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Breadcrumb

  1. Science and Technology
  2. Research & Development
  3. First Responder Capability
  4. First Responder Technologies
  5. System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER)

System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program

Battery-Powered Rescue Tools for Vehicle Extrication

SAVER video presents results of tool assessments.

Walk-Through Screening for Mass Casualty Threats

SAVER TechNote provides an overview. 

Crowd Analysis Technologies

SAVER Market Survey Report delivers a commercial marketplace snapshot of tech systems. 

Augmented and Virtual Reality Training Systems

SAVER Market Survey Report offers a commercial marketplace snapshot. 

Body Worn Cameras with Automatic Activation

SAVER Market Survey Report provides a commercial marketplace snapshot. 

Blue UAS for First Responders

SAVER Focus Group Report recommends Blue UAS evaluation criteria to use in a future assessment.

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. The SAVER Guidance for Use of Standards When Selecting and Purchasing Responder Equipment explains 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.

Law enforcement tactical protective padding is general protective padding, primarily for the neck, elbows, knees, and shins. It is used by law enforcement personnel during tactical operations to provide protection from blunt force trauma and the impact of material fragments. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Law enforcement tactical protective helmets provide protection from objects that can be thrown or wielded by aggressors. These helmets are used in situations where law enforcement personnel will be exposed to hostile or potentially hostile crowds but do not expect to require ballistic protection. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Law enforcement tactical boots meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for Level D protection. They provided their wearers with minimal protection against nuisance contamination that may be found in operational environments. Included report: highlight, focus group report, and market survey report.

License plate recognition (LPR) systems use cameras and computer hardware and software to capture images of vehicle license plate and to check the information on the plates against databases. The law enforcement community has recognized the need for minimum performance and interoperability standards for LPR systems. Included reports: highlight and technote.

License plate recognition systems use cameras and computer hardware and software to capture images of vehicle license plate and to check the information on the plates against criminal watch lists. These systems are capable of scanning thousands of license plates during a patrol shift or target mission. Included reports: highlight, focus group report, and market survey report.

Laser-based detection techniques hold promise for new capabilities, especially in standoff and multi-threat explosives detection. Explosives detectors are used  by responders to screen people, luggage, and packages; investigate unknown substances; and prevent suicide attacks and damage from roadside bombs. Included reports: highlight and technote.

Faceshield fogging is an impediment encountered by responders using Level A encapsulated personal protective equipment (PPE) and the removal of this condensation diverts crucial time from response operations. Level A anti-fogging products and techniques can be used to prevent the formation of condensation and prevent the resultant loss of situational awareness. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, assessment report, and analysis report.

Mask leak/fit testers (MLFTs) are used to perform fit testing of respirator face pieces to determine the quality of face-to-mask seals. They are used to ensure that respirator seals provide a safe barrier to a contaminated environment for the user, and that each user knows how to properly don the respirator. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)-based trace explosives detectors are gas sampling and analysis instruments that can detect and identify a wide range of explosive compounds. These detectors are used to screen packages, vehicles, clothing, and other items for trace residues of explosives. Included reports: highlight, summary, technical report.

Ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) can detect a multitude of compounds including explosives, illicit drugs, and chemical warfare agents. Responders use IMS to detect chemicals, explosives, and narcotic compounds in a variety of operating environments. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Inverters are used to convert direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power for the operation of electrical equipment and tools when a conventional AC power source in unavailable. Responders encounter various scenarios that require the use of inverters. Included report: highlight and market survey report.

Intrusion detection encompasses perimeter security and intrusion detection sensor technologies. Security specialists employ intrusion detection sensors to secure the perimeter of secured areas and locations. Included reports: highlight, summary, and handbook.

Intrusion detection and prevention systems are used to detect and identify possible threats to a system, and to provide early warning to system administrators in the event that an attack is able to exploit a system vulnerability. These systems are instrumental in capturing and logging information that can later be used to investigate a data breach. Included reports: highlight and application note.

Intrinsically safe exhaust fans are used by responders during rescue operations to ventilate confined spaces or enclosed areas with contaminated atmospheres. Intrinsic safety is achieved by making certain that only low voltages and current enter hazardous areas, ensuring there is no ignition hazard. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Integrated night vision systems combine image output from two or more different types of night vision sensors into one composite image in order to take advantage of the strengths of each type of sensor. These systems provide responders with enhanced detection and recognition capabilities in fog, rain, and smog, as well as in poorly illuminated conditions. Included reports:highlight, summary, technote, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

In-suit communication equipment may include an earpiece, voice piece, and push-to-talk capabilities. This equipment facilitates communication with and between responders wearing personal protective equipment. Included reports: highlight, focus group report, market survey report, assessment report, and technote.

Impact resistant doors are designed with strength, security, and durability in mind to ensure they are able to protect secured areas. They are used in both interior and exterior applications and are commonly found in high-security areas. Included reports: highlight and handbook.

Imaging sonar is a high-frequency, narrow field of view, underwater sonar that produces video-like acoustic imagery that can detect and identify submerged objects of interest, even in low-to-no visibility conditions. Imaging sonar systems are used by responders to inspect ship hulls and  pier and bridge pilings, direct divers to objects of interest, track divers underwater, and search for underwater obstructions ahead of vessels. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Hydraulic rescue tools include components such as spreaders, rams, cutters, combination tools, power units, and hoses. Responders use these tools to extricate victims from entrapment. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, application note, technology guide, and technical report.

High-sensitivity detectors are portable devices that use high-purity germanium to provide high-resolution gamma spectroscopy to identify radionuclides. These devices provide responders with more resolved spectra than detectors that use other materials. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, and assessment report.

Helmet-mounted lights are available in a variety of mounting configurations, with assorted blub types, adjustable beams, and various power sources. Responders commonly use these lights as primary and secondary light sources during firefighting and search and rescue operations. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Hazardous material (HAZMAT)/ chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) mobile apps can be installed on smartphones and tablets. The use of these apps can improve the situational awareness of responders during HAZMAT/CBRNE incidents. Included reports: highlight, technote, application note.

Incident decision support software applications provide an array of analytical tools, map sources, educational materials, and training to support emergency response operations. This software provides responders with the flexibility, skill sets, and tools necessary to plan, manage, coordinate, and communicate critical information during small- and large-scale events. Included reports: highlight, application note, and market survey report.

In-car camera systems are closed-circuit television systems designed specifically for use in patrol cars. These systems are used to record audio and video associated with traffic stops, car chases, and other operations. Included reports: highlight, summary, technote, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Inflatable boats are used to transport responders, their equipment, and victims during swift water and search and rescue operations. Included reports: highlight, technote, and application note.

Last Updated: 07/03/2024
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