FDNY Testing Device to Track Firefighters in Action

1010 WINS AM NY ^ | 2/24/07 | 1010 WINS

[chet_in_ny]

The FDNY is testing out a high-tech system to keep track of firefighters when they're battling blazes

The fire department is working with the U.S. Navy to come up with a small, but hardy, electronic chip to lodge in firefighters' gear. The chip would transmit a signal when firefightrers moved near their trucks. That would let firefighters take roll automatically, instead of by hand.

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta says it would make firefighters' work safer. For example, the system could help make sure all firefighters are accounted for after they have to clear out of a burning building.

The city has spent about $200,000 so far on a preliminary version of the tracking system. It's not clear when a fuller version might be up and running.

[chet_in_ny]

Good job FDNY- no excuse why this technology hasn't already been implemented given the extreme drop in cost with respect to WIFI and similar technologies.

[AliVeritas]

I'm glad they're doing it period. Now, how about the comm?

[WFTR]

That's an interesting idea. At the plant, we have name tags with hook and loop (velcro) backing on our chest. The safety officer at the scene has a hook and loop clipboard. Whenever someone goes into the hot zone, he leaves his tag with the safety officer. As he comes back to the truck, he retrieves his tag. The one big advantage of this system over the electronic chip is that the chip can't look into a guy's eyes to see whether he's okay. On the other hand, regular building fires look more confusing than chemical plant fires. Keeping up with everyone at a regular building fire may be more than any one guy can do.

Bill