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  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)

Powered Ambulance Gurneys

Used to ensure safe patient transport and to ease the biomechanical load placed on personnel.

Video Security Systems Technology

Surveillance to protect people, assets and systems.

Blue UAS for First Responders

UAS are used by first responders to support activities such as search and rescue, firefighting, and post incident reconstruction.

Enhanced Responder Personal Protective Equipment Transport Bags

Transport bags for PPE can mitigate the risk for spread of fireground contamination.

Maritime Surveillance Technologies

Port authorities and security agencies use maritime surveillance technologies to surveil and safeguard ports and other critical infrastructure.

Walk-Through Screening for Mass Casualty Threats

Emergency responders and security personnel use walk-through screening systems to enhance safety and security at soft target locations. 

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.

SAVER Survey

Please take a brief survey to share your thoughts on the SAVER documents featured on our website.

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.

Batteries convert stored chemical energy when they are used within a device. Rechargeable batteries can be used and recharged many times; single-use batteries need to be replaces when the stored energy is expended. Responders rely heavily on battery-powered equipment while carrying out their duties. Included reports: highlight and technote.

Mobile X-ray technology has advanced significantly driven by the need to intercept explosives, weapons, or other contraband before it can be smuggled into restricted areas. These advances are now available in van-mounted mobile systems, as well as hand-carried systems. Included reports: highlight, technote, market survey report.

Portable X-ray systems are man-portable, self-contained X-ray systems that may be used to acquire images for bomb diagnostics and render safe procedures. These systems are used by bomb technicians, specially trained law enforcement personnel, and explosive ordnance disposal professionals to screen objects for explosives, weapons, drugs, and other contraband. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Operational vests are duty gear and modular load-bearing systems. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

High-visibility vests are constructed with fluorescent materials and reflective strips, making them easily detected at response scenes and during daytime and nighttime operations. Responders use these vests to enhance safety by enabling users to be easily recognized and identified. Included reports: highlight, summary,focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Side-scan sonar systems use sonar technology to provide the user with a visual image of items located on the bottom of a body of water. Responders use these systems to conduct underwater searches. Included reports: highlight, summary, technote, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Sheltering systems are characterized as components that can be assembled to provide everything required to house and support diverse missions. These systems may include sleeping quarters, kitchens, medical facilities, command posts, or decontamination units. Included reports: highlight, focus group report, and market survey report.

Responders may be required to work in remote settings or in areas that have been compromised after an incident or natural disaster. In the absence of other means of sustenance, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food packs are used to provide responders with nourishment and enable mission completion. Included reports: highlight, market survey report, and technical guide.

Ruggedized computers are mobile computing devices that are able to withstand various environmental and hazardous conditions and rough handling, making them suitable for responders during field operations. Included reports: highlight, selection and procurement guide, and technology guide.

Effective security lighting serves two distinct purposes--it can prevent intrusion and it enhances safety for responders and the public. This lighting has been shown to effectively control crime, provide a safe environment, and reduce risk. Included reports: highlight and guide.

Small boat intrusion detection system with radar capabilities can be used to detect, identify, and classify target of interest in maritime environments, helping to protect port facilities from waterborne intruders. Included reports: highlight and technote.

Spotting scopes are monocular optical devices that focus on, and gather light from, a target to provide the user with a magnified view. These scopes, which come in a variety of configurations and sizes, are used by responders for long-range surveillance. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Binoculars equipped with internal image stabilization optics minimize image movement and reduce eye fatigue and distraction. Responders may use binoculars for long-distance surveillance, search and rescue operations, evidence gathering, and to observe and assess situations. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Pipe bombs are extremely effective improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and easily constructed from off-the-shelf materials. The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center is establishing a personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), which includes a recommended pipe bomb and combustible threat to evaluate PPE. Included report: Standardized Pipe Bomb Test Methodology Highlight.

Surface water operations rescue fins are designed to be short, permitting the user to walk without removing them. They are used during search and rescue operations by specially trained responders in swift water environments to increase speed and maneuverability, reduce fatigue, and enhance operational capabilities. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Surface water operations protective dry suits provide protection by preventing or limiting the user's exposure to cold water and contaminants. They are used by specially trained responders conducting search and rescue operations in fresh and swift water and marine environments. Included reports: highlight, summary, focus group report, market survey report, and assessment report.

Subsistence and sanitation systems are used to support response and recovery operations in areas without basic infrastructure. These systems may include field kitchens, showers, restrooms, and laundry systems that allow continued operations in areas where these facilities are unavailable due to remote location or because they have been compromised. Included reports: highlight, market survey report, and technology guide.

Structural firefighting gloves must be resistant to flame, conductive heat, liquid penetration, cuts, and punctures. They are used by responders during fire suppression and fire rescue operations at residential and commercial structures. Included reports: market survey report and technote.

Wireless surveillance cameras capture live video and transmit it over designated radio frequency bands for viewing/recording. Responders use these cameras to monitor areas or to covertly capture surveillance video. Included reports: highlight, technote, and market survey report.

Last Updated: 04/08/2025
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