Where there's smoke, there's fire. A firefighter knows this creed all too well. While you are finding your way out of a
fire, our volunteers need to go in, to find trapped individuals, or to find the source of
the fire. The William Cameron Engine Company, Lewisburg, recently purchased a Thermal
Infrared Imager, a solution to a smoke filled home. Since smoke is transparent to infrared
radiation, this up-to-date technology makes it easy for a firefighter to see through a
smoky environment. |
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| The Lifesight Survivor, from Fire Research Corp., is constructed of
aluminum housing, which makes it tough, rugged, and waterproof. It is a handheld unit with
two straps on either side with a large, LCD viewfinder screen. Battery operated, and
weighing about seven pounds, the device is carried on our first out engine to be utilized
during an initial attack. |
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| With this tool, firefighters can quickly locate victims that
may be unconscious or lost by being able to detect the body heat they radiate. Half of all
deaths from fires are children and the elderly, two groups who may not be able to help
themselves out of a fire emergency. Smoke and its production of carbon dioxide can render
someone incapacitated rather quickly. With the camera's search and rescue capabilities,
another important feature is being able to back up our own and find a trapped or fallen
firefighter. |
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Many times, the fire is smoldering so low that firefighters can't find it,
or it could be hidden in the walls or ceiling. Often a fire department may need to rip a
structure apart to find hidden fire or use more water than necessary to fight it, creating
needless water damage. The camera is useful in these instances as it can see heat through
the wall, or in an open area to make all of our jobs go that much quicker and easier. By
identifying the exact location of a fire, it significantly reduces the punishment
firefighters endure during their search. Firefighters, with this instrument, have stress
and anxiety reduced as they are more confident they did not inadvertently pass over
something. |
| There is no way to put a price tag on human life, which is
why Lewisburg purchased the camera. One life saved will make all preparations and
trainings worthwhile. The William Cameron Engine Company is proud to be able to provide
this valuable piece of equipment to protect its community and keep everyone safe. |
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