Firefighting is an extremely dangerous profession. Engineers and fire specialists are constantly searching for ways to make things safer for firefighters in an emergency situation. Below are six of the latest technologies that could soon be making their way into everyday firefighting.
1. GLANSER
Firefighters communicate mainly throught the use of analog radio. This is problematic because most of a firefighters work is done in burning buildings or in areas of wildfire where there is dense smoke. These factors can interfere with GPS-locating devices and radio communications. When these things are lost, a firefighter is basically on his or her own. According to Fox News, 90 percent of firefighter injuries occur during this time. GLANSER, which is short for Geospatial Location Accountability and Navigation System for Emergency Responders, is a portable device capable of tracking over 500 firefighters simultaneously.
2. WISPER
This technology, formally known as Wireless Intelligent Sensor Platform for Emergency Responder, takes its origins from a fairy tale. Just like Hansel and Gretel left behind bread crumbs to find their path home, WISPER acts as a digital bread crumb to lead firefighters to safety. WISPER also sends the firefighter's vital information and location back to base. The conveniently sized container is no bigger than a Thermos and holds five disposable signal routers.
3. MODIS
Firefighters have used manned aircraft and satellite imagery to monitor areas prone to wildfires, but the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer uses two satellites equipped with sensors that can detect electromagnetic radiation. NASA uses these satellites to scan the earth's surface every few days to report back with smoke and fire radiation data. NASA then passes this data along to crews who will put out the wildfires. MODIS has an advantage because it sees things on a grand scale where planes cannot go. While the program still struggles identifying smaller wildfires, improvements are constantly being made.
4. PHASER
The U.S. Fire Administration reported that firefighters have the highest rate of occupational injury and death. The Physiological Health Assessment System for Emergency Responders hopes to eliminate some of these accidents. PHASER monitors the firefighter's health during the emergency situation, and should something go wrong, it will alert the base and other firefighters. This allows for faster response times in assisting injured firefighters and could potentially save thousands of lives.
5. CIRT
Time is everything when it comes to fighting fire. Currently, firefighters use power tools to break down walls to complete a rescue in a burning building. The average time for firefighters to successfully break through is about 32 minutes. In the meantime, they must watch their footing with the cords. Raytheon developed a Controlled Impact Rescue Tool that can cut down the time it takes to break through a wall in a rescue situation by 19 minutes. The 100-pound cordless system fires blank ammunition into the wall. The shock waves from these impacts cause the wall to crumble, and it can be operated by only two firefighters.
6. The AFA Exoskeleton
Firefighting depends a lot on mobility, but firefighters' gear and equipment can weigh anywhere from 75 to 100 pounds. The Advanced Firefighting Apparatus exoskeleton is entirely in a concept stage, but the current design predicts that the technology would weigh only 50 pounds. It could also assist firefighters in carrying an additional 200 pounds. The AFA exoskeleton fits over traditional fire gear and includes a miniature water hose, jaws of life and are designed to come off quickly and easily with the tug of a lever.
Engineers, fire specialists and scientists are all looking for ways to make firefighting safer and more effective. The six examples above are just a few of the many technologies being developed to help keep firefighters safer and to help them better protect the communities they serve.
In the last few years, first responders have been examining the potential use for drones in disaster scenarios. A March Galllup poll found that 66 percent of first responders believed drones would be useful in emergency response. Still, many are worried about the reliability of unmanned technologies and the effect it would have on first responder jobs. A report by Homeland Security Today stated that the inclusion of unmanned aircraft system technologies into the public market is expected to create 100,000 jobs by 2025 and generate about $82 billion in revenue.
Local emergency response crews in Leonardtown, Maryland, hope to encourage the hesitant 34 percent to embrace the UAS trend on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at their first drone symposium. St. Mary's County Government and St. Mary's County Public Schools will play host to the First Responders Drone Symposium. During the event, local police and fire departments will enact various emergency situations to demonstrate the effectiveness of drone assistance.
The hosts of the program will stage a controlled fire in an abandoned building and a simulated police raid so that attendees of the symposium will get to see first-hand how drones would be used in each scenario. The main goal of the symposium is to help first responders understand the importance of UAS technologies and get comfortable with the idea of using them.
