The present work addresses a project hereon named Vital Helmet (VH), which itself is part of
VitalResponder (VR), a large-scale, multi-disciplinary and multi-institution research project.
The VR’s main objective is to explore synergies between new technologies capable of being
completely integrated, such as networks of sensors, intelligent buildings, wearable technologies
and other location services. All this in order to assure an effective system in emergency contexts
that can be safe, reliable and effective [1].
In accordance to VR’s line of smart and wearable technologies, the development of a sensorized
helmet module for firefighters was proposed. This module should be able to adapt to many
different fire scenarios —such as chemical industries, refineries, plastic industries, forest fires,
etc.— in order to measure the concentration of dangerous substances in the environment. Naturally,
some data processing would be still required to determine if the ambient is safe and to certify
the firefighter’s exposition is within the limits established by the health-regulation institutions.
Being a firemen means performing one of the most dangerous jobs in the world [2], so this
project together with VitalResponder, fit perfectly for their mission. And although this project
is specifically oriented towards firemen, it is expected that the helmet module can be used and
adapted to others jobs such as miners or policemen.
In Portugal, firemen are ruled by the National Authority for Civil Protection (ANPC) and perform
functions that range from pre-hospital services to cutting vehicles apart during car accidents.
Evidently, fire fighting is also an immense part of their tasks, and it will be upon the latest that this
project will be about. More specifically, the type of fires to be considered over this thesis will be
urban, industrial and forest.
Firemen are trained for critical and demanding scenarios of fire, smoke and lack of brightness
so they can save lives. Gas leaks and dangerous substances spills are other non-fire related risks
of this job.
Facing an operating theater (OT) of thick smoke, high flames and high temperatures can lead
to many health problems and accidents such as burns, smother or injuries caused by structures’ collapse. Long term exposure to hazardous gases can also lead to other health issues such breathing
problems and heart attacks.
According to information given by ANPC, there are about 5900 house fires per year. Since
2010 until the beginning of February of 2015, 2013 people have died in urban fires and 1193
became homeless (with 72 casualties registered). According to the same information, 2010 has
been the worst year in terms of disasters. Nontheless, the most deadly was 2012, with 52 deaths
on the inhabitants registered due to house fire[3].
As an attempt to lower this fatality numbers and to protect those who protect the civil population,
this project intends to prevent work-related accidents in fire brigades.