What type of devices can assist in locating a missing or trapped firefighter?

PASS devices, or Personal Alert Safety System devices, are specifically designed to assist in locating firefighters who may be missing or in distress. They are equipped with sensors that detect when a firefighter is immobile, automatically activating an alarm to alert others to their location. This feature is crucial in emergency situations where time is of the essence and immediate action is needed to find and rescue trapped individuals.

While thermal imaging cameras can detect heat signatures and locate individuals in low visibility conditions, they are not specifically designed for the purpose of alerting responders to a firefighter's location when they are in distress. Rescue ropes are essential for extraction and safety during rescue operations but do not inherently provide any locating capabilities. Ventilation fans, meanwhile, are utilized for smoke removal and to improve visibility within a structure, which supports safety and rescue efforts, but they, too, do not aid in locating individuals who are missing.

In summary, PASS devices serve a unique and critical function in ensuring the safety of firefighters by providing an audible alert that significantly aids in the timely location and rescue of trapped personnel.