Download First Responder of the Future White Paper

THE INTERAGENCY BOARD
March
2015
First Responder of the Future
PURPOSE
The First Responder of the Future Working Group was established in 2013 and is led by IAB
Chair, John Delaney, Jr., from Arlington County Fire Department. The project focuses on
highlighting what the first responder, to include the fire fighter, police officer, and emergency
medical technician (EMT), will look like in 20 years. The group captures future capabilities,
requirements, and needs for first responders in relation to uniforms, accessories, tools,
technology, and transportation by identifying what the threats of the future will be. Overall, the
purpose of the project is to hopefully influence the direction of research and development
funding within federal agencies to concentrate on the development of capabilities to assist the
future first responder.
CORE CAPABILITIES
Whether fire fighter, police officer, or EMT, the first responder of the future will need a core
ensemble that allows for customization or plug-and-play capabilities for specific discipline
needs. The ensemble should protect the responder from head to toe and must work together.
Capabilities identified include protection, sensors, helmet, heads-up display, uniform, and
advanced technology.
Protection
All wearable components of the future responder’s ensemble (helmet, uniform, gloves, and
boots) must protect the responder against the full range of threats, including biological, chemical,
radiological, standard ballistic, high or low external temperatures, explosions, punctures and
abrasions, electricity/electrocution, splash, flash, wind, and contaminated blood and needles.
Sensors
The ensemble should be equipped with sensors in the helmet and uniform that read responder
health status (for example, brain waves, blood pressure, hydration state, respiration rate, heart
rate variation, and core temperature). The information should be able to be read by the responder
and relayed to the command center. The report should tell the command center whether the
responder is conscious or unconscious and relay information about the Shock Index. Sensors
should also tell the command center about the responder’s ability to see, hear, comprehend, and
be provided instruction and guidance for any loss of sight, hearing, or comprehension. Output
from the sensors should be able to be synchronized with other devices, as needed.
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InterAgency Board | 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 601, Arlington VA 22202
THE INTERAGENCY BOARD
March
2015
First Responder of the Future
Helmet
Included in the ensemble will be a customizable, lightweight, comfortable, and size-adjustable
helmet. It will either be a smart helmet or will tie in to whichever part of the uniform has the
“smart” capabilities. It would be a platform for a heads-up display, night vision goggles, lights,
ballistic and impact protection, eye protection, enhanced hearing, and air-purifying respiration.
The helmet will incorporate technology that not only assists the first responder when responding
to an incident but also provides data on the responder to track his status. Part of that technology
will be a video camera with capability for regular and thermal imaging as well as night vision
and rear-facing views. This camera will automatically transmit data back to the command center.
The helmet will also be part of a visual marking capability technology. Each helmet will be
equipped with an LED light indicator, which will identify each responder’s rank, current
apparatus, etc., and will be visible in smoky and dark environments.
In addition, the helmet will provide added ear/hearing protection that defends against loud noises
(high decibel and blast wave) and also amplify communications between the crew and incident
commander but reduce background noise (machines, firefighting operations, etc.) that could
interfere with communications.
Heads-Up Display
The heads-up display, which could eventually be a contact lens through which information
would be projected on the eye, would provide a wide array of information including 3D tracking
for situational awareness, a 360-degree panoramic view as well as view overhead, diagrams of
structures and the surrounding area, GPS, color-coded mapping of teammates, amount of
products in the environment (e.g., hazardous materials or carbon monoxide), an integrated
infrared (IR) image display, and the temperature of the environment and the first responder.
Imagery from any other cameras will be viewable via the heads-up display as well. First
responders could identify other team members and select each team member to see direction and
what skills and resources that team member could provide. In terms of communications, the
heads-up display will be equipped with smart communication and display text communications
between the command center and team members, to include evacuation orders and command
communications. It would provide physiological data to help triage victims, including access to
patient medical and other records based on DNA.
