PHOTOS: Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) has been selected among just 80 fire departments nationwide to take part in a pioneering study of the CโTHRU Helmet Mounted System, developed by Qwake Technologies in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate. The field assessment aims to evaluate the deviceโs real-world performance in both training exercises and active response environments. The CโTHRU system equips firefighters with enhanced situational awareness in smoke-filled, low-visibility conditionsโone of the most perilous aspects of modern firefighting.
The helmet-mounted device features a high-speed thermal camera and artificial intelligence that delivers edgeโdetection outlines and thermal overlays directly onto a headsโup display (HUD), enabling firefighters to identify walls, obstacles, victims, and exit paths with a clarity previously unavailable. A green laser beam, projecting from the helmet and visible through thick smoke up to 30 feet, serves as a navigational aid and lowโtech indicator of direction, helping responders maintain orientation.
Beyond its visual capabilities, the device offers realโtime streaming of what the firefighter sees back to command staff via the Visual Command app, allowing incident commanders to coordinate more effectively and even assist with mayday alerts and tracking. Qwakeโs innovations have received national recognition, including Fast Companyโs World Changing Ideas Award. Judges highlighted its lifeโsaving impactโand cited that it has the potential to cut primary search times in half, a critical improvement in high-stakes rescue scenarios.
