The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) in conjunction with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL) has developed tracking technology that enables first responders such as firefighters to precisely locate fellow firefighters in burning buildings.

The technology, dubbed Precision Outdoor and Indoor Navigation and Tracking for Emergency Responders (POINTER) features a network of transmitters, receivers and a central command hub. Using magnetoquasistatic fields, the technology orients and tracks first responders in emergency settings.

During recent tests, the POINTER technology tracked first responders as they moved throughout an 8,000 sq ft facility. The system reportedly tracked first responders from a distance of 70 meters away and located first responders in 3D within 1 minute.

The system was designed to locate first responders even in low visibility scenarios such as those encountered with smoke and debris where first responders might be lost in the line of duty.