Firemen give gizmo heat test

During the annual charity fundraiser on May 17, firefighters will wear their uniform and breathing apparatus that weighs about 20kg. Photo / Michael Craig

Firefighters taking part in the Sky Tower Stair Challenge will trial a new locally invented gizmo designed to save the lives of miners and emergency-service workers.

The fitness fanatics will test out BioLink, a device that is strapped to the body and monitors body temperature, heart rate and other vital signs.

Kiwi company Tait Communications, which developed the new technology with Zephyr, said the device sends out a signal if the wearer has fallen over. "BioLink can automatically detect when a firefighter is under physiological stress so that the necessary action can be taken to keep them safe," a Tait spokeswoman said.

During the annual charity fundraiser on May 17 firefighters, including Joel McNickle, will wear their uniform and breathing apparatus that weighs about 20kg.

This will help simulate real-life stresses firemen face.

Signals from the device travel over a radio network so Tait can monitor the firefighters' vital signs as, eventually, could the Fire Service control centre monitor firefighters on the job. In Australia, mining firms also see a use for the technology to monitor staff working in precarious situations

McNickle, based in Otahuhu, aims to finish the race up 1103 steps in less than 12 minutes in his first attempt.

Last year, Otara station's Josh Harrison set an event record of eight minutes and 37 seconds, and will return to defend his title.

The Fire Service is raising money for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand and its goal is to raise $1 million.

BioLink hopes to eventually enhance firefighter safety worldwide.