Firefighters reported that most devices were barely noticeable during movement. Even during crawling, climbing, and carrying equipment, the devices did not obstruct critical tasks. This validated that wearable GPS tracking was feasible without compromising operational efficiency.
The belt-mounted device remained secure and did not interfere with movement. It was also located in an area that was naturally part of the firefighter's gear setup.
Key Insight: This placement minimized exposure to extreme heat compared to lower extremities.
The foot-mounted device fit securely inside the boot gap and remained stable during movement. However, placement and accessibility were more dependent on boot structure and gear compatibility. This introduced potential variability across different gear types.
While stable for some participants, the calf device did not fit comfortably on all firefighters, particularly those with larger calf muscles. This limited scalability and inclusivity across diverse body types.
Firefighters do not have time to manually equip additional devices during emergencies. They often wear partial gear and quickly complete their setup during calls. Any wearable solution must integrate seamlessly into their existing gear without requiring additional setup.
