When firefighters rush into burning buildings, they know the thermal environment may change in a matter of seconds, exposing them to potentially lethal temperatures. Burn Saver is a body-worn technology that continuously monitors thermal conditions and warns firefighters when those conditions become threatening. Initially funded under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research program, Burn Saver was developed by TDA Research Inc. in collaboration with the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T).
“Burn Saver is a device S&T developed to give first responders an early warning when they are in a thermal environment that may cause extreme damage to their personal protective equipment (PPE),” explained S&T Program Manager Bill Deso. In high temperatures, the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) face piece can “craze” – a bubbling effect that limits visibility – or, in extreme temperatures, melt
