On Body Power Module for First Responders

Next Generation First Responders, also known as NGFRs, will carry more battery powered sensors and IoT to wirelessly connected devices beyond cellphones, radios, and peripheral PPE devices, with their range of power requirements and charging connectors.Requiring first responders to track battery levels and recharge multiple devices would distract from their missions.A Power Module for First Responders, aka a PMFR, that would service all current and emerging requirements of on-body devices would save first responders the burden of monitoring their electronic devices, letting them focus on cruicial tasks.TDA will develop a PMFR tailored to the power needs of first responders, such as EMS, law enforcement, and firefighters; that costs less than 100 dollars.Current and future power requirements for first responder applications will be determined by tallying peripherals that might be connected and their power requirements.The software architecture of the PMFR will be developed based upon examples in the Next Generation First Responder handbook.A proof of concept design with minimal impact on first responder profile will be provided, including dimensions/weight.Safety considerations of applicable battery types will be reported.Packaging specifications for both the intrinsically safe, like CSA 157, and standard, like IP68, configurations will be provided.A cost model including volume discounts will be created to determine the approximate cost of each of the two types of PMFRs, which are intrinsically safe and standard.Our PMFR will provide a low cost power module for first responders, industrial workers, and DoD personnel with moderate power requirements.