DHS introduces new technology for firefighters

Fire departments across the country will soon be able to use a helmet-mounted navigation and visualization device that will allow rescuers to see through dark smoke, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The department’s Science and Technology Directorate is opening applications for fire departments nationwide to apply for the technology developed by Austin, Texas-based startup Qwake Technologies. The technology was developed by Qwake with DHS as part of a 2020 contract to develop fire safety technology.

The department says the device is called C-THRU.

“We know that improved first responder equipment and technology will help save lives and protect firefighters,” said Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “By working in partnership with industry, S&T supports the development of devices like C-THRU that solve the challenges we know exist for first responders, and we are using emerging technology to meet their most pressing needs.”

Fire departments can apply for 400 prototype devices.

The device is lightweight, hands-free and equipped with a high-speed thermal imaging camera, similar to those currently used by firefighters, that records its surroundings.

“In addition to providing a clearer, real-time view of the surroundings, C-THRU also helps firefighters reorient themselves with turn-by-turn navigation and reverse navigation,” the department said in a news release.

“If a firefighter becomes lost in a burning building, a mayday function can be activated, which notifies other C-THRU users in the area to find the rescuer in need. Like a smartphone, the system will be continually improved through over-the-air software updates.”