New type of firefighter helmet supports rescue forces
Poor visibility and difficult communication increase the danger in firefighting operations for rescuers and those seeking help. That's why two industrial designers at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland have developed a new type of firefighter helmet.
Today, firefighters use different helmets for technical missions than for fire-oriented ones. Senco's optional neck protection and lightweight helmet shell allow it to be used for both missions, emphasize the two industrial designers Christina Fiechter and Viola Wyss from the FHNW, School of Art and Design. The two women describe the helmet, which was developed as part of a final project, as follows:
"Senco is a modular concept of a firefighter helmet for optimized protection, vision and communication. The basic module of the firefighter helmet - radio and white light emitter can be supplemented by augmented reality goggles or an augmented reality respirator. The sensor system, processor, energy source and display can be reversibly mounted on the helmet as a complete package via a plug-in connection. The transparent display digitally shows the firefighter the thermal image, mapping or other important information. This leaves the firefighter's hands free and ensures a clear view of the operational area. The augmented reality graphics are reduced to the bare essentials and are therefore not distracting. Navigation is by eye tracking. The incident commander uses a tablet to send mission-related data such as building plans, car data or hazardous materials information to the augmented reality systems of the emergency forces."
Extensive research
In the run-up to development, the two industrial designers did extensive research and analysis of areas of use, operational procedures, requirements, and existing firefighting helmets and equipment from various manufacturers. "By visiting various technical research institutions, we gained a picture of current and possible future developments. By participating in exercises at protection and rescue institutions, we identified significant needs. In the case of firefighters, we observed them groping through smoke and darkness with blind man's sticks and exchanging what they found, information and orders over radio communications that were difficult to understand. In order to optimize this situation of the firefighters, to increase their safety and to facilitate their work, we came up with the concept of a modular firefighter helmet with augmented reality," write Viola Wyss Christina Fiechter.
Conclusion
The new type of firefighter's helmet facilitates the orientation and movement of the emergency forces, increases efficiency, shortens the deployment time and increases the safety of the firefighters and those seeking help. The incident commander receives more differentiated information more quickly and can thus act in a more informed manner.
The work was awarded, among other things, the promotional prize of the Swiss Design Association. (FHNW/rs)
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