For convenience, attempt to schedule all pre-
sentations on the same day or the same week,
with all evaluation committee members present to
ask questions and document their impressions of
each manufacturer. Ideally, committee members
should use a checklist or table to document their
conclusions and to help ensure that a fair and
equal comparison is made between the TIs.
Step Four: the real world test
The real world test, or hands-on evaluation, is the
most critical part of your evaluation process. While
one thermal imager may stand out in the class-
room, the FD's final decision could be different
after firefighters get the opportunity to use
thermal imagers under realistic conditions. In the
evaluation, some TIs will show they look and act
better in the classroom than in a real fire. Some
features seem great in the classroom, but do not
perform as expected once they venture into the
real world of emergency response. As with the
classroom presentations, aim to evaluate all of the
units on the same day. This will allow each unit to
be compared side-by-side in real time, under
similar conditions.
Careful planning and preparation are essential
to a successful hands-on evaluation. Before the
evaluation, decide how you will test the features
that mean the most to your department, and
develop a checklist to make sure that committee
members are using the same criteria. Test each
feature of the unit under various conditions and
scenarios, such as live fire, simulated hazmat
incidents, fire-alarm investigation and outdoor
searches. Crawl with each unit; look under
objects. Determine if the TI can be carried up a
ladder easily, or if a hose team can advance a line
while carrying the TI. Always evaluate TI's under
real fire conditions if possible. This is where the
performance of the TI is most critical and where
you should spend some time evaluating.
Have each member write notes about each TI
immediately after they use it. To help quantify
the evaluation process, members should be
encouraged to rank specific factors using a
number scale. Develop the scale and factor sheet
in advance, grading such aspects as ease of use,
performance in a fire, ability to carry other
equipment, etc.
Step Five: the decision
Following the completion of the classroom and
hands-on evaluations, it is time to decide which
thermal imager best meets the department's
needs. Compare the written notes and total the
scored rankings. If there are specific features that
are more valuable, you may want to consider
weighing them more heavily. Remember to include
non-tangible issues such as service and support,
which will not only help you get your units into
operation, but will also assist you in keeping them
in service for years to come. Consider exactly how
repairs are handled and the overall support you
will receive. Do not forget the information you
gathered from other FDs about their experiences
with TIs. Your neighbor may be the best proof of
what happens after you sign the purchase order.
Once you have determined which TI you will
purchase, place your order or formulate the tender
documents. The distributor or manufacturer can
help you write appropriate tender specifications.
Conclusion
Despite the wider acceptance of TIs in the fire
service, there is still much misinformation and
misunderstanding about the technology. The reality
is that TIs are still expensive tools. As a result,
potential buyers must perform the proper amount
of preparation and evaluation to ensure that they
purchase the best overall value possible. Remember
that value is not just price. Purchasing cheaper TIs
may seem like a bargain, until those TIs are repeat-
edly out of service or sitting in compartments
because the line firefighters find them awkward or
unusable. Like any other capital expenditure, FDs
should expect their units to provide years of reliable
service. To do this successfully means selecting the
TI with the best design and features, best record of
accomplishment in real world performance and
best possible service and support. It is not easy to
make a proper selection effort, but time well spent
on the process will ensure that the FD and the
public it serves will reap long-term benefits from
these valuable tools. IFF
28 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER
During your evaluation,
be sure to use thermal
imagers in a variety of
everyday tasks, including
sizeup and overhaul
EVALUATING THERMAL IMAGERS
MUNICIPAL
Brad Harvey is the Thermal
Imaging Product Manager at
Bullard. He is a veteran of
public safety as a firefighter,
police officer and paramedic
and is certified through the
Law Enforcement
Thermographers' Association
(LETA) as a thermal imaging
instructor. Harvey has worked
as a high-angle rescue
instructor and is a certified
rescue technician and fire
instructor. If you have
questions about thermal
imaging, you may e-mail him
at brad_harvey@bullard.com

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