US company Globe that makes clothing for firefighters is now using ‘Wearable Advanced Sensor Platform’ (WASP) tracks heart rate, heart rate variability, estimated core body temperature, respiration rate, activity levels, posture, and other physiological factors, as well as 3D location inside a building in its clothes. These high tech products have the capability to interact with their user or environment, by tracking and communicating data about the wearer or environment to other devices through embedded sensors and conductive yarns.
Firefighters experience extreme physiological stress during the course of their duties. Stress and overexertion account for 50 per cent or more of firefighter line of duty deaths. Factors that affect firefighter responses include exertion of work performed, elevated thermal environment, wearing heavily insulated protective clothing, carrying heavy equipment, as well as individual health status, fitness level, medication, and hydration levels.
Recent advances in technology have brought together the apparel, technology, and textile industries to develop new capabilities in fabrics with the potential to change how athletes, patients, soldiers, first responders, and everyday consumers interact with their clothes and other textile products.
WASP is the world’s only system for real-time monitoring of physiology and location designed for firefighters and first responders.
globeturnoutgear.com/
