Firefighter Sims

A specially-adapted 'tactile helmet', developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield, could provide fire-fighters operating in challenging conditions with vital clues about their surroundings. The helmet is fitted with a number of ultrasound sensors that are used to detect the distances between the helmet and nearby walls or other obstacles. These signals are transmitted to vibration pads that are attached to the inside of the helmet, touching the wearer's forehead. Rescue workers, such as fire-fighters, who might be working in dark conditions or in buildings filled with smoke, will be able to use the signals to find walls and other obstacles that could help guide them through unfamiliar environments. It is anticipated that a lightweight version of the technology could also be useful to people with visual impairments, acting as an additional 'sense' to guide users or to help them avoid hazards. Invented by a team of researchers at the Sheffield Centre f...

I came across this website http://magneticchock.homestead.com/ the other day by accident. A firefighter/paramedic has designed a magnetic chock that covers the strike plate of a door to keep the door from latching. The magnets are placed so the chock works on both residential and commercial doors. The chock also has cut-outs so it can be used to prop the door open. I have added the video below so you can see how the chock works. It looks pretty interesting, but I have not used it. It looks like it could help speed search and rescue time by allowing you to chock the door open and not having to worry about it. If anyone has used the chock, please let us know what you think by leaving a comment.

I found these pictures of a firefighting robot at Hacked Gadgets . The Brazilian company ARMTEC has created this firefighting robot. The SACI (Incidents Support Combat System) robot brings the firehose directly into the fire or sprays water or foam from 60 meters. The robot can work for 3 hours before it needs a recharge.