Ever picked up a piece of gear and wondered if you could trust it?

Hello Smart Firefighting Community!

Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy.

Recorded live at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) 2025 Conference alongside the AFAC, WAFA, and Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Conference in Perth, Australia.

In this episode, Scannable founder Rob Stirling shares how a simple idea grew into a powerful tool that helps firefighters and other responders manage mission critical gear with confidence. Rob explains how his background in climbing and equipment manufacturing opened his eyes to the risks, the paperwork, and the constant stress that crews face when they try to track inspections, lifespans, recalls, and usage.

He walks through the shift from spreadsheets to digital identities, the partnership with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the importance of connecting equipment owners with the data they need in the field. Rob also opens up about leadership, family, and the personal growth required to build a company that keeps responders safe. At the heart of it all is a simple goal: give people a clear way to trust the gear that protects their lives.

So take a listen to hear what he has to share.