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5.3 Recommendations
The operator must stay at least 5m (15ft) minimum from the sensor and must not move during the
search process.
Do not use wireless devices which create interference (mobile phone, radio, laptop WiFi, etc.) during
the search process.
For good wireless connectivity, adopt the attitude of a user who is aware that the wireless equipment
has certain usage constraints and apply the following advice to your victim search equipment:
- Place the sensor in view of the control box.
- Position yourself up high with the control box.
- Leave a free space between the control box and the sensor as a maximum:
Person between the box and sensor; the human body creates a natural body, do not place
your back to the sensor.
- Consider the weather: depending on humidity/electricity in the air/sun, wireless will work
better or worse (e.g.: A radio can emit further in good weather).
If there are obstacles (like a wall, etc.) between the device and the computer, the wireless
connection may not work correctly. In this case, use a USB cable.
5.4 Usage advice
Radar detection technology is highly sensitive technology.
The use concept seems simple but use in the field is complex and precise. It requires training to be
interpreted correctly.
UWB technology gives very good results when searching for victims but can produce mistakes at
certain times. Following a disaster, the urban environment is in disarray. Collapsed structures cause
a mix of construction materials which can make UWB detection complex. A user who cannot see
the material types through which they are pointing their UWB sensor is not able to 100% accurately
interpret results which can be indicated by the device due to reflection off certain buried materials.
LEADER Scan cannot detect a victim who is behind or under a solid metal screen or water.
The device cannot detect through damp conducting bodies, like wet clay. Damp soil is not ideal for
UWB scanning as water acts as a shield against waves. However it is able to detect through dry
materials like wood, brick, concrete (reinforced concrete is more difficult to traverse), plastic,
plasterboard, etc.
Beyond the necessary training and device awareness, movements generated under debris
(victims, animals, structural movements....) or on debris (emergency workers...) or from
the environment (movements due to a passing truck, use of a backhoe, jackhammer...) are some of
the constraints which could affect UWB detection.
Detected movements are not necessarily those of a victim but can make someone think that there is
a buried person if a small animal moves, also there may be a large number of insects and worms in
a decomposing body, or a concrete part which is moving, or nearby movements which the sensor
detects...
In these difficult search conditions, it is advised to repeat procedures in “Real time” mode
(x3 scans minimum) then in “Automatic” mode (x3 scans minimum) for the same location where
movement is detected. These repeated scans can give a good idea of the movements that are along
the sensor axis. By compiling all detection information, the user and their team can decide to rescan
the detection location, the position of one or several potential victims.
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