GB2368705A - Monitoring a person using breathing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for monitoring and control of persons using breathing apparatus is of particular use in the monitoring and control of fire fighters on duty in a hazardous area, such as a smoke filled building. The control apparatus comprises a programmable visual display monitor adapted to receive, assimilate and display information relating to the condition of users of breathing apparatus recorded by remote sensors, which are normally positioned in association with breathing apparatus. The control apparatus further comprises a pager to allow delivery of an alert to all fire fighters to leave a dangerous area.

Description

Control Apparatus and Method The invention relates to a control apparatus, and in particular to a control apparatus for monitoring and directing persons in hostile environments, and a method of directing and monitoring the behaviour of such persons. A suitable use for the invention would be the monitoring and directing of fire fighters in a hostile environment such as a burning building. A further use would be monitoring any use of breathing apparatus.

To enter and work in hostile environments such as areas filled with smoke or toxic fumes, fire fighters need to use portable breathing apparatus to enable them to breathe. When breathing apparatus for this purpose was developed in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, it became apparent that it is necessary to monitor closely the use of such apparatus, for example to determine when the air supply is nearing exhaustion.

The apparatus for and method of monitoring developed was a"Breathing Apparatus Entry Control Board"or 'tally'board. This is a board carried in fire fighters'vehicles, which is adapted to be situated at the designated point of entry to a hazardous environment such as a burning building.

The tally board is a reusable writing surface on which one designated person only-the Entry Control Officer (ECO) -is authorised to write information, and which he uses to record the event of entry of a fire fighter into a hazardous environment, the time of their entry, and the amount of air or gas in their breathing apparatus at that time.

Tally boards are still used today to record the vital information of each fire fighter entering a hazardous environment. It is however apparent that it would be advantageous to have the capacity to monitor a number of parameters indicative of each fire fighter's circumstances and provide each fire fighter with adequate warning of, for example, depleted resources, to enable them to exit the hostile environment in a timely manner. It is equally advantageous to provide means to supply those outside the hostile environment with sufficient information to recognise a fire fighter's inability to leave the environment due, for example, to loss of consciousness, to allow steps to be taken to rectify the situation. Failure to leave the hostile environment before exhaustion of vital

resources, such as air, may have disastrous consequences for a fire fighter.

At present, an ECO is assigned to monitor a specific group of fire fighters required to enter a hostile environment such as a burning building. It is the ECO's additional responsibility to direct the operations of the members of his group, and to coordinate with other such groups. On arrival at the hazardous environment the ECO sets up the static tally board at the designated point of entry to the environment and records the identity of each fire fighter in his group and their time of entry into the environment.

This apparatus and method of control of fire fighters has numerous drawbacks. For example, each ECO can track only a group comprising a limited number of fire fighters, and the ECO receives no useful feedback on the progress or condition of the fire fighters in his group.

Thus, the purpose of this invention is to replace the inflexible and limited system currently in use to monitor the entry of fire fighters to hazardous environments with apparatus adapted to monitor the progress of each fire fighter individually, and to monitor and record his vital data.

Currently, the only way of communicating with a fire fighter in a hazardous situation is by means of hand

held two way radio. Such radios are of no use if a fire fighter is injured or unconscious.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide reliable means for delivering unambiguous commands to a fire fighter in a hazardous situation According to the present invention there is provided a control apparatus for monitoring and directing at least one person using breathing apparatus comprising indication means; and communication means.

Preferably said control apparatus is adapted to receive signals from and/or send signals to a remote apparatus associated with said person. More preferably said control apparatus is adapted to communicate with said remote apparatus by means of telemetry.

Said control apparatus may comprise at least one encoder, and preferably a plurality of encoders.

Said encoder may be adapted to generate a telemetry identification (ID) numbers.

Preferably said control apparatus comprises a programmable visual display unit. Typically said control apparatus comprises data recording means.

Said control apparatus may comprise paging means.

Said control apparatus may comprise computational means.

Preferably said control apparatus is adapted to cooperate with a remote apparatus in the form of a monitoring unit and/or distress signal unit.

Said remote apparatus is preferably portable. Said remote apparatus may comprise a monitoring unit and/or a distress signal unit. Said remote apparatus may comprise computational means.

Typically said remote apparatus is adapted to be associated with at least one sensor. Said remote apparatus may be adapted to be associated with a plurality of sensors. Said sensors may include respiration and/or pressure and/or temperature and/or demand valve sensors.

Said remote apparatus may comprise an alarm.

Preferably said remote apparatus comprises a plurality of alarms.

Said remote apparatus may comprise a respiratory monitor comprising an air measurement device, a conversion device for converting measurements of the air into a signal relating to the remaining respiratory time and an output device for providing an output relating to the remaining respiration time.

