An embodiment of the present invention comprises a self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) mask that incorporates a series of physiologic sensors. These physiologic
sensors are mounted on the interior of the SCBA mask in such a way as to contact
the facial skin of an individual wearing the mask. The physiologic sensors monitor,
among other things, heart rate and carbon monoxide and oxygen saturation levels.
The physiologic sensors are connected to a transmitting apparatus attached to the
SCBA. The SCBA transmitter sends output data from the physiologic sensors to a
remote processor. The SCBA transmitter also sends location information of the individual
wearing the SCBA mask to the remote processor. The remote processor compiles the
physiologic and location data for the wearer of the SCBA and transmits a signal
back to the SCBA receiver which, in turn, sends a signal to a display integrated
into a SCBA mask. The display indicates to the individual his physiologic status.
The display incorporates indicator lights are integrated into the mask of the SCBA
to indicate, for example, when bottled air must be switched on, to indicate the
emergency situation of the wearer and/or to indicate the direction that the wearer
of the SCBA is going. The processor associated with the transmitter also monitors
groups of individuals wearing the SCBA masks. In this way, the particular status
of several individuals in hazardous environment can be monitored at once and their
situation known over a period of time in the hazardous conditions. Specifically,
the physiologic condition of the group can be monitored to track the changes in
the group condition over the time that the group is exposed to the hazardous environment.