Technology in the Public Safety Environment
But Can They Put Out a Fire?
Technological advancements such as thermal imaging technology, digital communication capabilities that provide information across mobile data terminals (MDT), remote camera installations, and radio frequency identification (RFID)Emerging are making an impact in the public safety realm.
Thermal imaging technology, although not entirely new, is improving its capabilities and usefulness in the fire service. The fire service typically uses thermal imaging cameras at fire scenes for a variety of functions. Thermal imaging captures the heat signatures of differing objects in an area illuminating objects in an opaque smoke-filled room. This saves valuable time in locating fire victims that can prove to be the difference between life and death. In addition to the thermal imaging capabilities, the camera also has a temperature gauge that can be viewed on the viewfinder that will indicate the temperature of the immediate atmosphere. In high heat conditions, firefighters can quickly see the temperature of the atmosphere that may indicate an impending flash-over that can prove to be fatal for all people that are still in the area. However, the cameras, when used improperly, can prove to be hazardous to the crews. Specifically, the cameras should only be used to scan an area for hazards and victims. The cameras inhibit depth perception and peripheral vision and crews using the camera continuously may not see hazards outside of the viewfinder range. Also, crews can be lead into a fire or a hole in the floor from the lack of depth perception.
Another technology that has proved to be useful in the fire service is advent and use of the MDT. These digital communication devices provide a wealth of information that would otherwise be lost if transmitted by verbal means. Much like when used in a police cruiser, an MDT can retrieve historical information based on a license plate or historical information of a specific address. This information can provide vital information such as previous arsons and hazards within the structure that may not be immediately evident. Other information that proves to be useful on an MDT are “pre-fire plans” that can be included within the database for the address. Specifically, these plans provide information that was collected during previously planned visits to gather information. It can provide useful information such as fuels on site and their location, hydrant locations, fire department connections, exits, and possible disabled-occupant locations. On the other hand, an MDT can provide disinformation in the form of dated material that has not been removed from the database. This can prove to be particularly troubling because a fire crew could place themselves in peril trying to locate a disabled occupant that may no longer live in the occupancy being searched. The databases can be extremely useful but it is only as good as the accuracy of the information.
Remote cameras are another technology item and that can be useful for public safety agencies. Remote cameras provide real-time video feeds of selected areas. These cameras, when used in the fire service can find use in monitoring an extremely hazardous environment from a safe distance eliminating the need to put live bodies in the hot zone. For example, a hazardous materials spill may create fumes and a smoke plume that can prove to be hazardous to fire personnel. These cameras can also be placed in areas of high arson rate and crime. They are useful in providing continuous coverage for these areas. The footage taken can also be used as evidence in arson and crime prosecution. The cameras can also be useful in providing coverage to cities when police and fire coverage can’t be available all the time. On the other hand, there are areas that cannot be covered by cameras and they susceptible to electronic glitches that can interrupt their dependability.
A fourth type of emergency technology that is becoming popular for public safety providers, such as the fire service, is the use of RFID technology to track equipment, supplies and even personnel. The RFID chips that are placed on firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) have proven to be particularly useful in locating missing personnel in working structure fires. When using an RFID reader, rescue personnel can locate missing or incapacitated firefighters that are incapable of describing their location. Radio signal strength is measured by the reader providing a stronger reading as rescuers get closer to the downed firefighters. Although this can be useful in locating firefighters, this technology does have inherent flaws. First, even though the monitor shows signal strength to indicate the proximity of the victims, it does not provide a course of direction to follow in finding them. When following the signal strength, it could potentially lead the rescuers into a blocked access way or a fixed wall. It will be up to the rescuers to find an access route around the obstacle because given the signal strength indication, the victims are likely on the other side of it. Furthermore, the RFID reader may also not be able to read the signal of the downed personnel. This can become an issue when the victims are within thick concrete or steel walls.
All of the emerging technologies that I have described thus far can have a budgetary impact on public safety agencies. Thermal imaging cameras have been available for use for over ten years now. When first available, like all new technology, they were large, bulky and expensive. Camera prices were in access of $15,000. As technology has progressed, the prices and size of the equipment has decreased. Currently, thermal imaging cameras can be purchased for less than half the price of what they were ten years ago. The RFID technology is relatively inexpensive to implement. The RFID tags are readily available and inexpensive to apply to SCBAs and other fire emergency related equipment. The RFID readers contribute to the bulk of the cost of implementation but only a few readers are necessary throughout the organization. The remote cameras can be a joint purchase between all of the public safety agencies as well as public works agencies within a municipality. They can share the upstart and maintenance costs as well as the benefits provided by viewing multiple locations from a single site. Finally, MDTs can cost an organization tens of thousands of dollars in start-up costs for installation. Additionally, modern MDTs are connected to their database through “air cards;” and users are charged periodically for this connectivity.
Like all emerging technology, the costs for implementation can be significant. However, there are grants available that will often cover the purchase and implementation of the technology. Specifically, the Assistance to Firefighters grant program will provide funding to purchase safety equipment for the fire service. The grants do have a ceiling and may require the organization to pay a portion of the cost of the equipment. This grant program has proven to be especially effective in allowing deserving fire agencies to purchase safety equipment when they may otherwise be unable to afford the equipment.
Emerging technologies such as Thermal Imaging Cameras, Remote Cameras, RFID systems and MDTs have proven to be very effective in providing the fire service with the capability of performing tasks more efficiently and effectively than in the past. Like all new technology, they provide positive and negative implications in their use. They also have the potential to impact the budget of the organization. However, with time and economies of scale, these technologies become cheaper and more efficient. Moreover, grants are available to help eligible fire safety organizations in deflecting the cost of purchasing the technology.
