The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently conducted a successful test of its Burn Saver technology.
“Burn Saver is a device S&T developed to give first responders an early warning when they are in a thermal environment that may cause extreme damage to their personal protective equipment (PPE),” S&T Program Manager Bill Deso said.
Burn Saver is a battery-powered device with sensors that monitor temperature and heat flux and calculates the amount of time firefighters have before heat damages their self-contained breathing apparatus facepiece. An alert sounds when 45 seconds are remaining.
Five firefighters participated in the test at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The firefighters performed job tasks in a series of operational scenarios to test device ruggedness and whether the device effects a firefighter’s range of motion.
Burn Saver was remotely activated, and firefighters provided feedback on the effectiveness of the visual alert. The device was mounted on a stand, and a controlled burn was performed inside a burn room. S&T evaluators observed the alter light via a video feed.
Burn Saver was funded by DHS’s Small Business Innovation Research program was developed by TDA Research in collaboration with the DHS.