Multi-Functional Safety Jacket for Firefighters

摘要

One of the riskiest modern jobs is firefighting, which is the process or the action of extinguishing fire. A design of a multi-functional safety jacket for firefighters was attempted. The design includes: 1) a firefighting jacket, 2) various sensors, 3) a communication system, 4) LED bars, 5) a touchscreen, and 6) a battery bank. The safety jacket provides many functionalities to a firefighter at task. The embedded heat sensors measured the skin temperature of the firefighter, the room temperature, and that of all inanimate objects, such as walls, doors, and ceilings. An alert was given if a potential fire was hidden behind these objects. The gas sensor measured the level of carbon monoxide (CO), combustible gases, and smoke in the room. A warning signal would also be generated if the gas level became hazardous. A wireless radio module was attached to the jacket to facilitate team communication. The safety jacket would also alert firefighters of any obstacles ahead to avoid collision. In case a firefighter fell suddenly, a message would be sent to the external base to request for help. Sensitivity tests revealed the accuracy, the complexity, and performance of the prototype.