Whelen How the Latest Innovations in White Illumination Enhance Safety for Firefighters
This article was first published in the July 2024 edition of Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment.
Each year, firefighters across the US respond to millions of emergencies. They navigate busy roads and congested neighborhoods, facing unknown obstacles when they arrive on scene. Effective lighting technology is a powerful ally in helping firefighters and other first responders maximize their visibility as they approach every mission, allowing them to save precious time when every second counts. White illumination is especially important in these critical moments as it not only aids in travel but also ensures safe and efficient operations on the ground.
Consider a scenario where firefighters rush to the scene of an accident on a dimly lit highway. Navigating through debris and assessing the situation without adequate illumination becomes perilous and time-consuming. High-quality white lighting products affixed to an apparatus allow firefighters to quickly discern details, identify hazards, and locate those in need to make informed decisions that can save lives.
While industry leaders have made significant strides in white scene lighting technology in recent years, exciting new developments offer a promising look at the future evolution of white illumination and the industry as a whole.
To make these important developments, industry experts look for opportunities to improve existing products. Product Manager for Whelen Engineering, Jon Sestrom, has spent considerable time over the last several years collecting feedback on Whelen’s Pioneer Summit brow light and others on the market from first responders nationwide to better understand if their needs were being met by the existing products. “We believe in a collaborative approach to innovation,” says Sestrom. “By actively engaging with firefighters and asking for their feedback, we gain unique insights into the challenges they face and are able to respond by creating innovative products that address those challenges.”
The Limitations of Spot Optic Technology
One such challenge that Sestrom encountered while gathering feedback was overall visibility in the field. Existing products favor the use of Spot Optic Technology, which focuses light into a concentrated beam and offers visibility over long distances. While this technology can be effective in certain use cases, its limitations become apparent in scenarios where a broad field of vision is required. For instance, when navigating a search and rescue operation that covers an expansive area, the limited light spread provided by spot optics can hinder firefighters’ ability to quickly locate those in need of assistance. Shadows cast by spot optics can also hide potential hazards, preventing firefighters from doing their jobs most effectively and exposing them to danger.
“Spot optic designs are paramount in focused illumination, creating a concentrated pattern of photons that are excellent when the user has a predetermined object to illuminate,” says Whelen Engineer Kris Terpe. “But for our end users, an emergency scene encompasses a multitude of different objects that need illumination and would require constant actuation of a spot optic design to ensure all of them are illuminated when in their field of vision. This fundamental understanding drove us to revolutionize our optical engine in the Field Series, allowing first responders to see everything they need to see when they need to see it.”
As Terpe points out, spot optic technology doesn’t provide firefighters with the ability to see everything in front of and around them or offer control over where and when to direct light. In critical situations, more control directly contributes to increased safety for first responders and those they serve, making innovation of this technology a top priority for industry leaders like those at Whelen.
Introducing Dynamic Beam Technology
Dynamic Beam Technology addresses the challenge of limited visibility by offering increased precision over the directionality of the light spread. This new technology ensures optimal illumination across a 180-degree field of vision with both Near Field and Far Field optics. Its adaptive design empowers firefighters to tailor their lighting environment to the specific demands of each situation, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Fig. 1 – Near Field Optics provide precise illumination of the area around an apparatus which is ideal for assisting first responders as they search for the tools needed to carry out critical missions.
Fig. 2 – Far Field Optics project a wide, even spread of light out in front of the apparatus, allowing first responders to see everything in their field of vision.
The dynamic element of these optics refers to the ability to switch between both Near and Far Field optics. Near Field optics direct light down toward the ground, providing precise illumination of the immediate area around an apparatus. This allows firefighters to operate with enhanced efficiency as they reach for their tools and establish a secure scene. Far Field optics emit light in a wide and even spread, projecting it out in front of the apparatus. This gives firefighters full visibility of what lies ahead so they can act faster during critical missions when seconds count. With the added feature of Variable Power Distribution that is included in the Field Series, firefighters can choose to adjust how both optic paths are powered depending on the needs of the moment. This versatility enables firefighters to seamlessly switch between illuminating a roadway to locate a house number or a car in a ditch, and lighting up the area surrounding their apparatus as they search for necessary tools. They can also perform both tasks simultaneously through the apparatus control system.
Terpe says the main goal in designing the new technology wasn’t just to make something bigger and brighter. “Lumens are often misleading in our industry when comparing product performance,” he says. “While it is a metric for the magnitude of the light source’s output, the amount of total light produced versus the amount of useful light produced can be vastly different to those trusting in our products. Consider the rays of light that might stray off-angle which are completely ineffective in an emergency.” Terpe says this information was vitally important as he and others at Whelen considered the design and function of the Field Series. He continues, “Our industry depends on useful light, which is why we aimed for a product that would capture all that light and put it where they need it, making it all useful. Our priority is to ensure the light is where it’s most effective to those trying to save a life, and that’s what we accomplished with the Field Series.”
The development of the Field Series was years in the making. “This is the culmination of extensive collaboration between firefighters, engineers, and industry experts,” says Sestrom. “It showcases what can be achieved when diverse perspectives come together for a common goal, and we’re beyond proud of the results.” Sestrom and the Whelen team unveiled the all-new Field Series brow light at FDIC in April of 2024. When asked what Sestrom is most proud of about the new product, he says it was Whelen’s commitment to vertical integration and its ability to take a concept from design through production. “It’s a real thrill to be part of such a groundbreaking project and see it through from start to finish,” says Sestrom.
This evolution of white lighting technology stands as a testament to the pursuit of innovation within the emergency warning and lighting industry. The strides made in enhancing safety and efficiency underscore industry leaders’ commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of firefighters and first responders through the pursuit and application of feedback. It’s through this collaborative approach that groundbreaking solutions like Dynamic Beam Technology emerge, offering not just advancements in technology but tangible improvements in the lives and safety of those who rely on it most.
JAMES WHELEN is senior vice president of technology and innovation for Whelen Engineering.
