New, hands-free thermal imaging for firefighter safety applications

Dräger has launched the UCF FireCore, a hands-free thermal imaging camera that displays live-action imagery into the Dräger FPS 7000 full face mask. The UCF FireCore gives firefighters continuous vision in the low-visibility, high-risk, and unfamiliar environments that emergencies often present. With IP67 certification, the UCF FireCore is resistant to water and dust, with lithium-ion batteries guaranteeing safety over long durations. The batteries can be charged easily both in the fire vehicle, and at the fire station, prior to being deployed.

The camera can be fitted to any model, shape or size of helmet through a simple bracket, and is fully detachable, allowing firefighters to extend their vision in difficult-to-reach areas, and around corners, to enhance situational awareness and spot risks before they present further hazards. When mounted, the viewing angle can be fully adjusted, providing firefighters with the flexibility to adapt to emergency situations in a matter of seconds.

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology enables the camera to connect to the FPS in-mask display, or transfer the UCF FireCore from one helmet to another. This helps emergency personnel to pass on life-saving technology from one task force to the other – even at the scene of an emergency. This is achieved by holding the thermal imaging camera in close proximity to the in-mask display, before mounting on the helmet.

Liz Milward, Marketing Manager, Emergency and Rescue Services at Dräger Safety UK, says that the release of the UCF FireCore will speed up search and rescue missions and improve firefighter orientation in the most difficult conditions: “With flames, smoke and darkness impairing vision in high-risk environments, improving situational awareness and enhancing firefighter orientation is critical if we are to protect the lives of firefighters in the most dangerous environments.