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Applications of the Sentry MDU System
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The Sentry MDU System offers special benefits to Search & Rescue Teams for both
urban and rural locations. Depending on the type of Search & Rescue activity it
may be staffed by professional SAR personnel only or a combination of professionals
and volunteers.
By converting an everyday cell phone into a versatile communication, video recording
and GPS tracking device, the Sentry MDU System can become a valuable tool for all that
participate in SAR activities. The GPS location of each Team Member can be monitored
in real-time or video can be recorded (Body Camera) or transmitted “live”
to the SAR Command Center for review. The location of each Member is displayed in
real-time GPS “tracking” on each members mobile device such that all
search personnel will know the location of all other personnel.
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Situations where the Sentry MDU System can be of value to Search & Rescue Teams:
- Tracking the location of all Searchers
With a GPS enabled device, the SAR Command Center will know where all personnel
are located. Resources can more easily be redeployed as necessary.
Verification of Grid Search Areas
In any Search & Rescue activity the most critical factor is the efficient use of
personnel in covering a specific area (good grid coverage). Since the Sentry MDU App
is installed on a cell phone carried by the search members (almost everyone has one)
and the “GPS tracks” will be displayed in real-time, the grid coverage
can be easily determined from those at the Command Center.
Damage assessment transmitted via real-time video
Using the Sentry MDU System, a SAR Member is able to record and transmit real-time video
back to the Command Center. With the corresponding GPS coordinates and a visual review of
the situation, it will allow the SAR Command Center to more easily direct Medical Personnel or
other resources to the exact location needed.
Using the Sentry MDU System as a field measurement tool
One of the lesser known features of the Sentry MDU App is the ability of a User to measure distances
on a satellite map. For example, if a SAR Team wanted to spot a landing zone for a helicopter
the App provides a way to draw on a satellite image overlay map and then measure
distances between points. This “map drawing” can then be sent to the SAR Command
Center for processing.
Sentry MDU System used as Dash cameras for SAR Patrol Vehicles
The Sentry MDU enabled cell phone can be mounted on ANY vehicle windshield and it immediately
becomes a “dash camera”. Generally, it is rare for SAR vehicles (or private vehicles
brought by SAR Members) to have this capability. The Sentry MDU System
now makes this possible. If desired, live video can be transmitted to the Command Center.
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Mounting and/or wearing the cell phone
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Since the Sentry MDU System starts with a cell phone it is simply a matter of deciding
how a User wants to mount or wear the device. Cell phones come in all sizes. Some will fit
easily in a pocket and some will not. Below we offer several suggestions. The one that works
best for you will generally come down to personal choice.
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Possible ways to mount and wear the cell phone
- Easiest - Simply slip the phone into the front pocket of your uniform
- Use one of the many “clip” type phone cases
- Alter the front pocket of your uniform to accommodate the phone (more hidden solution).
Have a tailor cut a hole in the front of the pocket (for camera lense), use a button hole stitch
to make it look “finished” and you are ready to go.
- Design a cloth phone pouch that will attach to the uniform by safety pins. Then you can put
it anywhere on the uniform you want. Make sure the phone pouch has a hole in the front
for the camera lense to show through.
- Come up with other options on your own. It is not rocket science. Come up with a good idea,
patent it, and make a million bucks.
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