Every day, firefighters are forced to think quickly and make good decisions in a rush. It is part of their jobs. A recent study by Kathleen Sutcliffe, a Johns Hopkins University professor, outlined how management teams in big organizations could learn crisis management from firefighters. Sutcliffe broke firefighter processes into two sections, which she called "anomalizing" and "proactive leader sensemaking." When fighting fires, crews must keep a vigilant watch on the situation at hand. Sutcliffe described the second half of the process as when the designated leaders in the unit assess the knowledge gathered in part one in order to act quickly when something changes or goes wrong.
The business world can be as unpredictable, though far less dangerous, as a fire. Sutcliffe suggested that if business leaders studied the decision-making techniques of firefighters during a highly stressful event, they could prepare to handle unpredictable situations that arise in their offices. Some of the firefighters Sutcliffe interviewed stated that no matter how much experience you have, every fire is different and presents different challenges.
In her report, Sutcliffe wrote, "In a complex, uncertain environment, as in a wildfire or any organizational crisis, the challenge is that a lot of information is coming at you, but it's ambiguous."
If business professionals approached their workdays like firefighters approach a fire, their preparedness for crises would improve exponentially.
It is common knowledge that many veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder when they return from combat. A lesser-known fact is that first responders can experience PTSD as well. The scenes that firefighters, police officers and paramedics witness every day can cause psychological strain. Camp Hope, a Houston-based organization that provides temporary housing for veterans as they seek counseling for PTSD, is extending its services to include first responders.
Many first responders will not seek counseling for their struggles for fear of appearing weak to their co-workers. The PTSD Foundation of America, the organization that sponsors Camp Hope, is hoping to change that misconception by organizing peer-to-peer counseling off city property. This provides a safe, judgment-free zone for first responders to talk about their issues with someone who has been in their shoes.
David Maulsby, the executive director of the PTSD Foundation of America, told KHOU news, "What works beautifully in the veteran side is peer-to-peer. So it's one veteran who's been there, has now gotten some help and can help the next guy come home. That same concept will work as well within first responders."
The peer counseling sessions are held biweekly and provide first responders with the opportunity to help one another through the difficulties of the job.
Firefighters are notorious for forming a deep bond with their station mates. When firefighter Kyle Jameson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, this stereotype was proven true as his entire station came to his support. When Jameson started to lose his hair as a result of the treatments, The Hampton Fire Department in New Hampshire decided to host a community gathering to help him through. Jameson's fellow firefighters did not want him to feel alone in his battle, so they sponsored an event where people from the area could come shave their heads in show of support for Jameson.
"There really are no words to express how I feel. It's unbelievable, and it takes your words away," Jameson told Seacoast Online.
The chief of the fire department said his unit was like a family and that they showed the same amount of support when his wife was diagnosed with cancer. The Hampton FD also sold T-shirts and raffle tickets to a Red Sox game to raise money for Jameson and his family. About 100 people from Hampton and the surrounding communities came out to get their heads shaved and support Jameson. He is currently in remission but is continuing treatments.
The Martin Jetpack is already groundbreaking in its technological capabilities. In fact, Time magazine called it one of the top 50 inventions of 2010. And first responders in New Zealand and Australia may have found a way to increase its value. These officials took the jetpack, which was originally intended for transportation, and began testing its potential in emergency situations. The "shakedown" tests of the jetpack involve testing it in fire rescue missions where it is too dangerous for foot traffic and an aerial spotter for disaster scenes.
First responders have already begun to use drones for these purposes, but the Martin Jetpack is superior because its mobility is paired with the intelligence of a human operator. It is even equipped with a remote control option should the pilot become incapacitated during flight. The jetpack also outshines helicopters because it is more compact and has the ability to reach locations where a helicopter would not fit.
The inventors of the Martin Jetpack have yet to announce plans for the technology once the testing phase is complete, but they have suggested that partnerships with major emergencies response unit might be next. This would allow first responders to test the applicability of the jetpack in everyday, real-life emergency situations.
Being a first responder means that you have to be alert and prepared most of the time. Your job comes with a high amount of stress, and your success depends on how well you cope with that stress. It is important to use your free time to decompress from the demands of your job. The suggestions below are meant to help you unwind from a tough day in order to gear up for the next.
1. Exercise
It may seem counterproductive since your job is often physically demanding, but exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are your brain's natural mood enhancers. You do not need to run 5 miles. Any amount of physical activity will get your blood pumping and send the message to your brain to release those stress-relieving chemicals. All it takes is a walk around the block or a quick yoga session.
