Designing a Real-time Integrated First Responder Health and Environmental Monitoring Dashboard

Between 2007 and 2016, there were 144,002 HAZMAT incidents on US highways, with damage totaling nearly $600 M. The top two incident types in the past three years involved flammable-combustible liquids and corrosive materials. In 2016, 38% of firefighter fatality was a result of sudden cardiac death, making it one of the two leading causes of death among firefighters. Heat-related illness is directly linked to adverse cardiovascular events [5], but when detected early, recovery is likely. We propose a new system called REaCH: Real-Time Emergency Communication System for HAZMAT Incidents. The REaCH system will include real-time health monitoring of first responders through wearable devices that capture individual health parameters and exposure to hazardous materials. Individual health data and HAZMAT exposure data will be transmitted to a dashboard that integrates all of the information for the Incident Commander to monitor. The Incident Commander can evaluate if individuals need to be removed from the scene when his/her health status is being compromised.