Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Camera: An essential tool for Experts from LEADER discuss the role TIC’s have in and search and rescue operations

he thermal imaging camera (TIC) is a vital Search and Rescue missions tool for any . It detects radiation from thermal energy emitted by a body, an object, a surface, In search and rescue missions, thermal imaging can or an area (heat waves invisible to the identify/locate victims in difficult conditions. For naked eye), records infrared radiation and example, when attending a scene that has a smoky atmosphere or requires firefighters to work in the transcribes this infrared radiation by displaying it T dark. In these situations, a thermal imaging camera on a screen so that the user can view this infrared allows the rapid identification of unconscious radiation, analyse and interpret it. Thermal imaging victims who are difficult to spot with the cameras (TIC’s) for firefighters produce an image of naked eye due to the opaque smokes. the intensity of the thermal radiation detected. Each colorisation mode has its own color palette. Thus, the same observed scene can produce a different Road accidents and natural disasters image depending on the colorisation mode used. When attending a road accident, Thermal imaging in firefighting thermal cameras provide the ability to assess the number of passengers The firefighting thermal imaging camera is useful in a vehicle involved for firefighters in various situations. Firstly, it makes in an accident recognition and movement in a room invaded by by visualising smoke easier, this is essential when it is impossible the heated to see with the naked eye. Secondly, it helps seats by the the rapid search/detection of the fire source person(s) or a smoldering fire. It can also identify and help dangerous elements that could threaten to quickly the safety of firefighters/rescuers, such as: identify road accident • Presence of gas cylinders victims who have been • Monitoring an overheating electrical circuit thrown from • Identification at distance of the liquid level a vehicle in the in a tank (fuel tanks, unloading of wagons middle of the night by or tanks, transport of hazardous materials, looking for the victim in the etc.) to collect the information necessary surrounding area. If a first responder is for the intervention on the scene of a natural disaster, such as earthquakes, landslides or building • Locate a hydrocarbon stain on the collapses, a portable thermal imaging roadway following a road accident camera will give the ability to easily spot in the middle of the night unconscious victims in the dark, where a standard search camera will show Furthermore, it can locate ventilation points, nothing on the screen. identify residual hot spots after a fire has been extinguished (chimney fire, etc.) that could cause Thermal cameras are also used a new start of fire, and help search for emergency by coast guards and rescuers fallback routes in a smoky environment. when carrying out search

22 | IFsj Thermal Imaging

operations. In particular for of the sensor, the resistance As the use of the camera looking for people overboard. of the camera and its battery is most often done while The same can be said for high to high temperatures are all wearing breathing apparatus, mountain rescue missions vital. However, vision and the attack team will therefore where crew are looking for temperature are also important have to use "scanning" victims of skiing accidents. criteria for the selection techniques in order to collect as The LEADER TIC Long Range of a firefighting thermal much information as possible thermal imaging cameras imaging camera. during this recognition phase. can help detect a victim up to 1000m away. Vision is the first aspect The scan technique, whether to consider when using a done in strip, Z, X or 6-sided, Choose the right thermal camera. Typically, must be done with rigor and thermal equipment human binocular vision is in repeated during the recognition the range of 120° horizontally phase, to allow the construction and 105° vertically (45° up and of a mental image of the The choice of a thermal imager 80° down). This vision will be progress. The combination depends on the application reduced by wearing a breathing of repeated scans and for which it is intended. apparatus mask and will progressions without a camera Ergonomics, compactness, be further reduced with a will help to identify dangers. The size, resolution and sensitivity thermal imaging camera. LEADER TIC cameras have a Thermal Imaging

is therefore essential to know the specificities of each mode in order to choose the most suitable according to the situation encountered. This is why the training of the users is essential for a good understanding of the observed image.

The importance of training

As with any firefighting equipment, it is important that the is trained to properly use their Even for first responders, it is thermal imaging camera. This necessary to be equipped with knowledge will allow them to viewing angle a firefighting equipment that can fully understand the situations that is among warn them of a danger! LEADER encountered during interventions has chosen to equip its portable the highest on by integrating into their analysis the thermal imaging cameras for the market, 51° information obtained thanks to the firefighters with the widest horizontally and thermal imaging camera. temperature range on the market 40° vertically, thus making it (from -40°C to + 1150°C) (-40 to + possible to scan an intervention Since training is too often forgotten, 2102°F) in order to give firefighters area more quickly. it turns out that many firefighters do the opportunity to analyse all not always appreciate the value of the situations encountered. In terms of temperature, in the case their thermal imaging cameras and of a “Firefighting” thermal imaging are unable to use them properly. It is camera, a wide temperature range Understanding colour modes for this reason that thermal cameras camera should be used in order are too often left in trucks and are to guarantee the reliability of the The use of several color modes therefore underused. device, and especially the safety allows the user to analyse the of firefighters. To avoid image observed scenes with greater As you have clearly seen from the saturation a camera equipped with precision in order to facilitate few examples given throughout a wide temperature range going understanding (temperature this article, it is very important beyond 1000°C (1832°F) will allow level, smoke propagation, traffic to be trained in the use of the all the situations encountered firefighting thermal imaging to be analysed without risk of camera, but it is also just as saturation (inability to discern important to be trained in the the observed scene). “Even for first interpretation of thermal images. responders, it is Indeed, when the maximum necessary to be LEADER, manufacturer of thermal detection temperature of the camera imaging cameras specifically is exceeded, the image is saturated equipped with a designed for firefighting, assists and it is no longer possible to clearly firefighting equipment all its customers in choosing see the contrasts on the camera that can warn them the thermal imaging camera screen, thus making it impossible that best suits their needs and to read or understand the situation. of a danger!” also trains them in the use of Depending on the temperature its firefighting equipment. range, it will not be possible for the firefighter to analyse all the axis, danger, etc.). This is why it Wishing to join the firefighters elements of the observed scene. A is important to have the ability to and rescuers in a process of thermal camera with a temperature change the colorization mode, in acquiring knowledge for the use range of up to 450 or 500°C (842 to order to highlight other unseen of thermal cameras, LEADER also 932°F) will not be able to understand elements. LEADER offers up to 5 trains all its customers in the the triggering of a flash-over colorizations modes on its LEADER interpretation of thermal images occurring between 600 and TIC cameras: Fire, Search, Inverse, so that they can use all the 650°C (1112 to 1202°F) or Cold and Multicolor. Each colorisation potential of this powerful equipment! analyse the risk of collapse mode has its advantages, Find info on LEADER website of a metal structure building. disadvantages and limitations. It www.leader-group.company!

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