Thermal imaging technologies have been with us for several years now and are widely used across all fire and rescue services. However, Dräger’s new UCF® FireCore helmet-mounted head-up display thermal imaging camera takes the deployment of thermal cameras to a new level.
The everyday use of synthetic materials to build and furnish buildings means that a fire, when it does occur, is more likely to produce acrid smoke. In confined, enclosed structures, the smoke builds rapidly and brings limited visibility for victims trying to escape, as well as to firefighters trying to contain the fire or rescue trapped individuals. In these low-visibility, unfamiliar environments, keeping firefighters within the building aware of their surroundings, the progress of the fire and the location of people trapped inside the building is critically important. Modern technology can help firefighters improve their ability to see through the dark smoke and keep themselves safe.
Fires in buildings such as warehouses, industrial facilities, retail outlets or high-rise flats tend to become large and complex very rapidly. Often there is little ventilation and limited exits or easy escape routes, which contains the smoke. Even fires in small buildings, such as homes with cellars and other confined spaces, can be challenging to navigate. This slows down the rescue operation and increases the risk for firefighters and anyone trapped inside.
In fact, according to analysis detailed in the Structural Firefighter Database, disorientation, where firefighters lose their sense of direction, caused 77% more deaths in enclosed, complex structures than in open-design buildings.
Disorientation results from dark, smoke-filled conditions whilst wearing full PPE, where other senses such as smell and touch are also impaired, meaning firefighters often have to rely on touch and hearing instead. If they are working at or beyond the limits of their breathing apparatus and air supply, the situation becomes worse. The National Fire Chiefs Council recognises that disorientation is one of the core reasons casualties occur, especially when a rapid withdrawal from the fire is needed for safe evacuation or rescue.
Continuous vision when needed most
When facing challenges such as extremely high temperatures, oxygen deficiency, poor visibility and potential structural failure of the building, having an accurate awareness of the surroundings and the fire’s progress is critical to reduce the risk of casualties and protect the lives of firefighters in the most dangerous conditions. It is also essential to locate the source of the fire and bring it under control quickly. Improving and enhancing immediate and peripheral vision in these situations is of the utmost importance for any firefighter, incident commander or member of fire control staff and using modern thermal imaging technology can be a significant advantage.
Thermal imaging technology provides a sense of orientation in these difficult scenarios, enhancing situational awareness, and supporting the firefighter when moving around the building. Crew members are given a clear view of casualty location as well as potential and existing risks, so they can assess any dangers before taking appropriate action.
Some thermal imaging cameras specifically designed for structural fires, such as the Dräger UCF FireCore, have extremely high thermal sensitivity so that even the smallest temperature differences are detected. That level of sensitivity allows local fire sources to be discovered more quickly. For instance, today, laminated timbers are commonly used to line interior walls, and even after the initial fire is extinguished, there can be hidden pockets of combustion. Thermal imaging technology shows where these danger points are and enables firefighters to take the necessary action to prevent re-ignition.
Thermal imaging technology not only supports the detection of differences in temperature within the structure of a building but also helps firefighters locate people in imminent danger, when every second counts. Projecting a clear and accurate thermal image inside of a facemask is crucial to speed up the search and rescue operation and reduce the chance of injury or fatality.
Projecting an image with hands-free usability
With hands-free capabilities, Dräger’s UCF FireCore helmet-mounted thermal imaging camera provides the crew member with a complete overview of the current situation and reduces the physical strain on the wearer, as the camera angle can be easily adjusted to provide an optimal view. Whether crawling along the floor, or climbing stairs, firefighters benefit from a projected thermal image inside their masks. Additionally, the latest models are extremely lightweight, being less than 900 grams, which further reduces the physical burden and increases a person’s mobility.
If the firefighter needs to take an image around a corner, through structural openings and within voids, the thermal camera can be easily detached and held by hand to see into difficult-to-reach areas. Images are projected on the FPS in-Mask Display (IMD) which is integrated within the Dräger FPS 7000 full-face mask, always displaying the thermal image within their field of vision in zero-visibility conditions. The fact that the screen is inside the facemask means it is protected from the effects of smoke and steam, always providing a crystal-clear image to the user.
Having that image constantly within their line of sight, crew members benefit from hands-free operation, leaving them able to support emergency operations with both hands, improving efficiency, pace and reducing risks.
If the fire continues over a long time, efficient handover of equipment from one crew member to relief crews is vital to reduce time lost in transition. Dräger’s UCF FireCore can be coupled with any wearer’s FPS In Mask Display (IMD) within a few seconds by simply holding the two components together. The camera equipment is transferred effortlessly, and operations can continue seamlessly.
Keeping connected in real-time
Connectivity is key to effective and efficient firefighting operations. The goal of accountability systems is to effectively manage hazardous incidents by using real-time data to enhance situational awareness and relay tailored, digital information to personnel at the scene.
Whilst today thermal images can be downloaded to accountability systems, future plans involve live-streaming of the images directly to incident commanders to give them remote oversight of the firefighting operations within the building. The data will also be integrated into existing safety equipment and technologies to provide a macro view for operational safety and tactical success.
Guaranteeing safety in the harshest conditions
Even under the harshest operating conditions, firefighter technology and equipment must be robust, accurate and reliable. Lives will depend on this. Dräger ‘s UCF FireCore has been designed to withstand the mechanical and temperature stresses encountered during an incident. Certified to IP67 standards, the device is resistant to water and dust, both of which often cause performance issues to cameras in typical operating conditions.
As well as being robust in design, the lifetime of a device must be optimised for effective operational success. Given that some deployments can be lengthy, long battery life is essential to see out each incident as and when it takes place.
The UCF FireCore benefits from integrated rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, with a five-hour life, and the ability to withstand up to 4,000 charging cycles or over 800 days of operation. This helps to ensure the UCF FireCore camera is virtually maintenance-free and available for multiple deployments.
Conclusion
Most structural fires result in a working environment impaired by acrid smoke, which is impenetrable with the naked eye. The inability to see what is happening can cause a fire crew to become dangerously disorientated or can slow their progress. Dräger’s UCF FireCore helmet-mounted, head-up display, thermal imaging camera is light, durable and easy to use. It provides an unobstructed, clear in-mask thermal view, always within the line of sight of the SCBA wearer. It improves the safety of the firefighters by helping them to avoid dangers they would otherwise be unaware of, and it allows the crew to focus on the job in hand: locating the seat of the fire, understanding its development and locating casualties, which can ultimately only save lives. For more information, go to www.draeger.com/en_uk/Safety/UCF-FireCore – strengths
About the Author
Brian Hesler is Consultant and Specialist Advisor at Draeger Safety UK and former Chief Fire Officer for the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service.
