In our last article we discussed how we as a Fire Service could reduce the number of civilian injuries and deaths at residential structure fires. We talked about how VES (Vent Enter Search) could accomplish this.
In our last article we pointed out that VES is a dangerous, but much needed task. Let's remember that VES is done without the safety net of a hoseline and usually performed away from the initial fire attack area.
What if there was something out there that could assist firefighters in their dangerous searches? Something that could make finding the seat of the fire and possible victims even faster. What if there was something out there that could improve the safety of our firefighters while inside a burning structure? Would you be interested?
What if there was something that told firefighters the exact temperature of the areas they move in and out of inside a structure? What if there was something out there that told firefighters where the closest means of egress was? What if there was a device out there that could show a firefighter the exact path he took to enter a structure, so that they may follow it out? What if there was something that integrated a thermal imaging camera into a SCBA mask, that can be swiped on and off with the wave of a hand.
Well there is now...It is called H.E.A.D.E.R. which stands for Headsup Augmented Display for Emergency Responders. This new SCBA mask incorporates all of those things that were listed above.
The inventors of this new SCBA mask have taken video game technology and inserted it into the Fire Service. Take a look at the videos below and see what you think...
Think about this as well, what if we could have the mask with just a few of those features? The technology is obviously there to do. I know I will here the argument of these things are too expensive. My rebuttal is that if this saves lives, civilian and firefighters, then it is worth every penny..
What do you think?
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