Uniform
The uniform of the first responder of the future would be made of multi-use, long-lasting
materials that are self-cleaning and contamination resistant, so there is no need for
decontamination. Materials would allow for both low visibility (for tactical necessity) and high
visibility (for low light, poor weather, nighttime, or rescue purposes) settings that could be
selected by the first responder. For example, for a police officer, the material will be low
visibility for day patrol but high visibility for traffic enforcement and night patrol. In addition,
the material would be able to notify the wearer and operations center (perhaps by changing
colors) in the event of exposure to various contaminants (chemical, biological, radiological),
including what the contaminant is and the concentration.
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InterAgency Board | 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 601, Arlington VA 22202
THE INTERAGENCY BOARD
March
2015
First Responder of the Future
If the first responder’s core temperature becomes too high or too low, a technology in the
uniform will warm or cool, as appropriate, to return the responder’s temperature to a safer level.
Nanotechnology, which would be incorporated into the uniform via direct layering of fabric,
would prevent the absorption of dangerous liquids or gases.
The uniform would also include a sideboard suit or exoskeleton for greater strength. This loadbearing system would strap onto the first responder to provide added mechanical advantage. For
example, for a police officer, the exoskeleton could be used to defend during combat, run/chasedown suspects, allow for entry into structures, and allow for the lifting of heavy objects or
victims. The exoskeleton would disperse weight evenly. Use of these suits should result in fewer
back and knee injuries in the field.
Advanced Technology
The responder of the future would also have access to a customizable unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV) that automatically dispatches when a call is received to provide video surveillance of the
scene and collect information such as exact building, conditions, and thermal imaging. The UAV
could also provide an overall view of a situation for any threats (subjects, weapons, vehicles)
from behind the responder and other angles. Robotic remote response would also be available to
keep first responders out of harm’s way. These technologies could validate the situation before
any responder arrives.
FIRE FIGHTER
Capabilities identified for the future fire fighter fall within the following categories – helmet,
mask/facepiece, hood, PPE, gloves, tools, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and boots.
Helmet
Besides the core capabilities noted for the helmet, the fire fighter’s helmet will contain an
integrated high-intensity-beam but low-profile illumination source. The helmet will provide the
fire fighter with added eye protection by incorporating a non-fogging retractable visor, which
would allow for differing degrees of transparency for added shading and tint, depending on
degree of illumination. It could be equipped with corrective lenses to maximize vision. The
helmet would provide the capability for the first responder to talk to a person beside him and
understand who another individual wants to talk to and when.
The helmet will be integrated into one system, which includes both the mask and hood. The
helmet will provide an intimate, individual fit with the responder’s head, with no chin strap or
nose cup needed. The helmet will use a cooling technology to keep the responder’s head cool.
The helmet will automatically harden for impact protection so no shield is needed. Overall, the
helmet will be extremely lightweight and attach easily.
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InterAgency Board | 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 601, Arlington VA 22202
THE INTERAGENCY BOARD
March
2015
First Responder of the Future
Additional components of the heads-up display associated with the helmet beyond the core
capabilities include the ability to display the amount of remaining air (see section on
mask/facepiece below) and provide a graph on carbon monoxide levels.
The helmet will meet current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) specifications.
Mask/Facepiece
The main feature of the mask/facepiece is the heads-up display that will provide the fire fighter
with helpful information about the scene, environment, and his/her own health (see core
capabilities). It will track the amount of remaining air available and set-off both an audible and
vibrating alarm to indicate differing air supply levels (75%, 50%, 25%, 5%, etc.). It will also be
able to predict how much air supply is needed for the fire fighter to exit the scene safely.
Other features of the mask/facepiece aside from the heads-up display would focus on comfort.
The mask/facepiece will be wider, specifically in the lens to allow for additional peripheral
capabilities. Positive pressure will automatically adjust the mask/facepiece to fit the fire fighter’s
face. It will also be equipped with a sensor to locate scene entry points and exits.
Hood
As stated previously, the hood should be incorporated into the future helmet design, which would
lead to reduced cancer rates. However, this section provides future capabilities of a hood, should
it remain a separate piece.
