Thermal Imaging Cameras - How They Can Help Firefighters in Action

Thermal Imaging Cameras

A fire department with old thermal imaging cameras would be wise to look at purchasing a newer model. Existing cameras might no longer have parts and repairs that would be supported by the manufacturer. In fact, many times parts are non-existent. The batteries often fail in at least one of the cameras at a time when it is truly needed. Many times, and older unit is in for repair. If this happens simultaneously to both, then this would leaves a department without any thermal imaging camera at all.

The goal is to have interior attack firefighter teams use the cameras. They would provide visibility to identify the fire source and to protect firefighters from unseen hazards as well as indicating the temperature inside the structure. This would greatly enhance the safety of our firefighters and provide another resource for search and rescue operations.

One can expect to budget about $8,000- $9,000 for a decent unit that meets all of the required NFPA 1801 standards. Such a camera would have a Digital Fahrenheit Readout, Temperature Awareness Colorization, Truck Mount Charging Station, and a Spare Battery.

The new units would have greater safety features than those of the old generation. These are lighter and less cumbersome. Their display screen is much easier to read, especially in difficult and dark places.

Departments should have a minimum of two such cameras. During a fire event, there are usually at least two different attack teams. With two units in service, both teams will be able to enjoy the safety of having immediate information regarding hear source, temperature and location, etc.

Cameras are of course able to show a heat source indicating victim location. This is not all that they can do as they provide vital information about heat source and hot spots. Such information is valuable in fire attack, and can prevent spread of fire since a firefighting team can put out a fire within a wall at a very specific location before the fire spreads. Another excellent use feature is that a firefighter can use the camera to check for hot spots that might re-kindle after the fire department has left a scene. A quick check with the camera can identify a source of heat not visible to the human eye, giving the attending department the ability to rectify the situation before a full-blown fire occurs either once again in a location or somewhere else in the structure.

Often times, a fire department can find a grant in order to purchase the unit. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant, or AFG, is an excellent source of funding.

Margaret L Ned

femafireactgrant.com

grants114@gmail.com

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