Improved tracking system being developed for firefighters

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The WISPER routers (top left), the WISPER dispenser (middle) and base station modules (bottom) are all part of the new firefighter tracking system (Image: Department of Homeland Security)

Article Summary

Even though firefighting is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, firefighters still communicate using analog radio signals, that can be blocked by concrete walls. This means that, upon venturing into a burning building, a firefighter might have no way of letting their commander know their present location – a situation that could prove deadly, if they ended up trapped or injured. In order to address the situation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate has created a new three-part system that lets fire crews keep track of the location and well-being of every member of their team, all the time.

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