Applications :
Fire Service
HAZMAT
EMS
Law Enforcement
Homeland Security

Product Information :
In this issue of Thermal Imaging First Responder:
How Do Sensors Sense? - The anatomy of a TIC
Why do TICs Have Colorized Pixels? - New TIC Video Capture vs. single image capture for documentation
Thermal Imaging Training - The importance of theory and hands-on training programs
Thermal Response: More Than Just a Game - New interactive tool to train with in the use of a thermal imaging cameras
TIC Fire Act Funding - An easy guide to working through all of the red tape
TIC Video Capture - A new, more reliable way to record video from your TIC
“While developing HazMat Hotzone at Carnegie Mellon University, we envisioned the value of using game-based training technologies to assist emergency responders in preparing for dangerous scenarios,” said Shanna Tellerman, Executive Producer at Sim Ops Studios. “In a world of newly emerging threats combined with the challenging demands of a new generation of learners, this interactive method for training in the field of emergency response is in high demand.”
Sim Ops Studios was founded in 2006 with the vision of using video game technology to train emergency responders worldwide. A key benefit to this type of training is the ability to create highly realistic and easily accessible virtual training scenarios using the engaging and immersive graphic capabilities of video game technologies.
The key tool used in the MSA game is the thermal imaging camera. Introduced in the mid 1990s, TICs utilize infrared technology that allows firefighters to see through smoke and darkness. In use, TICs enable firefighters to located trapped victims in conditions with zero visibility, pinpoint the seat of a fire and identify “hot spots” after a fire has been brought under control.
MSA, a leader in thermal imaging camera technology, introduced the first hand held device for firefighters in the mid 1990s. By deploying extensive research and new product development processes, the company has steadily improved TIC technology over the years. “We are certainly proud of our accomplishments in this product area,” said Eric Beck, Director of Marketing and Product Planning. “The development of TIC training that uses video gaming technology to demonstrate the effectiveness of such a tool is clearly the next evolution in this category. We’re excited about making the game available to fire departments around the country and we look forward to hearing their reactions to the challenges presented.”