Monroe, N.C. (April 18, 2016) – The future of firefighting is about to move one step closer to reality. Scott Safety is announcing the launch of Scott Sight, a new in-mask thermal intelligence system designed to improve firefighter safety by providing the real-time benefits of thermal imaging in plain sight of all firefighters. Ever since thermal imagers were introduced to the fire service, firefighters have asked for it to be inside the SCBA mask and the wait is over! Advancements in both thermal imaging and micro-display technology have reduced the size and power requirements of the components to the point that an inside-the-mask thermal image is now a reality. Scott Sight integrates a lightweight, in-mask display with a miniature, head-mounted and hands-free thermal camera that keeps the thermal image within the firefighter’s field of view at all times.
This enhanced capability is the direct result of a need we heard from firefighters to have thermal imaging technology that’s more accessible and easier to use. Scott Safety has a long history of innovation and a deep commitment to the firefighter community, and Scott Sight will better protect the firefighters and enable them to work more efficiently.
“At Scott Safety, we have a deep respect for our customers and the fearless dedication they exhibit on a daily basis,” said Jeff Emery, director of global marketing for Scott Safety. “Firefighters have put their faith in Scott Safety products for more than 70 years, and we never want to take that trust for granted. Our products must be as tough and reliable as the men and women who use them and solutions like Scott Sight are the backbone of our company’s brand promise to be the ‘Choice of the Brave.’“
The concept behind Scott Sight came from ongoing discussions with firefighters and a need for every firefighter to have increased visibility in dark environments. Scott Sight is an imaging tool that supplements existing hand-held technology by offering individualized full-time, hands-free visibility. The result is more eyes in the fire which reduces the chance that hazards are missed, improves the speed of victim location, enhances firefighter orientation, strengthens accountability and enables the immediate identification of means of secondary egress in the event that the situation suddenly deteriorates.
As an added benefit, Scott Sight leaves the firefighter’s hands free to perform other critical operations and ensures that the basic visibility of thermal imaging is never left on the truck again. All of this signals a significant shift in fire safety operations and equipment.
In 2014, Scott Safety created an internal, lean start-up team, named Firefighter of the Future. This team operates out of a specially-designed “technology garage” and is tasked with developing innovative life safety solutions that contribute to a more rapid and accurate development of situational awareness – something Scott Safety refers to as Situational Intelligence.
The goal of Scott Sight is to improve the safety of the firefighter. “Making it accessible was a first step,” stated Kim Henry, director of growth initiatives for Scott Safety and the leader of the Firefighter of the Future team. “One of the key challenges we faced was to create an adjustable, sleek design that wouldn’t interfere with the firefighter’s personal protection equipment (PPE), field of view or scene hazards. Scott Sight addresses those challenges, while creating a platform that will expand to offer additional capabilities in the future. We are proud of the final product and excited to showcase Scott Sight at FDIC.”
Scott Safety will showcase Scott Sight at FDIC booth #2323 April 21 to 23, 2016, at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Additionally, highlights are available at scottsafetynation.com.
About Scott Safety:
Scott Safety, a Tyco business, is a premier manufacturer of innovative respiratory and personal protective equipment and safety devices for firefighters, industrial workers, police squads, militaries, homeland security forces, and rescue teams around the world. With five global manufacturing locations, Scott products protect thousands of individuals each day from environmental hazards including smoke, toxic fumes, combustible gases, falling objects, and contaminants. The Scott Safety product line includes self-contained breathing apparatus, supplied air and air-purifying respirators, PPE, gas detection instruments, thermal imaging cameras, and firefighter locators. For more information, visit www.scottsafety.com.
