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All objects have a certain temperature and emit waves of energy called
infrared radiation. Hot objects emit more energy than cold objects. A
thermal imager translates these energy waves into a viewable image,
which shows a "heat picture" of a scene. On the screen of a thermal
imager, hotter objects show as white, cooler objects show as black, and
objects in between these temperatures are displayed in shades of gray.
Because infrared radiation is not blocked by smoke, firefighters can use
thermal imagers to see through smoke, enabling them to find victims
faster, identify the seat to the fire earlier and detect structural
dangers that could put them at risk. |
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| Size-Up A thermal imager can give firefighters important information early at an incident during size-up, which can help them develop a better plan for mitigation. At a structure fire, the thermal imager may help identify the location of the fire or the extent of fire involvement prior to firefighters being committed into the structure. At non-fire incidents, thermal imagers can help verify the number of victims at a vehicle collision. |
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This image shows extensive fire and heat already
well-developed in the ceiling space, as well as in the right side of the
building. This helps firefighters deploy resources safely and appropriately. | |
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Fire Attack Just as in size-up, thermal imagers provide information to the fire attack crew that they did not previously have due to poor visibility and building construction. Using this information, firefighters can immediately direct water to the seat of the fire and ensure that their hose streams are working effectively. A thermal imager can also help firefighters locate and isolate hidden fires, such as electrical fires behind walls. |
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| This images shows how a fire can spread behind a wall and race up to the
attic. Without a thermal imager, firefighters may not find this fire until it
spreads into the attic and breaks out as a raging fire. Finding the fire earlier
helps reduce property loss and damage. | |
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Search and Rescue Of all the operations in which thermal imaging can improve a firefighter's efforts, this technology has the most dramatic impact on search and rescue. Without a thermal imager, firefighters search burning buildings by crawling on their hands and knees and groping their way through blinding smoke to find unconscious victims. Recovery rates in these operations are statistically low, since firefighters are forced to rely on physical contact alone to locate victims. Firefighters using thermal imagers can see the scene, which enables them to quickly navigate and identify victims. In addition to allowing firefighters to see through smoke in burning structures, thermal imagers enable first responders to see in the dark to find victims who are lost or in danger. Police departments can also use these device to search for fugitives. |
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| A person lost in the woods or ejected from a motor vehicle can be difficult to locate at night. However, this image shows that the person's body heat is quickly detected by the thermal imager, guiding rescuers promptly to the proper location
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| Ventilation Firefighters can use thermal imagers to identify areas of heat accumulation, possible ventilation points and significant building construction features. This helps ensure proper and effective ventilation that successfully removes smoke and heat from a building. Ventilation reduces the chances of backdraft or flashover, while possibly giving trapped victims a few more valuable seconds to be found. Identification of superheated gases also helps keep firefighters safer. |
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| This image shows the superheated gases (white cloud) being ventilated from a room. In certain situations, firefighters might actually trace the heated gases back to help them find the source of the fire. | |
| Overhaul After the fire is out, firefighters overhaul a structure to ensure that there are no hidden fires or smoldering materials that could cause the fire to reignite. When using a thermal imager for overhaul, firefighters methodically scan each room for remaining hot spots. When firefighters find these hot spots quickly and efficiently, they minimize the risk of a rekindle and reduce property damage. Structural components can be identified easily with a thermal imager, helping firefighters remain safe while fighting fires in compromised structures. |
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| This image shows several hotspots that remain in the ceiling space after the majority of the fire has been knocked down. These will have to be cooled by firefighters prior to departure. The structural integrity is compromised, yet it can be monitored by firefighters for safety purposes, even when steam and smoke still obscure normal eyesight. | |
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