FLC | Infrared thermal scanner speeds Air Force COVID-19 screenings

Infrared thermal scanner speeds Air Force COVID-19 screenings

April 27, 2020

The Air Force Medical Service's 96th Medical Group (MDG) teamed up with Eglin Air Force Base’s test community to find a way to health screen its employees quickly and safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 782nd Test Squadron’s seekers and sensors flight, along with the Eglin Innovation Office, filled a need with the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system imager. It is a handheld infrared sensor that measures the surface temperature of whatever is in its sights. The measurements are used to identify if any 96th MDG personnel have elevated temperatures. Anyone above the acceptable range undergoes additional screening prior to entry. This protects staff as well as patients and conserves valuable resources.

The FLIR can scan someone in approximately two seconds, whereas an oral temperature screening takes 30 seconds. This allows for rapid screening of 600 staff members every morning and 400 in the afternoons. The longest wait during peak arrival time is three to five minutes, according to Capt. Nick Detrick, 96th MDG staff physical therapist.

The partnership began when 782nd TS testers began 3D printing respirator mask prototypes for evaluation by the 96th MDG bioenvironmental engineering flight. Seeing the need and possible solution, the Innovation Office put the two units together. The prototypes are still under review and have not been approved for use yet.

Squadron personnel also began printing visor frames and bands to reduce pressure on 96th Mission Support Group mask wearer’s ears. The initial printed bands went to 96th Security Forces Squadron defenders and 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen.

The 782nd TS, who normally supports IR testing for the HH-60W Jolly Green II, continuously prints the bands. It takes 10 days to print 2,000 bands. The 96th MDG requested 2,000 masks, filters and straps from the test unit… enough to keep the printers continuously busy for the foreseeable future.