Features
How your thermal imagers can assist in a natural disaster

Natural disasters are exactly how they sound: a disaster. With each natural disaster that occurs, we learn something new and can better prepare for the next. The fire service is a key responder during most disasters, so staying educated, prepared and up to date on the latest technology is arguably one of the important things when discussing how to respond to a natural disaster. The technology we use today is ever evolving, resulting in more research, better communication, and more thorough education. This also results in bettering our overall knowledge of disaster preparedness.

Thermal Imagers (TIs) are perhaps one of the most high-tech tools we have in our arsenal for fighting fires, which is why they are also used when responding to emergencies that involve water, confined spaces, trenches, vehicle extrication, and search and rescues.

Natural disasters are happening more frequently these days, which means more mudslides, forest fires, tornados, hurricanes and extreme flooding conditions, resulting in missing persons and lives being lost. As mentioned earlier, the fire service is a key responder to these disasters and their willingness to embrace the latest technology advancements is why firefighters are well prepared to face these disasters when they occur.

Rescue situations
When dealing with rescue situations during natural disasters, firefighters can use thermal imagers for a wide range of effective operations. Highly skilled urban task force technical search and rescue teams often own several TIs, or have access to them, and understand the TI’s powerful technology. There are thermal imagers with exclusive technology for specialized rescues, such as building collapses or long-range surveillance. Some crews use what are called gimble mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) TIs, which are mounted either on the side or underneath on helicopters for search and rescue. These specialized TIs are well-suited for specific operations, but not practical for fire departments that respond to structural fires. For the most part, TIs used for the fire service are relatively simple in comparison. Since first responders are typically first on the scene, they most likely will be using a TI designed for fire fighting.

Those used for the fire service are typically fix-focused and short-range tools, designed mostly for interior fire attack. However, these TIs can detect a human body from several hundred feet away or more, depending on the temperature of the surrounding background and overall environmental conditions. To search a wide area, such as an industrial facility or an expansive open area, a TI can be invaluable for conducting the search, performing risk assessments, or assisting in prioritizing resources.

When conducting a confined space rescue scenario in a cellar or basement, following a disaster such as a mudslide, flood or tornado, the fire fighting TI is a valuable tool. It is also an extremely beneficial tool that allows crews to easily see their surroundings and navigate in the dark when lighting is unavailable. In these situations, the fire fighting TI can help locate trapped or injured victims and bring them to safety. A TI can also be used during confined space rescue to delay a structure collapse or secure the scene. When conducting victim searches, firefighters should look for out-of-place heat signatures from a hand, foot or other extremities, protruding from debris, under tables or surrounding objects. Fire fighting TIs make the search and rescue process faster and more effective, revealing critical details, even without a fire present.

You can save lives when using a TI during a natural disaster. For example, take a storm that has gained strength early in the afternoon and has formed into a violent tornado that rips through a community. Even with the technology of early warning systems in place, its residents don’t always have time to take shelter. Things happen in an instant and the tornado touches down and destroys homes along its path. A TI can help locate victims throughout the scattered debris, but it can also help find safe ways in and out of dangerous areas.

Limitations
A TI is not affected by daytime versus nighttime conditions and gives emergency responders the ability to see in limited visibility. If your TI has a zoom feature, you can easily investigate the streets for fallen trees, power lines, or other hazards that may be blocking the way. You can identify collapsed or unstable structures, structural cracks that are forming and buildings that are smouldering or on fire.

When smoke is present in a disaster, it can cause confusion. A TI can see through the smoke and help locate victims. In other disasters, such as a condo building or crane collapse, a TI can be used to help locate victims who are trapped or buried in rubble. Note: there are limitations to using a thermal imager in that it cannot see through anything, nor can it see into the depths of water.  Searching for people who may be stuck in trees that were swept away in raging flood waters or have sought refuge on rooftops are other locations we should not forget to look at. A TI can also help the fire fighting crew plan and navigate through dangerous territory by avoiding cables and dangerous debris that could injure emergency responders.

First responders who have access to thermal imaging technology when disasters strike can help save lives. None of us know when the next disaster might hit but using a thermal imager can help us be better prepared to face the challenges.

Until next time, stay safe and train often.

Manfred Kihn is a 19-year veteran of the fire service, having served as an ambulance officer, emergency services specialist, firefighter, captain and fire chief. A member of Bullard’s Emergency Responder team since 2005, he is the company’s fire training specialist for thermal imaging technology. E-mail him at manfred_kihn@bullard.com.