Firefighter Accountability and Proximity (FFAP) System

Heavy smoke and fire can hinder firefighters’ ability to locate a fellow responder who may be trapped, disoriented or disabled inside a burning building. Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) typically use roll calls or firefighter mayday calls to track downed team members. In certain instances, personal alert safety system alarms can also assist, but locating where the alarm is coming from can be difficult in the best conditions. In the noisy environment of a raging fire, it is even more difficult; as the time it takes to locate a fallen colleague increases, so too does the risk to the rescuers themselves. (DHS Video by Science & Technology Directorate/Released)