This month features the fifth and final part of this series. Hopefully, you have found these columns useful, as they consist of different applications or approaches to using thermal imaging as well as tactical techniques.

As with anything that we do in the fire service, proficiency only happens with continuous practice. This month, we will talk about medical assessment, maintenance, outdoor search and rescue, the spot temperature heat indicator, and field of view.

MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

A thermal imager (TI) is a great tool to use on medical runs for a rapid assessment to quickly identify patients with a higher or lower body temperature, which can be an indicator of illness; infection; and heat-related, cold-related, or lack of blood circulation conditions. Consider using a TI at mass-casualty incidents to help determine injuries and for reduced risk, as a TI eliminates the need for physical contact, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination and patient-to-patient infection transmission.

Note that using a TI does not make you a doctor. Follow your regular medical protocols for patient assessment, as thermal imaging data should not be relied on solely. Medical professionals must use clinical judgment to determine patient care. Fire service personnel must receive training on the proper use of TIs for medical assessment.

1 A pair of hands with a lack of circulation in the fingers. (Photos courtesy of Bullard.)

2 Using a soft Decon cloth to clean a TI.

MAINTENANCE

Maintaining a fire service TI is crucial to ensure its reliability and effectiveness in emergency situations. Following are the key steps and best practices for maintaining a TI.

• Regular exterior cleaning: Use a soft cloth and mild soap solution to clean the TI’s exterior casing. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Isopropyl alcohol works great for removing those stubborn stains. For cleaning the front lens, use a microfiber cloth or lens-cleaning solution to carefully clean the lens. Ensure no debris scratches the lens during cleaning.
• Software updates: Regularly check and update the TI’s software or firmware. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance or add features.
• Battery maintenance: Keep batteries charged according to manufacturer guidelines. Regularly inspect batteries for signs of wear or swelling and replace them when needed.
• Functional checks: Perform regular operational checks to ensure the TI is functioning properly. Test all features including different modes (if applicable) and temperature ranges. Conduct a visual inspection of the device for any physical damage or signs of wear and tear. Don’t forget the display screen (screws) and any side or carry straps, and check the operation of the charger. All TIs are man-made, battery-operated, and electronic pieces of equipment that can fail if not properly maintained.

Always refer to the user manual provided by the manufacturer for specific maintenance instructions tailored to your TI.

OUTDOOR SEARCH AND RESCUE

Using a TI for outdoor search and rescue operations can be an invaluable tool for fire services, emergency responders, and search and rescue teams. Following are some

Houston police recovered a stolen ambulance Wednesday after a 30-minute pursuit. The ambulance was taken from the emergency room area of Ben Taub Hospital around 6:30 p.m.

Thanks to GPS tracking and helicopter support, officers followed the vehicle as it traveled down Scott Street, Click2Houston reports.

The driver refused to stop and led officers on a slow chase, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, occasionally using the ambulance’s lights and sirens to move through traffic.

The chase ended when the ambulance lost control and got stuck in the mud near homes in Almeda. The driver refused to exit the vehicle, forcing officers to break a window, police say. A police K9 was deployed and bit the suspect’s arm during the arrest.

Police suspect the driver, a male in his 40s or 50s, may have been experiencing a mental health issue.

Visit Click2Houston for more.

South Central and Southeast officers are at 2300 Holmes. Male who stole a HFD Ambulance is in custody. Assist by K9, FOX and Pct. 7 Constable. 202 pic.twitter.com/9Kiuaj0ryi

— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 12, 2025

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The Owego Fire Department reported that coordination with New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) has resumed, and preparations are now underway to allow the long-anticipated roof replacement project at Central Fire Station to move forward, the department said June 11, 2025 in a post on Facebook.

Following a temporary breakdown in communication and information sharing with the fire department, which led to understandable frustration, NYSEG and the department have reestablished contact and resolved the issues that had delayed progress, the report said. As a result, plans to safely de-energize the overhead power lines near the station have been finalized, enabling roofing contractors to begin their work.

“We are grateful that we’re now moving in the right direction,” said Chief Eric Hawkins. “We recognize that recent communication gaps may have caused confusion, but we’re happy to report that everyone is now aligned and working together to protect this historic structure.”

Central Station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has experienced ongoing water damage due to a deteriorating roof. These repairs are critical to preserving the building’s structural integrity and ensuring the continued, uninterrupted operation of emergency services housed within.

The Owego Fire Department extends sincere thanks to NYSEG and local officials for their renewed partnership and support. Additional updates will be shared with the public as the project advances.

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Justin Muszynski
Hartford Courant
(TNS)

Three people — including two firefighters — were injured when a driver tried passing a vehicle on Interstate 91 in Hartford on Wednesday night and struck a fire truck that was blocking an exit ramp.

The collision occurred shortly before 11:50 p.m. on I-91 South at the Exit 32A-B off-ramp where the driver of a 2016 Acura TLX was in the exit lane and tried passing a 2020 Mazda CX-5 in the right lane prior to a lane closure, according to Connecticut State Police.

The Acura driver was going at a “high rate of speed” when he struck the driver side of a fire truck and then the passenger side of the Mazda, state police said. According to the Hartford Fire Department, the fire truck had responded at a single-vehicle crash. State police said fire crews were blocking the ramp.

Fire officials said two firefighters were taken to a hospital to be evaluated for minor injuries. They were conscious and alert and were released by the morning, according to fire officials.

The driver of the Acura, a 22-year-old Davon Williams of Hartford, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hartford Hospital, state police said. No other injuries were reported.

Williams was found at fault for the crash and was issued a misdemeanor summons on charges of reckless driving, driving to endanger, reckless endangerment, failure to slow down or move over for a stopped emergency vehicle and endangerment of a highway worker, according to state police. He is free on a $1,500 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on July 3.

©2025 Hartford Courant. Visit courant.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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