Abstract: Protective mask communication systems are provided for use in hazardous environments, e.g., firefighting and hazardous waste clean-up operations. The systems allow wearers of protective masks working in a hazardous area to readily communicate both with each other and with personnel and automated systems outside of the area. Preferred systems provide short range radio communication between mask wearers.

Abstract: An integrated safety and communication system for attachment to a standard type of firefighter's face mask includes a command post tracking and accountability monitor, and a mask attachment having means for transmitting the amplified voice of the wearer to anybody within its audible range, and to enable communications with the command post including identification, location, vital signs such as pulse and respiratory rate, vicinity temperature, hydrocarbon monitoring and alarm signal if the wearer becomes motionless for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A communication system for attachment to a standard type of firefighter's face mask. Generally speaking, the communication system is mounted on opposite sides of the glass/plastic lens portion without affecting the integrity of the mask seal or the breathing air conduits. An infra-red signal representative of the wearer's voice is transmitted through the mask lens to speaker-electronics for reproducing the amplified voice of the wearer out side the mask unit.