JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
To assist in fighting the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, team members from the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force conducted training to teach Soldiers how to use thermal-imaging fever screening devices June 10 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, thermal-imaging systems use infrared technology to measure surface skin temperature and the individual having their temperature taken does not need to be physically close to the person operating the equipment.
“Thermal imaging capabilities allow for measurement of individual skin body temperature with an accuracy of plus or minus two degrees, from a safe distance of six to eight feet,” said Army Lt. Col. David Wilson, REF team lead. “Screening takes one to two seconds and measures skin body temperature without physical contact.”
When used in conjunction with medical questionnaires and hand-held thermometers, thermal-imaging scanners are an essential part of a layered defense in combatting COVID-19. The screening devices are more effective than regular thermometers due to the speed at which fevers are detected, which can lead to additional diagnosis to determine if an individual actually has the coronavirus.
Wilson discussed how the Army’s REF has been at the forefront in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying, training and equipping Department of Defense components and Army installations across the country with thermal screening technologies to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“This massive effort is the result of a multi-faceted and broad collaboration across numerous Army research and development and acquisition organizations,” said Wilson. “Together, these organizations have come together as a team and are working around-the-clock to fight COVID-19.”
Thermal-imaging fever screening systems are currently deployed to various facilities within Army Training and Doctrine Command installations, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Army North, Pentagon and the National Capital Region.
For more information on how thermal imaging fever screening technology is used in the fight against COVID-19, visit website www.fda.gov.