It should fully cover the head and neck sufficiently, provide heat/flame resistance up to 1,500 °F,
and protect against particulate and steam exposure. Finally, it should be disposable, eliminating
the need to launder.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In addition to the core capabilities of the uniform of the first responder of the future, the fire
fighter’s PPE (coat and pants) will contain increased fall protection, which would feature airbags
that activate during a fall, protecting a fire fighter from up to a 30-foot drop. This protection will
also be equipped with an integrated self-rescue device, which could be in the form of an
additional harness, to allow the fire fighter to exit dangerous situations quickly and safely.
The PPE should be made from materials with high visibility in smoky environments. An
integrated light would be included in the PPE or jacket that could be removed and used as a
hand-held source of light. In terms of comfort, the PPE would be lightweight, form fitting, and
less bulky, to allow for more mobility and flexibility.
Gloves
The gloves would contain the same all-hazards protection as listed in the core capabilities. The
gloves would also include protection from electrical current. The gloves would contain
integrated sensors that would provide the fire fighter with helpful information to include
detection of surface temperature or surface contamination by a simple touch. This information
would be displayed in the heads-up display discussed earlier. The gloves would be equipped with
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InterAgency Board | 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 601, Arlington VA 22202
THE INTERAGENCY BOARD
March
2015
First Responder of the Future
added grip strength technology to allow the fire fighter to maintain a grip on a person or
machine/tool. Finally, in terms of comfort, the gloves would be less bulky as well as be
lightweight.
Tools
The rabbit and halogen tools for rapid forced entry are key to today’s capabilities. In the future,
tools will need to be equally or more effective, work in close quarters, and be fully automated.
Tools will be required to weigh less, or multiple tools could be incorporated into a single piece.
SCBA
The SCBA should be equipped with at least an hour and a half of air supply. An integrated smart
device would measure helpful data on both the SCBA and fire fighter, such as remote
monitoring, real-time air supply duration (based on current activities), and the fire fighter’s
respiration rate. If the device detected that the fire fighter’s breathing was low and injuries were
serious, it would have the ability to ventilate a fire fighter via the mask/facepiece until rescued.
The device would also be equipped with a cooling capability to lower a core temperature that is
too high.
The future SCBA will be streamlined, with no clasps, and overall be an integrated ensemble,
with no dangling hose. It would feature positive pressure, be low-profile, be comfortable to wear,
and weigh under 15 pounds.
Boots
The fire fighter’s boots would contain the same all-hazards protection as listed in the core
capabilities. Three protection focal points for the fire fighter include sole and toe protection,
ankle stability, and shin protection. The boots would be equipped with sensors to detect (and
provide protection from) electric currents. The boots would allow fire fighters to switch on/off
slip resistance and traction, depending on conditions.
Physiological data would be read from sensors located between the sock and foot of the fire
fighter. Boots would be comfortable, breathable, and lightweight.
POLICE OFFICER
Capabilities identified for the future police officer fall within the following categories – uniform
and helmet, heads-up display/eye wear, and weapons.
Uniform and Helmet
The future helmet for a police officer will be available for daily wear for both patrol and special
incidents. The uniform will be two pieces and low profile; it would provide the same protection
as listed in the core capabilities but would provide for heavier ballistic protection. It would also
provide respiratory protection and fall/impact protection. The fall protection could be an
inflatable scarf within the helmet that would inflate to protect the head.
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InterAgency Board | 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 601, Arlington VA 22202
THE INTERAGENCY BOARD
March
2015
First Responder of the Future
A mechanism would be added to the exoskeleton layer to act as an alternative carrying system,
as opposed to a vest or harness, with advanced capability for closure and attachment. In terms of
security, the mechanism would only release weapons and items to an authorized user to ensure
subjects are unable to get to and use the weapons.
