The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are researching Internet of Things (IoT) as it relates to emergency communications for first responders.
S&T is testing a multicomponent communications system called the Wearable Alert and Monitoring System (WAMS). The goal is to enhance first responders’ performance while maintaining health and safety.
Systems use connected smart software, artificial intelligence and wearable hardware such as sensors.
Researchers are looking for technology that monitors and tracks both wearers and the environment. These technologies include systems that track abnormal heart rhythms, increased respiratory rates, elevated body temperatures, oxygen levels and the presence of carbon monoxide.
“WAMS is a hub that connects all stakeholders and conveys actionable information when and where it is needed,” S&T Program Manager Cuong Luu said. “We envision WAMS to be an innovative and low-cost, low-barrier to entry, wearable device and communications system that improves job safety and increases mission success for first responders. We hope it will be a model for future interoperable emergency communications technologies.”
The work expands upon research completed by the Personal Alert and Tracking System, the Assistant for Understanding Data through Reasoning, Extraction and Synthesis and the Next Generation First Responder program.