Towards operational systems for continuous navigation of rescue teams

Rescue workers, such as fire fighters often face conditions that impose a combination of threats on them: severe physical and mental stress, limited or no visibility, unknown layout of buildings may induce disorientation. Systems capable of continuously locating all members of a rescue team could help to maintain orientation, and in cases of accident, help other team members or team leaders to localize colleagues in danger. The paper points out the discrepancy between state of the art in research projects, primarily in the fields of wearable computing and indoor navigation, and the lack of operational systems that have been fielded or have undergone sustained usage. The paper shows, that a successful operational system for continuous navigation of rescue teams requires a combination of several sensors, motion models, computing, communication means, and human machine interfaces. Based on an analysis of rescue operations and interviews with rescue workers, relevant issues and requirements are derived. A reference architecture for an operational system for continuous navigation of rescue teams is outlined. Its implementation and feasibility aspects are discussed. We discuss in how far the required technological components are available and affordable and where shortcomings have to be resolved by future research and development.