Firefighters are unsung heroes who endanger their lives to save people during emergencies. According to 2021 statistics, there were 70 fatalities among American firefighters on duty in 2021. The alarming part is that the number was up from 62 in 2020. Beyond the on-duty risks, these professionals deal with occupational hazards like toxic exposure, fatigue, long working shifts, and stress.
Did you know that the cancer diagnosis risk for firefighters is 9 per cent higher than for the general American population? Even worse, the probability of dying from cancer is 14 per cent higher. It’s all because of lifelong exposure to hazardous chemicals such as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and other toxins. Cardiovascular disease and respiratory ailments are other causes of concern.
While these risks are integral to the job role, innovation can be a lifesaver for firefighting professionals. Fortunately, several emerging technologies have the potential to save lives and reduce risks. Fire departments are already using these technologies to improve firefighter safety and efficiency. Let us discover how innovation can be a game-changer.
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Awareness Before Innovation
Embracing innovation can make all the difference to firefighting safety, but risk awareness should be the top priority. As a firefighter, you must go the extra mile to identify the threats on duty and address them with proactive measures. For example, training and development can help with both, making you capable of coping with the most challenging situations in the line of duty.
Awareness of your rights is equally crucial, specifically when it comes to occupational hazards. The silver lining is that firefighters bearing the brunt of toxin exposure to firefighting foam can claim compensation through an AFF lawsuit. However, you may miss out on the firefighting foam settlement you deserve due to a lack of awareness.
According to TorHoerman Law Firm, victims can get optimal AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts to cover their medical expenses, damages, pain, and suffering, provided they have the right legal strategy. The firm’s website offers comprehensive information on the eligibility, process, and valuation of these lawsuits.
Victims can book a free consultation or seek answers from the chatbot on the website to start on the right foot. Knowing the legal nitty-gritty of AFFF claims puts victims in a good place to get the rightful compensation.
Firefighting Technologies Worth Considering
According to 2021 statistics, 1.35 million fires occurred in the US during the year. Although the numbers dropped 2.5 per cent from the previous year, they still translate into tons of work and risk for firefighting professionals. At the same time, several technologies are making the profession safer than before by reducing on-duty risks and empowering firefighters. Here are a few worth considering:
Artificial Intelligence
AI is perhaps the most trending technology, and it is everywhere, including in fire rescue departments. NASA has developed AUDREY, a software app to collect and understand fire data, such as temperatures, gasses, and timelines. This data can provide firefighting professionals with the best recommendations to navigate the situation through wearable sensors.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
AR and VR have come a long way from being video gaming technologies. They are a part of training initiatives in many industries, including firefighting services. Besides training, AR and VR are being used in masks and helmets to help firefighters to see through smoke and improve their situational awareness in emergencies.
Wearable Technology
Toxic fumes such as methane and carbon monoxide are among the worst fire hazards, and they are often hard to detect until they cause damage. Firefighters can rely on wearable sensors to get real-time gas sensing and detection. They can quickly evacuate survivors and get out of dangerous areas after the timely detection of toxic fumes.
Sonic Fire Extinguishers
A sonic fire extinguisher is another life-saving innovation for fire departments. The idea was proposed in 2017 by students from George Mason University. Putting out a fire using a sonic device means minimal exposure to toxins like AFF in traditional extinguishers. You can imagine how many lives the technology can save once it gets to the mainstream.
Electric Fire Trucks
Inspired by electric cars, electric fire trucks can enhance the safety and efficiency of fire crews. They have compact designs, making navigation easy in urban areas. It means crews can reach locations sooner than later and save more lives. At the same time, eco-friendliness is the inherent benefit of electric vehicles because they do not run on fuel.
What Next!
Firefighting technologies are still evolving, but they have the potential to save lives and reduce risks for firefighters and survivors. Beyond curbing everyday risks, these technologies can lower operational costs and enhance the efficiencies of emergency departments. Undoubtedly, they are worth embracing!
