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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) manages the SAVER Program to assist emergency responders in making procurement decisions. Since its inception in 2004, the SAVER Program has produced more than 1,100 publications. These publications—which include focus group, market survey and assessment reports, as well as technotes, application notes, handbooks, guides and other documents—are described in detail on the SAVER Document Descriptions page. They provide valuable information to assist responders and purchasers with procurement decisions.
SAVER publications often contain a list and description of standards relevant to specific types of equipment. TheSAVER Guidance for Use of Standards When Selecting and Purchasing Responder Equipmentexplains how to make practical use of this information for procurement. It covers what standards are, why they are important, how to verify that standards are met, and how to include requirements for the use of standards in procurement efforts.
Publicly releasable SAVER documents are available here in the SAVER Document Library. SAVER documents with limited distribution are available to members of the SAVER Community by contacting NUSTL@hq.dhs.gov.
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Personal decontamination kits are lightweight, ready-to-use kits that allow responders to self-decontaminate or administer aid to a fellow responder following exposure to potentially hazardous materials. While these kits are not intended to replace a complete decontamination process, they can be used by responders in emergency situations when HAZMAT resources are limited or not available. Included reports: highlight, focus group report, market survey report, and technote.
Handheld satellite phones utilize satellites to communicate with landline, cellular, or other satellite phones. By communicating through satellites, responders are able to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts in remote locations where there are no landline or cellular networks or in areas where existing networks are overloaded or out of service. Included report: highlight.
Diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) allow divers to be towed behind the DPV while holding onto handles or being attached to a brindle or harness. DPVs can improve the mobility of responders and help them conserve energy during dive operations, such as underwater search and rescue, underwater investigation, and disaster assessments. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.
Asset tracking and inventory systems read information from labels or tags affixed to assets to aid in the management of inventory, personnel assignments, and maintenance needs. Responders may use these systems to track assets such as firearms, vehicles, evidence, tools, medical kits, and disaster relief supplies. Included reports: market survey report and technote.
Handheld multi-gas detectors are usually the first line of screening for environmental hazards such as oxygen deficiency or enrichment and elevated levels of combustible/toxic gases. These detectors are used by responders when responding to calls where dangerous levels of gases may be present. Included reports: highlight, application note, and technote.
Air-line supplied air respirators (SARs) provide clean breathing air from an uncontaminated source, and are used by responders when air-purifying respirators (APRs) cannot provide adequate protection for a sufficient duration of time. Unlike, self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), air-line SARs may limit the user's mobility, but their air supply is not limited like that of the SCBA. Included report: technote.
Individual officer trauma kits contain essential supplies for treating life-threatening injuries in a field environment before certified medical assistance reaches the scene. Responders may use these kits for emergency self care or for the treatment of another person. Included reports: highlight, market survey report, application note, and technote.
Shatter-resistant window film is used to protect glass panes in buildings or vehicles from shattering and causing harm to bystanders in the event of blasts, gunshots, or other intrusions. It is used for security in critical infrastructure with high value targets. Included reports: highlight, market survey report, and summary.
Life safety ropes are used to enable human rescue from areas of limited or perilous access. These ropes are used by responders to access steep, vertical, and near vertical terrain; ascend or descend from multi-story buildings; and conduct search, rescue, and recovery in maritime environments. Included reports: highlight, focus group report, and market survey report.
Handheld radionuclide identification devices (RIDs) are instruments that identify the radionuclides present in a radioactive source by identifying characteristic gamma ray emission patterns. These devices are used by responders to detect and measure gamma radiation and identify gamma ray emitting radionuclides. Included reports: market survey report, assessment report, and technote.
Small package screening systems are used to screen hand-carried items for hazardous material or devices. These systems are typically used at checkpoints to prevent illicit material from being carried into secure areas. Included reports: highlight, market survey report, and technote.
Standoff radiation detectors (SRDs) are able to locate radiation sources from a distance and determine whether or not they constitute a threat. Responders use SRDs for screening and inspection operations. Included reports: highlight, focus group report, market survey report, assessment report, and technote.
Portable ambulance decontamination systems disperse, via vapor fog, or mist, a disinfectant or sterilant into an ambulance cabin and onto surfaces through automated or manual operation to kill microorganisms that could cause illness and disease. These systems are used by emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, and private ambulance providers to disinfect ambulance cabins. Included report: market survey report.
Portable breathing air compressors are used primarily to enable responders to refill self-contained breathing apparatus bottles onsite during an extended operation when stationary breathing air refill systems are not available. Included reports: highlight, market survey report, focus group report, assessment report, and summary.
Underwater cameras may be inherently waterproof or placed in a waterproof housing and are capable of capturing and storing video and still images. These cameras are used by responders to document underwater accidents, crime scenes, and security inspections. Included reports: market survey report and assessment report.
Dive lights are primarily used by divers to signal other divers or mark their location during dive operations. Responders use dive lights to provide additional illumination during dive operations that are conducted in poorly-lit conditions and nighttime dives. Included reports: market survey report and assessment report.
Access control technologies are implemented to ensure that authorized persons can enter and exit; to prevent the entry of contraband; to notify security personnel of attempts to gain unauthorized access; and to maintain records of access. Included reports: highlight, handbook, summary.
4G mobile broadband routers provide a means to connect multiple devices to the Internet over a cellular network when cellular service is available. These routers could be an improvement for responder vehicles equipped with mobile modems that can only connect to the internet with one device at a time. Included reports: highlight and technote.
Handheld thermal imagers work by creating a virtual display showing the heat signatures of objects in the field of view. These devices can provide responders with a covert method of surveillance, providing a tactical advantage at night. Included reports: highlight (2007 and 2016), assessment report (2007 and 2017), application note, market survey report, and needs and requirements report.