Heads-Up Display/Eye Wear
The eye wear of the police officer would feature a heads-up display, based on the core
capabilities. The heads-up display would allow for communication through voice/eye command,
with voice recognition, and hands-free and blue tooth communications and mobile data. It would
also feature facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, and retina and iris scan. This information
would be transmitted to an electronic record database to provide background information on
suspects to include warrants and prior convictions, vehicle tag recognition, and information on
weapons, including location, registration, and type. DNA processing would allow rapid
processing back to the databank for a cross-check. The heads-up display would also provide a
virtual reality room for information on particular scenes.
Finally, the heads-up display would assist the officer in targeting subjects. This feature would be
voice commanding and would automatically target suspects wherever the officer was looking. It
would provide the ability for an officer to shoot around objects and corners.
Weapons
The future weapon for a police officer would not only provide immediate incapacitation of the
suspect but also be non-damaging. It would replace firearms, impact weapons, and chemical
agents. It would be effective for suspects of various sizes (from small children to large adults) as
well as animals. It would have an effective range from contact to over a mile. It would not be
dependent on pain-compliance to provide for effectiveness on suspects under the influence of
drugs and suspects with altered mental capacity. The weapon would enhance the police officer’s
abilities, yielding 100% accuracy. The weapon would have sensors to only allow use by
authorized personnel to eliminate a suspect’s ability to use the weapon on the officer or a
member of the public. The weapon would be integrated into the uniform.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)
Capabilities identified for the future EMT include the following categories – uniform, gloves,
advanced technology, and transportation.
Uniform
The uniform would be high-visibility and comfortable for up to 4 hours of wear, with no exposed
skin. It would provide protection from all hazards as listed in the core capabilities. In addition,
the uniform should be positive pressure. It should activate an alarm if the uniform is
compromised and be designed to allow for easy and safe removal without recontamination of the
responder. Inflatable protection from a fall or injury should be included, protecting against head
injuries and primary/secondary impacts as well as weapons and physical harm.
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InterAgency Board | 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 601, Arlington VA 22202
THE INTERAGENCY BOARD
March
2015
First Responder of the Future
Gloves
The gloves would provide the same protection as listed in the core capabilities. Gloves would be
reduced in bulk and be lightweight. They would include sensor technology that provides
biometrics of patients on touch or close proximity, particularly information on temperature,
infections, and blood type, as well as the ability to record and transmit the data securely.
Advanced Technology
EMTs would be equipped with a wearable device that could provide the following:
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Audio/video-conferencing to allow doctors to view the scene and speak directly to
patients to provide a high level of care and better treatment and triage
Access to electronic health records to allow EMTs to conduct full evaluation of patients
by accessing medical records, allergies, medications, and information on other issues
Language translator to translate the patient’s speech as well as translate the EMT’s
questions/responses by speaking the victim’s native language
Ability to audio/video record patient/care/case information and communicate to hospitals
before arrival to provide patient information and status
Alerts of hazards in the area and traffic system information, as well as the ability to
provide location/travel information to reduce/eliminate traffic congestion
Detection, analysis, and recording of patient conditions to include neurological,
cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular, and other factors
Real-time training to tell the EMT what to do and how to do it.
Publically available applications will also provide citizens with health guidance to treat injuries
until EMTs arrive.
EMTs would also be equipped with a more advanced, better monitor that would be lightweight,
wireless, and portable (cell phone size). It would provide reliable access to veins (with or without
needle) and contain a hand-held oxygen generator. It would be able to access data storage or
cloud capabilities if the main system breaks down. It would only present information relevant to
the particular incident.
Transportation
EMT vehicles should be reduced in size for ease of use and safety. They should also contain
similar technology to Google Cars and provide the following capabilities – driverless transport, a
system that controls traffic and traffic signals, maps for the quickest route (taking into account
traffic, construction, history, etc.), and ability to automatically pull over vehicles and objects in
the way. They should include real-time GPS, lift assist, and a non-restraint safety harness. They
should also be equipped with pods and monitors for the patient, cutting down on patient
movement.
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InterAgency Board | 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 601, Arlington VA 22202