- Author
- Amon, F. K. | Bryner, N. P. | Hamins, A.
- Title
- Thermal Imaging Research Needs for First Responders: Workshop Proceedings.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- NIST SP 1040; NIST Special Publication 1040, June 2005,
- Book or Conf
- Thermal Imaging Research Needs for First Responders: Workshop Proceedings. December 9-10, 2004, Gaithersburg, MD, 70 p., 2005
- Keywords
- thermal imaging | first responders | evaluation | heat detection | fire fighting | infrared camera | focal plane array | performance metrics
- Identifiers
- workshop organization and objectives; breakout group results; historical overview; thermal imager characteristics for first responder applications; first responder thermal imaging uses; thermal imaging standards; prioritization; response to discussion questions; overall thermal imaging priorities; breakout group results
- Abstract
- This workshop provided a forum to discuss the strategies, technologies, procedures, best practices, research, and development that can significantly improve thermal imaging technology for the first responder community. The goal of the workshop was to identify barriers that impede advances in the application of thermal imaging technology to emergency response. The program included experts from the first responder community, thermal imaging camera and component manufacturers, fire fighter trainers, and those doing research on thermal imaging, speaking on today's safety challenges. After hearing presentations, the workshop divided into three breakout sessions to discuss the following four questions: What technological advances are needed? What are the research needs for first responders? What performance metrics are needed and how do they differ from current methods? What standards are needed? The results of each groups' deliberations were discussed when the full workshop reconvened. The responses from each group were coalesced and listed so that attendees could vote on the issues that they felt were most important. Attendees were grouped by their affiliation with industry or the first responder community. The combination of issues that relate to image quality (a collection of research, performance metrics, and standards needs) was voted to be the most important topic overall, and the most important subject for industry representatives. The development of camera durability (or ruggedness) metrics and standard testing methods was the second-most important subject overall, and the second-most important subject for industry representatives. Training and certification for personnel, and human factor/dynamics/ergonomic research were the first and second-most important topics for first responders.