Detection and Localization for Buried and Alive Human Body After Mudslides Using Pulse Sensor and Force Sensing Resistor with XBee Technology and Global Positioning System to Support Rescue Operations

Because the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is prone to disasters such as earthquake, landslide, or mudslide. As a matter of fact, 80% of the country’s total land area is vulnerable to such disasters. Due to this, the researchers thought of a way to help in search and rescue operations specifically with mudslide victims. The proposed system includes the use of pulse sensor to determine whether the person is alive or not, force-sensing resistors to determine if he/she is buried or above ground, Global Positioning System to determine his/her latest approximate location, and XBee Technology to send all collected data from the victim to the rescuers. The pulse sensor displays the pulse rate of the person in beats per minute so the rescuers may be able to monitor it. The last recorded pulse rate is shown along with the time it is recorded. There are four force-sensing resistors, two of which are placed in front and two at the back. These FSRs determine whether the person is buried when at least two of them have readings of more than 5 grams and that there are readings in both front and back. The working radius of the system is up to 305 feet, depending on how deep the vest was buried. A GPS Module sends the approximate location of the vest. The rescuers are also provided with an option to locate the coordinates in Google Earth, provided that there is an Internet Connection. In case the GPS cannot send signal anymore, e.g. there is a debris that blocks the GPS signal, the last known location will be recorded as well as the time it is sent. These equipment are placed inside a waterproof and rechargeable vest. The rescuers are also provided with a MATLAB graphical user interface.