Some 25 LifeLocator systems from Ultravision have been deployed in the disaster. They are able to detect very slight movement such as the movement created from shallow breathing, even through accumulated debris. China life safety and security distributor Ancom Systems donated the equipment to the emergency earthquake rescue team.
The UltraVision LifeLocator system can detect and locate victim motion and breathing through steel-reinforced concrete, brick or pavement in either intact structures or debris piles. The system is wireless, eliminating the need to deploy probes, cables or wiring to search for victims and creating maximum ease of mobility over treacherous ground. It signals rescue personnel in real-time via a PDA that provides target information like location and distance to the victim.
LifeLocator uses ultra wideband (UWB) technology to greatly improve the odds of rescue over recovery. Ultra wideband technology is said to be the most advanced technology for locating victims by sensing even minor movement or shallow breathing.
UltraVision also provides UWB security systems for property and life protection and exhibited at IFSEC 2008 last week.