International Workshop to Focus on Technology Solutions for First Responder Safety

Worcester Polytechnic Institute will host the 7th Annual International Workshop on Precision Indoor Personnel Location and Tracking Technology, Aug. 6-7 in Worcester, MA. Sponsored by the Science and Technology Directorate fo the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the workshop provides a forum for researchers and developers working in indoor location and tracking to share technical knowledge and to define the current state of tracking technologies. This technology is designed to help firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel quickly locate and rescue colleagues who become lost, disabled or trapped inside buildings.

The focus of this workshop is tracking of emergency responders and systems that provide tracking and position information on such personnel. Topics will also include the applicability of commercial location-aware systems to the needs of the first responder community, and standards development for location and tracking systems.

Also of note, DHS's Science and Technology Directorate will provide a public demonstration of its first responder location system, known as GLANSER--the Geospatial Location Accountability and Navigation System for Emergency Responders. In the demonstration, the system will undergo a rigorous test designed and executed by a team of first responders from the Worcester Fire Department. Testing will involve two scenarios: a search and rescue mission to locate a lost firefighter, and an attempt to help two firefighters who become separated to find each other. The event will also feature technology demonstrations by more than a dozen companies, universities and safety groups.

To join the conversation, follow the workshop on Twitter @WPINews and use hashtag #WPIPPL2012.