New Firefighting Technology and Wearable Tech
Learn about new technology for firefighters including firefighting wearables, smart helmets, robotics and more from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA).
Learn about new technology for firefighters including firefighting wearables, smart helmets, robotics and more from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA).
Published:February 4, 2025
Edited:February 3, 2025
Learn about new technology for firefighters including firefighting wearables, smart helmets, robotics and more from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA).
Advancing technology for the benefit of first responders is transforming the way they monitor their health and safety during high-risk operations as well as improve operational tactics.
Wearable technology devices for firefighters are designed to be rugged, lightweight, and seamlessly integrated into the firefighter’s gear, allowing them to operate without obstruction while providing continuous health and environmental monitoring. With the challenges posed by extreme conditions, these wearables are equipped with various sensors to track vital signs and detect hazardous environmental conditions. The primary goal of these technologies is to offer real-time insights that help ensure the well-being of firefighters, aid in effective decision-making, and improve overall operational efficiency in emergency scenarios.
Smart watches are commonly used for continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and other vital signs. These devices help track the overall health of firefighters during high-stress situations, providing real-time data to commanders.
Fitness trackers also play a key role in monitoring vital parameters and ensuring firefighters maintain optimal health during intense operations.
Body-worn cameras capture visual data of the environment, which can be useful for both operational and post-incident analysis.
Specialized biosensor patches or vests are worn by firefighters to measure physiological parameters like body temperature, respiration rate, and stress levels. These sensors also detect environmental conditions such as exposure to hazardous gases or extreme temperatures, alerting firefighters to potential dangers.1
New innovations in firefighter technology aim to not only improve firefighter safety but also revolutionize how they respond to emergencies. These technologies are designed to provide critical information, enhance situational awareness, and improve firefighter performance in the most hazardous conditions.
Smart helmets are equipped with sensors and augmented reality (AR) displays that provide firefighters with real-time data about their environment. These helmets can show critical information such as air quality, structural integrity, and the firefighter’s location directly in their line of sight, enhancing situational awareness. By integrating these technologies, smart helmets allow firefighters to make informed decisions quickly, even in high-stress situations, ensuring their safety and improving their response times during emergencies.2
Robotics is increasingly playing a role in firefighting, with robotic systems designed to assist firefighters in hazardous situations. These robots can be deployed in environments too dangerous for humans, such as buildings at risk of collapse or hazardous industrial fires. They can be equipped with cameras, sensors, and tools to help firefighters assess the situation and perform tasks like search and rescue or extinguishing fires. Robotics not only reduce the physical risks to firefighters but also increase the efficiency of fire suppression and rescue operations.3
To monitor air quality and reduce exposure to hazardous substances, portable air contamination monitoring devices are being developed. These devices can detect toxic gases and particulate matter on the fireground, providing firefighters with real-time alerts about environmental risks, ensuring they can take necessary precautions.
The development of the c-AIR wearable particulate-monitoring device is another critical advancement. This device can detect sub-micron particles, which are harmful to firefighters’ health and have been identified as carcinogenic. By monitoring these particulates throughout the fire operation, this technology allows firefighters to understand their exposure to dangerous substances and take preventive action.
FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, supports wearable communication devices for firefighters, ensuring secure and real-time data transmission. This network allows for seamless sharing of physiological and environmental data, giving incident commanders critical situational awareness and helping coordinate responses more effectively.
MIT’s wearable technology, which interprets subvocalization, has the potential to enhance firefighter communication during emergencies. This device can detect silent speech, allowing firefighters to communicate covertly in high-noise environments where verbal communication is difficult, improving coordination without increasing the risk of exposure.
The use of VR and AR in firefighter training is being explored by the NIST Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Labs. These technologies create immersive training environments that simulate real-life scenarios, allowing firefighters to practice emergency response tactics in a controlled, virtual setting. This approach enhances preparedness and helps improve skills that can save lives during actual emergencies.4
The next 5 to 10 years in the fire service promise groundbreaking innovations that will revolutionize how firefighters operate, enhancing both safety and efficiency. One of the most promising advancements is the C-THRU real-time indoor visualization system, which aims to guide firefighters through low-visibility environments using AR. This technology, still in development with San Franciso-based startup Qwake Technologies Inc., offers a hands-free display on a firefighter’s helmet, providing thermal imaging and edge detection to help navigate through smoke-filled, hazardous areas.
By highlighting key features such as stairs, walls, and even trapped individuals, C-THRU will allow responders to quickly assess their environment and make informed decisions, even under extreme stress. Additionally, backtracking functions will provide turn-by-turn guidance to ensure safe exit routes in unfamiliar structures. The integration of two-way communication systems within the device allows for nonverbal check-ins, enabling incident commanders to monitor firefighter status in real time and address potential distress signals.5
Learn about new technology for firefighters including firefighting wearables, smart helmets, robotics and more from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA).
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