Robots and Virtual Simulators
Over at Firefighter Blog, there is a post that contains the 12 needs of the FDNY had after September 11, written by retired Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn.
It is a great list, but two of them really caught my eye.
5. The fire service needs robots for firefighting....
11. The fire service needs a computerized- virtual- simulator for firefighting training.
The technology is available now to make these two things happen. Law enforcement agencies and the military use both of these things effectively.
Firefighting robots could really help reduce the safety issues that firefighters face and they would improve firefighting tactics. Imagine if firefighters had a robot that could locate the seat of the fire, assist in extinguishment, locate injured people, or simply carry firefighting equipment.
The computerized virtual simulators would really have a big impact for those firefighters that don't face many structure fires. They would be better prepared for that situation and they could repeat training at regular intervals to stay sharp.
