From spacecraft calculations to firefighter safety with CALERA
Iain Hoey
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David Gerritzen, Business Development Manager at greenteg, discusses adapting CALERA sensors from sports applications to firefighting to enhance safety in extreme environments
When I began my career as an aerospace thermal engineer, my focus was on calculating the temperatures of spacecraft as they journeyed through the extremes of space.
Little did I know that this expertise would one day be channelled into safeguarding those who face extreme conditions here on Earth.
We are dedicated to adapting our CALERA technology to enhance the safety and protection of firefighters by managing and monitoring heat exposure.
Our journey with CALERA technology started with a passion for improving athletic performance within the sports industry.
At greenteg, a Swiss-based sensor research and development company, we developed sensors that provide precise core body temperature data.
These sensors have helped athletes optimise their training and recovery, contributing to gold medals at the Olympics and victories in races around the world.
Witnessing the impact of our technology on elite athletes inspired us to explore applications with a broader social impact.
We recognised that tracking and detecting fluctuations in core body temperature could offer critical insights into a person’s physiological state.
This is particularly vital in professions like firefighting, where individuals are frequently exposed to extreme heat and stress.
Our goal became clear: to create a solution that empowers safety officers to make informed, life-saving decisions through timely alerts.
The limitations of traditional thermometers
One of the core problems we aimed to address with CALERA technology is the limitation of traditional thermometers.
Conventional devices are only reliable in stable indoor environments and often fail to provide accurate readings in extreme or fluctuating external conditions.
This inadequacy can have serious consequences in high-risk professions where precise temperature monitoring is essential.
Our solution involves an advanced system that provides continuous and accurate core body temperature readings.
CALERA integrates a highly sensitive thermal “heat-flux” sensor with a skin temperature sensor, supported by sophisticated algorithms.
This combination allows us to deliver precise measurements of core body temperature in real time, regardless of external conditions.
By measuring the thermal energy flow between the body and its surroundings, we effectively neutralise the impact of the environment, ensuring accuracy even in challenging conditions.
A focus on core body temperature
Our decision to concentrate on tracking core body temperature was driven by several key factors.
Core body temperature is one of the most crucial vital signs for assessing health.
From a young age, people instinctively check temperature as an indicator of illness—for example, when a mother feels her child’s forehead to check for fever.
Despite its importance, there were no non-invasive solutions available that could continuously and accurately monitor core body temperature outside controlled environments.
Wearable devices have become increasingly popular for health monitoring, yet they lacked the ability to measure core body temperature.
By integrating this capability, we addressed a significant gap in the functionality of wearables.
Accurate and continuous core temperature tracking has numerous applications across various fields, including occupational health, medical diagnostics, sports performance monitoring and scientific research.
Each of these areas benefits from precise temperature data to improve safety, health outcomes and performance analysis.
Enhancing firefighter safety
Firefighters face extreme heat strains due to their challenging work conditions.
They are exposed to intense heat from both fires and the sun and their protective gear, while essential for safety, prevents sweat evaporation and inhibits natural cooling.
Additionally, the physical exertion required in firefighting is comparable to that of professional athletes, adding to the heat strain.
CALERA technology offers several critical benefits to firefighters by providing real-time monitoring of their core body temperature while they are on duty.
By enabling early detection of dangerous temperature elevations, we allow for proactive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.
This capability enhances the safety of firefighters, reduces the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and ensures they remain effective in high-pressure situations.
Continuous exposure to high temperatures can strain the cardiovascular system over time, leading to chronic issues such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Statistics highlight the cardiovascular risks firefighters face:
- The median age of first heart attack for firefighters is 49.
- Although firefighting activities account for only 1% of their time, they account for approximately 32% of cardiac fatalities.
- For every cardiac-related Line of Duty Death (LODD), there are approximately 25 non-fatal but life-altering cardiac events.
By adapting heat protocols based on accurate data provided by CALERA, we aim to better protect the long-term health of firefighters.
