In most situations, the gear that firefighters wear is able to protect them from the heat and flames they face in an emergency situation. However, a major shortcoming is caused when temperatures increase rapidly, potentially causing damage to equipment before the firefighter even notices the shift.
Thanks in part to a Small Business Innovative Research award, technology is now being developed to address that potential hazard in order to better protect the men and women who brave fire and flames in the line of duty.
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate's First Responders Group is working with TDA Research, Inc. and FoxFury, LLC to design a device that would detect rapid temperature increases, warning firefighters before it begins to affect their other equipment, Homeland Security reported. The goal is for the technology, known as Burn Saver, to be small and lightweight, and have the ability to be mounted on a firefighter's helmet.
Homeland Security hopes that the successful design and implementation of this technology will reduce the number of thermal deaths and injuries.
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According to a blog post by the First Responders Group, the prototypes of the device are already fast-acting, notifying users of the temperature change in less than 10 seconds. Having the ability to monitor threats in real-time will allow firefighters to assess and respond to the situation appropriately, improving the safety of the responders and civilians on the scene.
The blog reported that field tests for the Burn Saver are planned for summer 2016. Before commercialization, the final design will be reviewed by the National Fire Protection Association for certification.