Ellis Cohen of Glasgow wants to make it safer for firefighters to use breathing apparatus (GB 2368705). Today, control centre staff note the time a firefighter enters a dangerous area so they can radio a warning when their air supply is nearly spent. He proposes fitting a sensor in the breathing mask to track the wearer’s breathing pattern and sound a warning if it senses any danger signs. A radio in the mask then transmits an alarm, along with a code identifying the ailing firefighter.
Technology
Fighting for breath
By Barry Fox
27 July 2002
