FireDOC Search

Author
Evans, D. D.
Title
First Responders: Problems and Solutions: Tactical Information.
Coporate
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
Journal
Technology in Society, Vol. 25, 523-528, 2003
Keywords
fire fighters | fire alarm systems | fire safety | fire departments | building collapse | fire models | high rise buildings | decision making | information technology
Identifiers
first responder; Incident Command (IC); situational awareness; structural collapse; tactical decision aid; Geographical Information System (GIS); Building Automation and Control networks (BACnet)
Abstract
The National Institute of Standards and Technology performs research that when applied can reduce the fire losses in the U.S. A focus of the research is on advanced technology for the first responder. Currently means are being explored to enhance the information available to first responders, by creating standards for transmission, display and use of information from building emergency systems that are compatible with GIS databases. Research is being conducted on new sensors and signal analysis that can detect impending collapse of buildings. New technology for reliable voice and data communications are being evaluated.