The ripcord-triggered version of the Nebulus Emergency Flotation Device was first introduced to the law enforcement and ice/water rescue community in September of 2002. Up to that point in time, there was little that could be done to initiate an ice or water rescue except to call for help and then just wait for it to arrive. With the Nebulus Emergency Flotation Device, that's no longer the case. Thanks to Nebulus' small size, quick deployment and ease of use, Nebulus is now being used by First Responders throughout the US and Canada.