Physiological parameters monitoring of fire-fighters by means of a wearable wireless sensor system

Abstract

Abstract. Physiological parameter monitoring may be useful in many different groups of the population, such as infants, elderly people, athletes, soldiers, drivers, fire-fighters, police etc. This can provide a variety of information ranging from health status to operational readiness. In this article, we focus on the case of first responders and specifically fire-fighters. Firefighters can benefit from a physiological monitoring system that is used to extract multiple indications such as the present position, the possible life risk level, the stress level etc. This work presents a wearable wireless sensor network node, based on low cost, commercial-offthe-self (COTS) electronic modules, which can be easily attached on a standard fire-fighters' uniform. Due to the low frequency wired interface between the selected electronic components, the proposed solution can be used as a basis for a textile system where all wired connections will be implemented by means of conductive yarn routing in the textile structure, while some of the standard sensors can be replaced by textile ones. System architecture is described in detail, while indicative samples of acquired signals are also presented.

Evaluation of Functionality of Warning System in Smart Protective Clothing for Firefighters

“…The profession of a firefighter is often associated with work in extremely difficult conditions, subject to a number of hazards that can affect their health and safety. These include thermal factors, fire smoke, the possibility of explosions, flammable and toxic substances, noise, darkness and poor visibility (and associated location issues), work at height, as well as physical hazards associated with trips, falls and crushing [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The work of a firefighter is also associated with a large physical effort and burden associated with, inter alia, the mass of personal protective equipment used.…”