2. Read
There is nothing more relaxing than curling up with a good book. Neuropsychologists with the University of Sussex claimed that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent. This is because your focus is shifted from your stress to the writing. So, it does not matter if you prefer fiction or nonfiction. Just crack the spine and let your mind drift into the story.
3. Unplug
Technology may seem like a good way to unwind, but in fact, it can increase your stress levels. When you are off duty, spend 15 to 30 minutes without electronics. Turn off the television and put away your phone and computer. Leaving the outside world behind for a short time can help you reset internally and gives you more time with your family.
4. Laugh
Nothing drains your sense of humor like a bad day on the job. However, a hearty chuckle can turn it all around. The Mayo Clinic stated that laughter is one of the best stress relievers. Consider turning on your favorite sitcom or reading a funny comic strip to inspire laughter after work. On the weekends, you could purchase tickets to a comedy club or take your family to a humorous movie.
5. Hydrate
Being properly hydrated reduces the levels of cortisol, a stress-causing hormone, your body produces. Make sure you are drinking enough fluid when you are at home to prevent dehydration. If you are not in the mood for water, tea is a good alternative as it is a natural stress reducer and helps hydrate your body. It is also smart to reduce your caffeine intake. While caffeine may seem like the solution to helping you power through those long, tough days, it can actually create more stress on your body.
According to Forbes, first responders have some of the most stressful careers in the workforce. The daily demand of the job takes a physical and mental toll, so it is important to find ways to decompress in your free time. The list above is an excellent resource for those who are looking to de-stress.
In 1985, the first World Police and Fire Games were established. According to the event website, these games bring police officers, firefighters and customs and correction officers from 70 countries together to compete in over 60 sporting events, including boxing, beach volleyball and tug-of-war. The WPFG were created to inspire a feeling of camaraderie between local and international first responders. This year's games were held in Fairfax County, Virginia, from June 26-July 5.
Two first responders from Florida competed in these games. Dustin Konkel, a lieutenant with the Boynton Beach Fire Department, and Jennifer Martin, a police sergeant, were both successful in their events. Konkel, a first-time competitor, took gold in the flag football competition. He and his teammates were undefeated. Martin had participated in the games three times before. She took home a medal for seven of the 10 swimming competitions in which she was entered. Three of those medals were gold.
Both first responders have athletic backgrounds and trained hard to set themselves apart from the 12,000 other competitors from around the world. Both Konkel, 32, and Martin, 34, hope to return for the 2017 games in Montreal, Canada.
First responders usually play for the same team, but on July 19, local firefighters, police officers and paramedics from Davenport, Illinois, and Rock Island, Illinois, faced one another in a Battle of the Badges baseball game. This is the second annual match, but the two towns have been competing against each other for four years. They made the decision last year to make the match official and have the proceeds from attendance go to charity.
Rock Island firefighter Blake Humphrey told KWQC, "We got the idea, the thought, if we're going to be [playing this game every year], let's do something good for the community."
The two towns plan to donate to a new organization every year. Last year, the teams sponsored the Ronald McDonald House and raised over $1,000 with their event. This year, they doubled that amount for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The teams exchange friendly trash talk and play their hardest to win, but in the end, it is all about the community. It is a chance for the paramedics, firefighters and police officers to give a little extra back to the charities in their towns.
When Paul Hookham retired from the Delta Fire Department in 2012, he had served for 27 years. The 61-year-old was not only the department's fire captain, but he has also served as a mountain guide and an avalanche forecaster. Hookham's passion for first response work is only trumped by his love for songwriting. The former firefighter signed with Crucial Music and has written songs for big-name musicians.
However, when Hookham's son told him about the White Helmets, a Syrian civil defense group that rescues victims from bombed out areas, he used his talent for a cause. According to the White Helmets website, more than 50 bombs are dropped on Syrian neighborhoods each day. Many of these barrel bombs are filled with chlorine and nails. Hookham found out that these brave first responders enter areas to rescue civilians even as bombs are being dropped on their heads. Hookham penned a song called "A Far Cry," which he hopes will draw attention and support to the White Helmets' cause. He partnered with the drummer from Collective Soul as well as several other artists in order to make the song free. Hookham's goal was that his music would inspire people to sign the White Helmets' petition to ban barrel bombs and establish no-fly zones.