Project Faster — Tools For First Responders
This paper presents tools and technologies for first responders (FRs) carrying out tasks at crisis scenes. These technologies are being developed in the framework of the European scientific research project FASTER. There are innovative tools that can help rescuers respond quickly and effectively to save human life and health. This work concerns improving and extending communication and situational awareness for rescuers, smart textiles, autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles. The main point is to integrate the tools into a system coordinated using a mobile operation command centre that will provide a portable common operational picture (PCOP). For the project, the key is to increase the safety of first responders, not just the efficiency of their operations.