Said respiratory monitor may provide an alarm when the monitored rate of air usage falls below a given predetermined rate for a predetermined period.

Said remote apparatus may comprise homing means.

Preferably said control apparatus is adapted to communicate with said remote apparatus by means of telemetry. More preferably said control apparatus is adapted to receive signals from and/or to transmit signals to said remote apparatus.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided A method of monitoring the use of breathing apparatus comprising the steps of generating a job-specific ID number; allocating the ID number to an individual; collecting data relating to the well-being of the individual; assimilating the data; and noting whether action is required.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which: Fig 1 is a schematic drawing of a control apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig 2 is a schematic drawing of a control apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the Figures, a control apparatus for monitoring use of breathing apparatus, and particularly for monitoring and directing fire fighters in a hazardous environment comprises a control apparatus in the form of a programmable

visual display unit 11. The control apparatus 1 is adapted to receive information from remote apparatus, which is normally positioned in association with breathing apparatus.

The control apparatus 1 comprises a microprocessor and a board with a visual display 11, which can, for example, show information at positions A to H, which can be allocated to convey, for example: A ID Indicators B ID Sensors C Manual Alarm D Victim Located Alarm E Radio Link Failure Alarm F Water On G Water Off H Back Up Required The control apparatus 1 further comprises one or more ID transmitters 2, telemetry radios 3, paging transmitter 4, telemetry decoders 5, data recorder 6, audio/visual alarms 7, key sockets 8, means to include the control apparatus in a network of similar control apparatus 9, and digital clocks 10.

As shown in Fig 2, the board can comprise a number of ports, each accompanied by a light 13 and a key socket 8. The board further comprises a siren 12, an evacuation pager 14, and an emergency siren button 15.

The control apparatus 1 is of robust construction.

It is drop proof, and totally sealed to prevent water penetration. It is adapted to be powered by heavy duty rechargeable batteries, or removable dry batteries. Suitable rechargeable batteries are normally stored in fire fighters'vehicles, kept on trickle charge.

The remote apparatus comprises a portable monitoring unit and/or distress signalling unit adapted for wear by or in association with each person to be monitored and controlled.

Breathing apparatus worn by individual fire fighters, normally in conjunction with a face mask, comprises an air cylinder and a face mask inlet for providing air to provide air to the face mask. The air cylinder is portable, and the breathing apparatus is adapted to be worn by a user to allow movement and work in a hostile environment. The breathing apparatus also comprises a portable unit in the form of a personal monitor, which also functions as a distress signal unit, which can be calibrated to alert a fire fighter when it is'time to leave'the hazardous area, for example in a situation when his air is low or, if he is in distress, to alert others in the vicinity to a colleague's need for assistance.

In some embodiments the breathing apparatus comprises a pressure transducer to allow measurement of the air pressure in the cylinder at any time.

For example, when the pressure is measured to have reached a base level representing the beginning of an emergency reservoir of air a signal triggers an alarm.

In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a pressure drop detector to allow measurement of the pressure drop between the time at which respiration using the breathing apparatus begins, and the time at which work starts-which may indicated manually by a user. A calculating unit, either associated with the breathing apparatus or in the control apparatus, can be employed to calculate when the pressure in the air cylinder is equal to the magnitude of the pressure drop plus the base level and trigger an alarm to alert a fire fighter that it is'time to leave'the hazardous area.

The information gathered by the portable unit, which information defines the condition of its user, is invaluable when relayed outside the hazardous area for remote monitoring by the control apparatus. In normal use, a signal transmitted from the portable unit to the control apparatus allows the COE to monitor the position of each fire fighter, thus assisting in their location for rescue or to identify the closest person to assist in an emergency.

The control apparatus 1 is configured to receive, assimilate and display information relating to specific fire fighters in a hazardous zone, and to

provide a means of communication with the fire fighters. The apparatus is configured to receive information from a plurality of radio transmitter/receivers or sensors adapted for attachment to, inclusion in, or association with the breathing apparatus of each fire fighter.

Of further advantage is the ability to communicate with each fire fighter from outside the hazardous area via the portable unit, by sending a signal from the control apparatus to one or more portable units.

Each control apparatus 1 is designed to monitor a given number of fire fighters. In this embodiment each apparatus is configured to monitor twelve fire fighters.

This invention utilises the unique concept of providing each fire fighter with a job specific ID (ID) number just prior to their entry to a hazardous area.

The control apparatus comprises a programmable visual display 11 including twelve encoders and twelve decoders. In the embodiments of Fig 1 and Fig 2 the visual display is in the form of an LCD display screen and/or simple indicator lights. The display can alternatively be another form of visual display, and can include audible signal means.

