Technology
The technology topic will keep you up to speed on new firefighting technologies, including improved emergency communications, advances in PPE, new fire apparatus and high-tech EMS technologies.
A comprehensive look at the evolution of aerial fire apparatus and its pivotal role in firefighting history and operations
Emergency response requires increased focus; this is a balancing act when approaching a scene with numerous factors in play
Find everything from tactical training kits to turnout apparel and more
Plan to discontinue use of siren and exclusively use pagers to contact members comes because of modern technology, budget woes
New technology includes lighter air packs, automatic distress signals to quickly locate firefighter in trouble, thermal-imaging cameras
Technology provides firefighters with data about their surroundings, including oxygen levels, temperatures, and more
New system would include ability to text or send pictures, videos to dispatchers; current 911 system based on landline telephone networks
Surveillance for Intelligent Emergency Response Robotic Aircraft integrates small, unmanned aircraft with global positioning systems
New sensor designed so firefighters and first responders can get an idea of the environments they could be going into
The equipment can locate lost firefighters who may be in distress at a fire
Devices let firefighters run business inspections digitally, provide portable mapping software to help crews navigate
Fire Chief Tom Brice said “I Am Respoding” is playing a big role in his department
Having a vantage point at a higher altitude gives firefighters new size-up capabilities
The researchers embedded electronic sensors in a film thinner than the diameter of a human hair, which was placed on a polyester backing
There are so many field applications for a robust firefighter tracking system
Researchers are working to perfect technology that tracks first responders so they can rescue others more safely
One of the difficulties with putting social-media posts from the public to use in emergencies is that this information is free form and often incomplete
The team will be developing totally new technologies for evaluating the thermal protective performance of wildland firefighter clothing materials
When multiple maydays come at once, they can cancel each other out, intensifying chaos and danger
“It’s like Google Earth on steroids,” said project manager Eric Napralla
Within the system, a computer can help automatically control azimuth, elevation, and extension of the ladder
SimTable operators can present 3D layouts of a fire and simulate its direction and burn patterns
The tiny autonomous robots operate as a group, carrying sensors and transmitting a detailed floor plan of a building to nearby humans within minutes
At the heart of the plan that will guide the department through 2013 are five key goals
Sensors based on silicon carbide can withstand temperatures five times as hot as existing electronics
Wand shoots electric beams to cut through fires
The app alerts volunteer citizens trained in CPR to respond to nearby cardiac emergencies
Vehicles will have wireless Internet access, saving more than $5K