Additionally, our technology supports heat acclimatisation training, similar to that used by professional athletes.
This training can help firefighters build resilience to heat stress, enhancing their performance and safety on the job.
Real-world applications
We are currently in the pilot phase of using CALERA technology in firefighting scenarios, focusing on identifying the specific needs of fire departments to adapt our existing sports solution for this high-risk profession.
During a case study with the Rapperswil-Jona fire department in Switzerland, we monitored fresh cadets during their first week of training.
We detected that one cadet had a significantly higher core body temperature compared to the group.
During live fire training, this cadet had to be pulled out after only a few minutes and required medical attention.
This example underscores the importance of monitoring core body temperature, especially for cadets who may be unfamiliar with how their bodies respond to heat stress.
Several training centres have adopted CALERA technology, focusing on the safety of new cadets and instructors.
By continuously monitoring core body temperature, these centres can ensure the well-being of participants, preventing heat-related illnesses during rigorous training sessions.
Additionally, multiple fire departments have utilised CALERA monitors to research and evaluate the cooling properties of new turnout gear.
By assessing how different gear affects core body temperature, departments can make informed decisions about equipment that best protects firefighters from heat stress.
Integrating CALERA into existing safety systems
Integrating CALERA technology into existing safety systems for firefighting departments involves several key steps to ensure seamless and effective real-time monitoring and alerts.
We are collaborating with several major firefighter safety equipment providers to integrate our monitoring technology with their existing communication and alarm systems.
This integration will enable CALERA to provide real-time alerts and updates within the dashboards that firefighters already use, ensuring that vital temperature data is immediately accessible during operations.
Currently, we employ long-range Bluetooth routers to enable real-time monitoring of core body temperature on training grounds.
This technology allows continuous data collection and alerting for trainees and instructors, ensuring safety during intense training scenarios.
For operational settings, such as fire trucks, intermittent monitoring is used to maintain awareness of firefighters’ conditions.
To provide on-person alerts directly to firefighters, we also support the integration of CALERA with smartwatches.
This setup allows individual firefighters to receive immediate notifications about their core body temperature, enabling them to act if necessary to prevent heat-related issues.
Beyond firefighting, CALERA technology is utilised across sectors like sports, healthcare, sleep research and the military.
Athletes can use it to optimise training and recovery, with some achieving Olympic gold.
In healthcare, CALERA monitors fevers and biomarkers, enabling better patient management and earlier home care.
It also tracks circadian rhythms in sleep research, offering insights into patterns and potential neurodegenerative biomarkers.
And the military explores its use for monitoring personnel in extreme conditions, improving safety and performance.
Future developments and enhancements
We are continually working on developments and enhancements to further improve safety and performance in the firefighting industry.
An enhanced dashboard is in development, tailored to meet the specific needs of fire departments.
This new interface will provide intuitive access to real-time data and alerts, making it easier for safety officers to monitor and manage the well-being of their teams.
We are also focused on developing health protection protocols to protect the health of firefighters, specifically aiming to reduce the risk of cardiovascular incidents.
By leveraging continuous core temperature monitoring, these protocols will provide actionable insights to help manage and mitigate health risks associated with high-temperature environments.
In the coming years, I believe CALERA will have a significant influence on occupational health and safety by setting new standards for physiological monitoring in the workplace.
As more industries recognise the value of real-time health data, CALERA can lead the way in transforming how organisations approach worker safety.
By facilitating early interventions and promoting proactive health management, CALERA will contribute to healthier, safer work environments.
We are committed to using our expertise to make a real difference, whether it’s helping an athlete achieve their best or ensuring a firefighter returns home safely.
As we continue to develop and refine CALERA technology, the potential to transform safety protocols in high-risk professions becomes increasingly tangible.
With a focus on adaptability and collaboration, we aim to set new standards in how we protect those who put themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others.
We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, leveraging our expertise to address critical needs across various industries.
