe for using the device.
They walk through their process step by step:
Here they are laying out their line in a line cube (note they opted for line and cube over our reel attachment). These cubes reduce line tangles and make it easy to lay out the line prior to deployment.
Now they are adding air to pressuriz the air chamber. This air pressure is what launches the projectile and line through the air. They opted for an electric air compressor. You can also use an air tank or hand pump.
Next, they load the throw weight bag into the barrel of the launcher:
Loaded up, they are ready and deploy the DTX Rescue Launcher. He launches the messenger line and bag across the water. The red knob is part of the safety lock which the firefighter turn prior to launching.
With the line launched across the river, they can now secure their buoy with attached rescue ropes, and pull in the messenger line.