Wireless system tracks firefighters’ locations
Harris Corp. introduced the GR-100 system, a wireless solution that transmits firefighter locations to command-and-control officers’ laptops. The system has multiple components, including accuracy-enhancing algorithms, inertial sensors and GPS that lets users track personnel throughout an incident, said John Facella, the company’s director of public safety.
“The technology world has been looking at the problem of locating firefighters in a building for some time,” he said. “We believe we have found the right solution and have applied some common-sense firefighting experience resident within our company to develop the system … and make it firefighter friendly.”
The Harris GR-100 includes an SCBA-mounted tracker module and a radio network system that transmits location data every few seconds from an embedded module. It also includes a commander unit, or GUI software display, of firefighter’s location that is viewed on a ruggedized tablet computer or laptop used by the incident commander or safety officer. Location information is presented in three dimensions and is updated every few seconds to provide interior personnel positions, Facella said. Data can be rotated 360° and viewed from the top down, he added.
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