Within the scope of the TeamAware Project, which aims at developing an integrated and cost-efficient situational
awareness system for first responders from different sectors, an assessment of the gap analysis developed in
“The International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation (IFAFRI)” was carried out.
The analysis synopsis published by IFAFRI identified several capability gaps, among which the following two can be found:
- Capability Gap 2: The ability to detect, monitor and analyse passive and active threats and hazards at incident scenes in real time.
- Capability Gap 3: The ability to rapidly identify hazardous agents and contaminants.
These two gaps will be tackled in the WP5 of the TeamAware Project, focused on the development of a Chemical
Detection System (CDS), aiming at providing a wearable tool capable of analysing, detecting and recognizing
the hazardous agents surrounding the first responders.
The process of developing the Chemical Detection System will have into account some important topics,
such as the identification of the most relevant gases associated with the crisis management field and the
most suitable technologies to measure them; the appropriate design to achieve an accuracy above 90% at a
distance of 10-20 meters; the development of a predictive dispersion model of chemicals within a 100-meters
radius area; and the implementation of a decision support function capable of providing additional information
related to the nature and relevance of the risk, on the basis of the symptoms shown by the victims of the
incident, aiming at achieving an accuracy above 90%.
With regards to the selection of the target compounds to be considered by the Chemical Detection System,
different typologies of chemicals have been evaluated, such as toxic industrial gases, flammable organic
gases, vapours coming from concealed explosives, Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs), human presence markers, etc.
In relation to the predictive dispersion model of gases, different algorithms have been taken into account
when modelling the dispersion process experienced by chemicals. The developed models will receive information
coming from the measurement solutions, once the system is deployed in the field.
The design of the architecture of the Chemical Detection System will include the definition of the most
appropriate sensors associated with the previously identified target compounds, and the assessment of the
most suitable and advanced technologies to integrate those sensors into a textile substrate.
Once the design and production of the Chemical Detection System is completed, a battery of tests will be
carried out in order to validate the proper functioning and reliability of the developed system.
