AI for Public Safety

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

User Research, AI Use Cases Identification & Ethical Considerations.

TOOLS USED:

Google Forms & Miro

OVERVIEW:

AI is transforming public safety by predicting emergencies, improving response times, and streamlining operations like dispatch and incident management. This project highlights eight AI use cases in firefighting, emphasizing user-friendly designs to boost adoption while addressing ethical and privacy concerns.

Project Goals

Challenges: Understand firefighter's challenges on active scenes.

Current Tools: Identified current tools used by firefighters and AI's potential impact.

AI Pros and Cons: Evaluated the benefits and drawbacks of existing AI products for firefighters.

Ethics and Privacy: Examined AI's safety and privacy implications in firefighting.

Adoption Barriers: Investigated firefighter's hesitation towards AI and design solutions to encourage adoption.

GETTING STARTED

User Research

Phase 1

Desk research

Phase 2

Interviews

Phase 3

Field Observations

DESK RESEARCH

What tools and technologies are currently available to support firefighters, and how can emerging AI solutions enhance their effectiveness while addressing challenges such as user adoption, privacy, and ethical considerations?

Our research began with an in-depth exploration of online databases, scholarly articles, and research papers to thoroughly understand the tools and technologies employed by firefighters today.

Radio

Pro: Enables real-time communication for coordination.

Con: Can be unreliable in areas with poor signal or interference.

Navigation Systems

Pro: Provides route guidance to quickly reach emergency sites.
Con: May lack up-to-date maps for complex or remote areas.

Thermal Imagining

Cameras

Pro: Helps locate victims and hotspots in low-visibility environments.
Con: Limited battery life and can be affected by extreme heat.

Personal Protective System

Pro: Shields firefighters from heat, flames, and hazardous substances.
Con: Can be bulky, restricting movement and agility during operations.

AI SOLUTIONS

01. AI-powered Drone Mapping

AI can facilitate real-time mapping with drones, enabling firefighters to efficiently navigate challenging landscapes and avoid potential hazards.

02. AI-Integrated Wearables

03. AI-Enhanced Communication Systems

Wearables powered by AI can continuously monitor firefighters' vital signs, sending immediate alerts in case of overheating or physical exhaustion, enhancing safety during high-stress operations.

AI can improve communication networks, ensuring seamless data exchange even in areas with weak or no signal, allowing for better coordination and decision-making in critical situations.

INTERVIEWS

We interviewed 6 firefighters to gather their perspectives on AI tools, their challenges, and ethical considerations.

Key Insights

Preference for Incremental Changes: Firefighters expressed a preference for gradual, incremental changes in technology rather than sudden overhauls. This approach ensures that new tools are easily integrated without disrupting established workflows.
Need for User-Friendly Solutions: There was a strong emphasis on the importance of developing user-friendly, reliable, and cost-efficient solutions. Firefighters highlighted the need for technologies that are intuitive and can be trusted in high-stakes situations.
Thermal Imaging Cameras: Thermal imaging cameras were recognized as vital tools for enhancing situational awareness. There is a significant opportunity for AI integration to improve the accuracy and functionality of these devices, offering real-time insights.
Wearable Technology: When considering AI-powered wearable technology, firefighters stressed the importance of ease of use and seamless integration with existing equipment. Ensuring that wearable devices do not add complexity or interfere with current gear is essential for adoption and effectiveness.

FIELD OBSERVATIONS

Conducted observational visits to three fire departments in Greenwood, Indiana, to understand firefighters' real-world challenges and technology use.

Thermal Camera Challenges: During observations, firefighters used thermal cameras to navigate through thick smoke, but the slow response times often led to delays in decision-making, and interpreting the camera’s output was difficult in fast-paced situations.
Lack of Health Monitoring: The physical demands on firefighters were evident, but there was no real-time system to track their health metrics (e.g., heart rate, temperature), increasing the risk of exhaustion or heat stroke.
Communication Issues in Large Structures: While radios were commonly used, signal interference in multi-story and large buildings often required teams to repeat instructions or pause to ensure clear communication, causing delays.

AI USE CASES

1. AI-Powered Communication System - AUDREY (NASA Project)

AUDREY is an AI-driven communication system developed by NASA to improve situational awareness and decision-making for firefighters. It integrates data from sensors, cameras, and databases to provide real-time information on hazards, firefighter location, and environmental conditions.

Key Features:

Real-Time Data Integration for better decision-making.
Hazard Identification to detect dangers early.
Enhanced Communication across teams, even in low-signal areas.
Customizable Alerts tailored to specific needs.
Movement Tracking to ensure coordination.

Benefits: Improved safety, faster decision-making, and enhanced coordination in emergency situations.

2. Fire Neural Network (FNN)

is an AI-driven system designed to improve wildfire detection and response. It analyzes lightning strike data to identify potential fire risks and utilizes drones to confirm ignitions in real-time, ensuring prompt action.

Benefits:

Early Detection: Enhances the speed of wildfire detection, minimizing damage and risk.
Improved Situational Awareness: Provides valuable insights into fire behavior and progression.
Firefighter Safety: Reduces risk by offering actionable intelligence and early warnings for safer firefighting efforts.

NEXT STEPS

The integration of AI in firefighting shows promise for enhancing emergency response effectiveness and safety. Through thorough research, this presents diverse AI-powered solutions tailored to firefighting needs, emphasizing user-friendliness and ethical considerations. Collaboration with firefighters is crucial for refining these solutions, ensuring alignment with operational requirements. Next steps involve gathering stakeholder feedback, addressing legal and privacy concerns, and conducting a detailed competitive analysis.

MY REFLECTION

This project helped me understand how AI can improve firefighter safety and decision-making through real-time data integration and enhanced communication. However, I could have included more diverse firefighter perspectives and tested AI tools in simulated scenarios. I also missed exploring the ethical concerns and practical limitations like cost and scalability, which would have made the solutions more applicable to various fire departments.