Locating survivors trapped under rubble is a race against time that requires state-of-the-art detection devices

Locating and rescuing lives trapped under rubble is a fight against time. In such cases, speed of action is crucial, and technology becomes our most valuable ally in the search for survivors. In this phase of operations, called “technical search,” search and rescue specialists have very specific equipment to detect and locate victims, communicate with them, and then extract and rescue them.

Equipment and methods of searching for victims under the rubble

Search teams use a variety of electronic methods and equipment to search for victims. These technologies complement each other and enable rescue teams to act more quickly.

• Seismic/acoustic systems: these devices detect faint sounds from the rubble (like clapping, banging, or faint voices), allowing operators to pinpoint the location of victims
• Thermal systems: these exploit the temperature difference between living human bodies and their surroundings to identify their presence. These include thermal imaging cameras and Doppler-scanning radar systems
• Imaging systems: ground-penetrating radar and sonar that can create images of what lies beneath rubble, such as the RESCUE system.

The new frontiers of rescue equipment

In addition to the technologies already mentioned, new frontiers are being explored, such as the use of artificial intelligence for image and sound analysis, the development of miniaturized sensors that can be worn by survivors, and the use of 3-D printers to create customized rescue artifacts. The development and integration of these new technologies, along with the aforementioned methods and technologies, represent a fundamental step forward for the future of rescue. Continued innovation in this field will save more lives and address the increasingly complex challenges that arise during natural disasters and other dramatic events.

Sources and Images

• https://www.concorsovigilidelfuoco.it/mezzi-e-attrezzature-vigili-del-fuoco/
• https://redrescue.red/prodotto/savox-life-detector-ld3-dispositivo-per-la-localizzazione-di-superstiti-sotto-le-macerie/
• https://firebuyer.com/how-search-and-rescue-teams-find-survivors-after-earthquakes/
• https://www.reuters.com/graphics/EARTHQUAKE-RESCUE/mopajqojmva/
• https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Macerie_-_Cavezzo_-_Province_of_Modena_-_2012_Northern_Italy_earthquake.jpg