Turkey hosts demonstration of new Search & Rescue technologies

In December, Ankara played host to the full TeamAware consortium for an impressive technical demonstration of its six responder technologies.

The event was attended by nearly 100 individuals over the course of a week, all of whom were eager to see the latest advances in the focus technologies:

• Visual Scene Analysis Systems

• Infrastructure Monitoring Systems

• Chemical Detection Systems

• Acoustic Detection Systems

• Team Monitoring Systems and

• Citizen Involvement and City Integration Systems

For those who are unfamiliar, responder technologies refer to the tools and equipment used by first responders to assist in emergency situations. This can include everything from communication devices to search and rescue equipment, and much more.

At the demonstration, attendees were treated to a wide range of these technologies and innovations. There were demonstrations of new communication systems that allow emergency responders to stay connected even in the most challenging of environments. There were also displays of new search and rescue tools that can help first responders locate and rescue victims more quickly and efficiently.

Perhaps most impressive, however, were the demonstrations of new drone technologies that can be used in emergency situations. Drones can be equipped with a range of sensors and cameras that allow them to provide a birds-eye view of the situation on the ground. This can be incredibly helpful in situations where access is limited, such as in the aftermath of a natural disaster such as we’ve just seen following the Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

In addition to the impressive technology on display, attendees were also able to participate in workshops and training sessions. For many attendees, this was an invaluable opportunity to learn new skills and techniques that they could bring back to their own organisations.

A further event is now planned whereby all of the technologies will be demonstrated as part of an integrated information and command system.

Overall, the technical demonstration of responder technologies was felt to be a huge success. Attendees were able to see firsthand the incredible advancements being made in this field, and many left feeling inspired and motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Director of the Resilience Advisors, Jon Hall (organisers of the demonstrations) said “It’s events like these that help to ensure that our first responders have access to the very best tools and technologies, and that they are able to respond quickly and effectively in even the most challenging of situations. The research community has much to add to innovation in this area.”