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Do you understand how your TIC actually works?
You as the end user deserve to know how your thermal imager actually works. Did your department obtain a TIC and only provide you with the manufacturer's in service post purchase? If so, do you feel confident you can really interept the image or thermal insult with your previous training?
Well in my opinion, many in the fire service can not. And the ball was dropped long before you were introduced to the camera located on the truck...
Does your chief, look at the technology as "What do you need to know about this kid... it has a power button here and a viewfinder there"
You should understand the different technologies available to us from the thermal imager industry? Not all TICs are designed the same. For instance, you should understand that infra red energy seen by a thermal camera will be focused onto a focal plane array (FPA). The electronics that are connected to the FPA will create what some fire service instructors describe as "the engine." This engine senses energy, calculates the relative differences between objects and then prepares that data for your eyes to view on the display screen.
There are three common types of engine technology used in fire service thermal imagers, the first being BST (Barium Strontium Titanate) technology. BST technology is the oldest, most common and is known for its proven past performance within the fire service. The next is VOx (Vanadium Oxide) technology, which is just one type of microbolometer. VOx microbolometers are now very popular in the fire service for their good quality image. The newest technology afforded to us is amorphous silicon (aSi), which is also another type of microbolometer and is well known for its compact size and relatively low cost to the end user.
To read more about this story published by FETC Services click here:
http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/thermal-imaging/articles/4...
Training, Training, Training.... it is key to providing firefighters with technology that they can operate efficently and as safe as possible!
TCSS
FETC
Well in my opinion, many in the fire service can not. And the ball was dropped long before you were introduced to the camera located on the truck...
Does your chief, look at the technology as "What do you need to know about this kid... it has a power button here and a viewfinder there"
You should understand the different technologies available to us from the thermal imager industry? Not all TICs are designed the same. For instance, you should understand that infra red energy seen by a thermal camera will be focused onto a focal plane array (FPA). The electronics that are connected to the FPA will create what some fire service instructors describe as "the engine." This engine senses energy, calculates the relative differences between objects and then prepares that data for your eyes to view on the display screen.
There are three common types of engine technology used in fire service thermal imagers, the first being BST (Barium Strontium Titanate) technology. BST technology is the oldest, most common and is known for its proven past performance within the fire service. The next is VOx (Vanadium Oxide) technology, which is just one type of microbolometer. VOx microbolometers are now very popular in the fire service for their good quality image. The newest technology afforded to us is amorphous silicon (aSi), which is also another type of microbolometer and is well known for its compact size and relatively low cost to the end user.
To read more about this story published by FETC Services click here:
http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/thermal-imaging/articles/4...
Training, Training, Training.... it is key to providing firefighters with technology that they can operate efficently and as safe as possible!
TCSS
FETC
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Aussie Fire on
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I'm in the wrong side of this equation - I've done a TIC training class, but just don't have a TIC as the department members reckon we don't need one even though we could probably get it entirely funded through donations very easily. That sound you can here is me banging my head against the wall.
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Permalink Reply by Tony P on
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TIC's aren't common in my part of Oz. The benefits are known, but the costs are high! The fire service has decided that placing TIC's in strategic locations, so that those Brigades with the equipment can support other Brigades, is the best it can do.
My Brigade has a Bullard T4. We don't let anyone near it until they've done the service approved training - this training covers how the things work, the use of the TIC in structural fires, wildfires and search & rescue uses with the Police. We require that after use a report on that use be completed, with emphasis on benefits found, difficulties perceived etc. These reports are used to assist every user in knowing the good, the bad and the ugly of these marvelous tools!
The idea of only knowing that 'this is the on/off button' is simply not enough. Users must have an understanding of the process involved (they don't have to be scientific or technical experts), they must learn how to 'read' the display, how to interpret what that image is telling them. This takes training, and practice.
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Permalink Reply by Fire Chick on
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they thought all of us then if we wanted to know more on it the person who knew most about it taught the rest... i love ours it is great
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They 'taught' all of you? Then why did the person that knew most have to teach the rest?
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they showed us the basics... like how to turn it on
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Permalink Reply by Rob on
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Oh lord how I wish we had a TIC! Had one at my last department, not my current one though. We have guys that think the non-contact laser jobs are just as good as a TIC, but most of them have never used a TIC. Don't get me wrong, you still need to be able to get the job done without a TIC, but they are sure nice to have.
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If you make it to Greene County Fire School they almost always do search scenarios with TIC. Probably be in Silvercreek Twp. in November again unless there are changes.
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Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on
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i look @ things around the fire house in normal conditions. This gives you a idea of what it shuld looklike when not on fire. Check out your apparatus while sitting in station while engines cool. Then check it out after a run and see the difference in color.
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Permalink Reply by Moose on
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Well, my question for you is which one?? Yup, my department has TWO different models of TIC. Why? You might ask. Dont know. They bought one, I believe it was the Bullard first, than a year later they bought the MSA, I have no idea why they bought two different types. They keep one on the rescue and one on our first due engine, but both operate in different ways and at 2 AM when a search needs to be made and a TIC is shoved at you you realy have no time to figure out what model it is and remember how it works. I believe in one model for the dept and annual training on it for both refresher and new members, learn the tools of your trade until you can use them in your sleep, upside down, blindfolded, with one hand. Train everyday. Good Post.
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