Thermal imaging camera for first responders

A handheld thermal imaging camera that allows users to see heat in total darkness and through smoke, is available for purchase.

The camera aims to enhances situational awareness for use in wildland fire control, search and rescue missions, structure-damage evaluation and investigative work. It aims to allow emergency service professionals to use thermal imaging for safer missions and to provide first responders with potentially lifesaving technology and solutions that help keep them and their communities safe.

The dual sensor FLIR K1 from FLIR Systems uses a Lepton thermal micro camera, which is the company’s smallest and lowest cost thermal camera core. In addition, it uses patented MSX technology, which extracts high-contrast details from the images taken by an onboard visible light camera and superimposes them onto the thermal images. 

The camera can simultaneously capture thermal and visible images of a scene and store up to 10 000 image sets to create post-scene reports, analysis and evidence.

A pistol grip design allows users to view the scene from their line of sight, for improved safety and situational awareness. The spot thermometer identifies unseen hot and cold spots, to allow for troubleshooting.

The camera carries an IP67 rating for water resistance, heat resistance up to 115 °C and can withstand a 2 m drop onto concrete. An integrated, rechargeable battery lasts up to five hours on a single charge and it also includes a 300-lumen flashlight that lends additional visibility of a scene.

The company states that it is its most affordable camera for first responder officers and fire investigators and it aims to be able to provide thermal imaging technology to more emergency service professionals. The camera is available for purchase in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.