AI-powered helmet tested in Oklahoma City could transform firefighting
By Patrick Talbot
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — A new AI and augmented reality helmet, tested in Oklahoma City, is designed to help firefighters navigate through smoke, locate victims faster and improve safety during emergencies.
Moving in zero visibility and extreme heat with only seconds to find someone inside is the reality firefighters face when responding to burning buildings. The C-Thru system, developed by Qwake Technologies, uses AI and augmented reality to help firefighters see through smoke while also transmitting their visuals to commanders outside.
“If we had found a way to move a car through a city with all of the hazards, why have we not found a way to help a firefighter navigate the screams of the baby in the back room?” said Sam Cossman, CEO of Qwake Technologies.
Oklahoma City was one of 30 fire departments nationwide selected for a Homeland Security field assessment of the technology. Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, explained the system’s impact.
“It changes that equation. Search and rescue is roughly half the time than what it used to be. A shorter search means a shorter exposure,” Stagnaro said.
Cossman said that 81% of firefighters in the assessment reported better orientation in zero-visibility conditions, and less experienced firefighters completed their primary searches faster.
Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley said testing technology like this is a critical part of their mission.
“We owe it to the residents we serve every day. We have to do our best to be able to identify what is the best way to effect the rescue. What is the best way to save a life? What is the best way to make sure that family members are reunited back with their loved ones? And we’ll do it at all costs to make that happen,” Kelley said.
The system has moved beyond testing and is now being used in real-world scenarios. On Monday, it returned to Oklahoma City.
“We are very much at the beginning of this journey,” Cossman said.
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