Proper use of the Thermal Imager can protect and save the lives of firefighters by warning them of potential ceiling collapses and other dangers. With thermal imaging, it now takes firefighters just a few seconds to scan a room. Training - Using video transmitter systems, Incident Commanders can observe interior operations in real time, assure the safety of the firefighter's and video tape operations of the scene. The video tapes can also be used for incident review and teaching later. Hazardous Materials - Firefighters can identify the sources of vapors and gases, and determine liquid levels in containers, helping to manage hazardous materials spills and other chemical accidents more effectively.
All objects have a certain temperature and emit waves of thermal energy called infrared radiation.
The hotter an object, the more energy waves are emitted. Using this technology, firefighters can see heat signatures as small as that of footprints or handprints. The current technology provides vastly improved performance over the first generation devices. Due to reduced size and lowered cost, these newer devices have become available for use in a range of applications, including police suspect searches, medical burn evaluations and a variety of applications within the fire industry. Editor Larry Stevens summarized the results of a nation-wide study of the effectiveness of thermal imaging cameras.