DITSEF · Digital and Innovative Technologies for Security and Efficiency of First Responders operation

The main problem of First Responders (FR) (fire fighters, police, etc...) in case of crisis at critical infrastructures are the loss of communication and location and the lack of information about the environment (temperature, hazardous gases,etc.). Therefore, during the intervention, there is a gap between the First responders' situation (positioning, health,etc) and the overall view of at their mobile headquater. DITSEF aims at increasing the effectiveness and safety of First Responders by optimal information gathering and sharing with their higher command levels. DITSEF will provide: - Self organising robust ad-hoc communications where the existing infrastructure may be compromised, allowing communication between the First Responders and between them and their command level. - Accurate novel 3D positioning in indoor environments. - Sensors that offer a reliable overview of the situation and of the potential threats (explosives, chemicals, fire, etc.) - Enhanced vision for the FR in visually -impaired conditions, trough ingenious and unprecented HMIs consisting of sensors-based visual elements, showing spatial features and thermal imagery overlaid on the direct perception of the First Responder. The operational value of the integrated solution will be demonstrated through users defined scenarios in a real operational environment. it will incorporate end-users from both the Critical Infrastructures' domain and the First Responders' domain. Five dedicated workshops will allow the collection of users requirements, operational scenarios and allow the cross-fertilisation of information on operations and procedures of players from different states and domains; they will create awareness on project results and prepare their take-up. Attention will be paid to standardisation issues. DITSEF will be implemented by a strong partnership of 10 members, including SMEs, large industries, research centres, technology providers, system integrators and end-users.