1. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Rapid Intervention and the
Thermal Imaging
Environment

2. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Objectives
• Discuss the basic principles on which thermal imaging is based.
• Explain how mass and density affect the image visualized on
the thermal imager.
• Clarify the three different types of infrared energy emitters.
• Discuss the drawbacks and limitations of thermal imaging.
• Identify how thermal imaging can be utilized in searching for
trapped firefighters.

3. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Objectives
• Explain the effects that image inversion has on a search
with the thermal imager.
• Explain what is meant by a T.I.C. lead search.
• Explain what is meant by a landmark search.

4. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
NFPA Standards
• NFPA 1403
• NFPA 1500
• NFPA 1710
• NFPA 1720

5. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Introduction
• Thermal Imaging Technology has
provided a new edge and limitless
possibilities on the fireground.

6. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
History of Thermal Imaging Technology
•Used by Military since the
1950’s
•Fire departments began using
this technology in the late
1980’s
•Not used to their fullest
potential

7. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Modern T.I.C. Cameras
• Modern TICs do not require focusing. The
microbolometer does not have an iris like
a camera.
• The default sensitivity of the camera
determines what you see. The more
sensitive, the less you see.

8. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Potential Uses
•Initial Size-Up
•Primary and Secondary Search
•Location of Fire and Extension
•Monitoring of Conditions Indicative of Flashover
•Overhaul
•Rapid Intervention Operations
•Hazardous Material Situations
•Preplanning
•Fire Inspections
•Urban Search and Rescue
•Assisting Law Enforcement

9. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
How does it work?
•Based on infrared energy
•All objects emit energy to
different degrees
•Heat is a form of IR

10. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Infrared Energy
•Unaided vision is dependent on visible light available
•Smoke is made up of toxic gases &carbon particles
•Solid carbon particles block visible light
•IR is unaffected by light since it is based on heat

11. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
What Do We See?
Why does this wall look
hotter then the rest of the
building?

12. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
This Is What We See
• The parapet wall has
been heated by sun
causing it to appear
hotter then the rest of
the building.

13. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Energy Emitters
•Law of Heat Transfer - hot to cold
•3 Types of IR emitters
Passive - Furniture
Active - A Human being
Direct Source - A Fire

14. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Mass and Density
T.I.C.s cannot see through some
objects, they can only pick up heat
differentials that may pass through.

15. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Mass and Density
• Some objects allow
IR energy to pass
through others don’t

16. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Mass and Density
Masking – a passive emitter
(Turn-out gear) may mask an
active emitter (A firefighter).

17. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
FF Down

18. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
FF Down
• Note the signature of
the FF
• Note the shapes of
some objects like
boots and gloves
• Must be able to
interpret shapes (heat
signatures) as well as
color variations.
Boots
Gloved
Hand

19. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Drawbacks
• Expensive
• Intricate technology and components are
subjected to:
Impact
Heat
Water Exposure
Easily damaged

20. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Limitations
•T.I.C.s cannot replace a solid basic foundation in
search techniques
•Can cause overconfidence and dependability
•Battery Powered

21. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Limitations
•Size of Screen
•Depth Perception
•Field of View
•Cause the user to
advance faster than
the rest of the crew

22. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Limitations
•Object density affects imaging capability
•Cannot see through glass or water
•Shiny objects reflect infrared energy
•Doors and windows may not be able to be
determined if made of glass
•Vision is compromised while in a room where
sprinklers are actively discharging

23. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
What the Human Eye can See

24. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
What T.I.C. will see
• IR heat energy is
reflected by glass
• T.I.C. picks up the
reflected IR energy
from windows

25. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Using the T.I.C.
•Thermal Contrast – difference in temperature
between objects
•Low Contrast Scene- ambient temperature is cool
and all objects are close to that temperature
•High Contrast Scene- high thermal energy present
with differences in rates of energy absorption

26. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Using the T.I.C.
• Low Contrast Scene- all objects are close
to the same temperature
• Commonly referred to as white out,
usually a high temp room, where all
objects are near the same (high)
temperature

27. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Using the T.I.C
• Create thermal contrast-Open the nozzle
• Some objects will cool down and there will
be thermal contrast
• This will allow you to see objects in the
room

28. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Temperature Differences
• The color difference
only represents a
difference on temp.
– Not an exact temp
reading

29. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Hot Wall

30. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
What’s behind the door?

31. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Heat

32. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Using the T.I.C.
The more clear that the picture becomes
onscreen signifies that you are getting closer to
the source of heat
Direction & Velocity = Location
The less heat emitted, the darker an object will
appear on the screen

33. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Using the T.I.C.
•Thermal Layering
- Check for presence against a fixed
landmark
- Monitor for movement
•Image Inversion- occurs when images
change colors due to changes in ambient
temperature. What was once light colored
may become dark due to changes in
surrounding temperature change.

34. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Six Point Scan
Systematic approach should be utilized to scan an area.
1. Ceiling
2. Midlevel
3. Floor
Overcomes a tunnel-
vision approach

35. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Six Point Scan
Systematic approach should be utilized to scan an
area.
1. Ceiling – Looking for thermal balance, rafters
etc.
2. Midlevel – Looking for thermal balance,
windows, doors, furniture, victims etc.
3. Floor – Looking for holes, victims etc.

36. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Six Point Scan
By starting at the top and performing this type
scan before you enter every room you are
ensuring you do not enter a hazardous
environment. Such as a room with burnt
through ceiling joists, or eminent flashover
etc.

37. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
TIC Lead Search
TIC operator leads
the search team
through the area to be
searched while
relaying information to
the team members in
regards to direction of
travel and obstacles.
This could be used in
a cluttered room.

38. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
TIC Lead Search
• Even using TIC some
areas must still be
searched by hand

39. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Landmark Search
TIC operator
identifies a specific
landmark and has
team search as
they make their
way to that point.
This could be used
in a room that is
open with very little
objects in the way.

40. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160

41. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Getting started
• Press either
button to turn
on the camera
• An initial
screen will
appear for
aprox 5 sec.

42. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Screen
Information

43. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Temperature difference modes
– Monochrome -The display screen uses shades of
grey, from black to white. Warmer objects appear on
the screen as lighter grey to white while cooler objects
appear darker grey to black
• Objects < 200 deg. F cause the camera to stay in the default
or lower temp mode. Objects > 200 deg. F cause the camera
to switch to the enhanced image mode. The letters “EI” will
appear in the upper left portion of the display screen to
indicate the camera is in the enhanced image mode.

44. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160

45. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Temperature difference modes
– Monochrome Red – displays shades of grey
the same as the Monochrome mode, but
objects exceeding 1000 deg F. will appear red
in the display screen

46. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Monochrome Red
mode

47. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Temperature difference modes
– Color mode – this displays a range of
temperatures in the screen as color from Blue
to Yellow.
• BLUE represents cooler areas and YELLOW
represents hotter areas
• The colors do NOT correspond to specific
temperatures, but give a relative picture of
temperature ranges.

48. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Screen while in the
color mode.

49. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Manually change display modes
– Press and hold the LEFT control button for 3
seconds
– The sequence is as follows
• Color mode
• Monochrome-Red mode
• Monochrome mode
– After the Monochrome mode press and hold
the LEFT control button to return to Color
mode

50. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160

51. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Temperature indicator
– Displays and small
crosshair
– This reads the approx temp
of the object in the
crosshairs
• TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR dose NOT
read exact temperatures
(use for relative
temperature differences)

52. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Over Temperature Protection
– A HIGH TEMP warning will be displayed on
the screen when the core temp reaches 160
deg F or higher.
– The warning indicates the camera’s
performance will begin to degrade and the
unit may shut down

53. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Video transmitting
– The TIC has the ability to transmit video to an
outside monitor.
– Helpful for outside FF and IC to have a better
idea of conditions inside the structure.

54. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Video transmitter
– The camera will power
up in the mode it was
in when last shut down
– Press LEFT control
button and CH-A will
appear
– Press again and CH-B
will appear
– Press again and
nothing will appear

55. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Battery
– When the battery has
approx 20% life
remaining, LOW BATT
will appear below the
battery level symbol in
the display

56. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Battery Life
– 3 ½ hours under
normal operation
– 2 hours while
transmitting

57. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Battery Maintenance
– Battery charger and recharging
• Green light indicates fully charged battery
• Yellow light indicates the battery is outside its
temperature for charging
– Allow battery to cool
• Red light indicates charging in progress
• Flashing red light indicated defective battery
– Battery charged for more then 4 hours and indicator light
is red indicates and defective battery

58. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• To turn off
– Press and hold the
RIGHT control button
– Screen will display
HOLD TO TURN OFF
– RELEASE FOR
STANDYBY continue
to hold.
– Standby can be
utilized to help
conserve battery
power

59. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Battery Maintenance
– Battery charger and recharging
• Green light indicates fully charged battery
• Yellow light indicates the battery is outside its
temperature for charging
– Allow battery to cool
• Red light indicates charging in progress
• Flashing red light indicated defective battery
– Battery charged for more then 4 hours and indicator light
is red indicates and defective battery

60. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Scott Eagle Imager 160
• Cleaning
– Clean as necessary using a dampened cloth
with solution of mild detergent and water
– Rinse with cool/warm water (no hot water)
– DO NOT submerge in water

61. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
Summary
T.I.C.s can vastly improve a rescue effort, but
they do not ensure success.
An in-depth understanding of thermal imaging,
how it works and practice will allow the rescuers
to properly interpret the images on screen.

62. Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning
Rapid Intervention Company Operations (R.I.C.O.)
Michael R. Mason and Jeffrey S. Pindelski
Hall County Fire Academy – Fire
Services
References
• Original created by Rapid Intervention
Company Operations (R.I.C.O.) and
published by Delmar learning.
• Updated by Hall County Fire Academy.