Abstract: The disclosed system provides headgear, i.e., a Firefighter Helmet, with forward illumination that also acts as a personal rescue detection system for quickly finding a downed of lost firefighter. More specifically, the headgear includes a forward illuminating light that has unique characteristics that are easily detected in a smoke filled space by using a handheld photodetector probe that is tuned to the exact characteristics of the light source. The handheld probe has a somewhat narrow directional response to allow a directed search for a downed firefighter or other emergency personnel in a smoke filled noisy environment that hinders normal visual and audible search methods. The handheld photodetector probe produces a unique audio tone that is proportional in volume to the intensity of the exact-characteristics-light-source thus allowing a sweeping motion of the probe to immediately determine the relative direction to a firefighter who is down or requiring assistance.

Abstract: The disclosed system provides headgear, i.e., a Firefighter Helmet, with forward illumination that also acts as a personal rescue detection system for quickly finding a downed of lost firefighter. More specifically, the headgear includes a forward illuminating light that has unique characteristics that are easily detected in a smoke filled space by using a handheld photodetector probe that is tuned to the exact characteristics of the light source. The handheld probe has a somewhat narrow directional response to allow a directed search for a downed firefighter or other emergency personnel in a smoke filled noisy environment that hinders normal visual and audible search methods. The handheld photodetector probe produces a unique audio tone that is proportional in volume to the intensity of the exact-characteristics-light-source thus allowing a sweeping motion of the probe to immediately determine the relative direction to a firefighter who is down or requiring assistance.