Each apparatus is adapted to generate a set of ID numbers, and no two apparatus generate duplicate ID

numbers. This allows a plurality of apparatus to be used simultaneously, or as a network, without interference, and a single ECO to monitor a large number of fire fighters.

The encoders are adapted to generate job specific identity numbers for each individual prior to their entry to a hazardous zone, and to communicate his identity number for this specific job to the individual in the way explained below. From the time the identity number is generated, each individual is continuously monitored by the control apparatus over a radio telemetry link.

The control apparatus further comprises a telemetry radio 3, adapted to detect all data transmitted from personal monitoring units of fire-fighters whose ID numbers have been generated by this particular control apparatus, and a telemetry decoder 5 to convert incoming radio telemetry signals into meaningful visual displays.

The person is therefore a remote source of data which is measured and then transmitted by radio or other means to the control apparatus 1, for recording and analysis.

In this way the controller is alerted substantially instantaneously by the control apparatus to the occurrence of a distress situation.

Each control apparatus 1 generates a unique set of ID numbers, and responds only to its own set of numbers. This allows a large number of these control apparatus to operate at a very large incident, without interfering with each other. Each control unit 1 has a method of transmitting the unique number generated for him to a particular fire fighter, for example over a radio, infra red or other type of remote link. The control apparatus can then instantly identify each fire fighter by this unique number.

The nature of fire fighting is such that, for safety reasons, it is important that there is a national standard for operations. For this reason each fire fighter is generally equipped with the same standard portable unit. The nature of this invention is such that, since each portable unit is allocated a job specific ID number by the control apparatus, it enables any portable unit to operate in conjunction with any control apparatus in the UK, or other jurisdiction operating to the same standards.

Although no two operational control apparatus generate the same digital ID code numbers, each portable unit is adapted to accept every ID code from any operational control apparatus.

The control apparatus and the portable units are adapted to co-operate by means of a'key'system.

The'key'is a removable means associated with the personal monitoring unit or alarm, which is adapted

to switch the unit on and off. The purpose of the key is to allow the fire fighter to switch on his unit and also to disable the alarm if, for example, it is triggered accidentally. However, it is undesirable that a fire fighter can decide unilaterally to disengage his personal alarm while on duty in a hazardous area. The key must therefore be removed from the alarm prior to entering the hazardous zone. Each control apparatus has a display board 11 with a plurality of positions. In the embodiment described, the board has twelve different positions, each of which has a key socket 8. Each socket 8 is adjacent a display, and each position is provided with an encoder and a decoder.

All the decoders on the board are on the same channel. In use, when a monitoring unit is switched on, the key is removed from unit and placed in a socket 8 on the board 11. When a key is removed from a personal alarm and placed in an appropriate socket 8 and switched on, the encoder associated with that position allocates an ID number to that portable unit, and a digital transmitter sends that encoded signal to the unit from which the key was removed, by radio, wire or other link. The encoded signal is specific to this user for this use only.

This signal'primes'a unit by allocating it a unique identification code for a job, and the control apparatus identifies the unit by that code.

Once the ID number is received by the portable unit it is locked in and cannot be overwritten until the key is replaced in the portable unit, and the unit is switched off.

In this way, the ID number is associated with the portable unit from which the key was removed. Each key is labelled with personal data of each individual fire fighter, including their name, the amount of remaining air in their cylinder and their tally number, and any information relevant to that fire fighter which is transmitted to the board together with the ID number, is displayed at that position on the board.

Adjacent each key port on the control board is an indicator light 13. In this embodiment, when a key is placed in the socket 8 and switched on, a green light lights. The instant the data monitored by an sensor or sensors in the portable unit associated with that particular position indicates that a particular fire fighter is in distress, a red light replaces the green light at that position. This ensures instant identification of the individual in distress.

That is, the portable unit comprises a plurality of sensors, and an alarm circuit. The alarm circuit is triggered when the portable unit senses that the fire fighter is in distress. In this situation, the transmitter sends the encoded signal (the ID number) to the receiving station, sometimes in combination with a further signal comprising data.

Encoded signals from each fire fighter controlled by a particular board are all sent on the same channel.

All the decoders on the board receive the signal. However, each decoder recognises only one particular signal, the one generated at its port. Thus only the relevant decoder responds to the encoded signal, and a red light shows at the relevant port, immediately identifying the distressed party.

Each portable unit optionally includes a motion sensor. The motion sensor is adapted such that the absence of movement for a period of twenty seconds triggers a primary audio signal, and the continued absence of movement for a further 10 seconds triggers a second, more powerful audio signal together with automatic transmission to the control apparatus of a radio signal that comprises the ID number. On receipt of this second signal the control apparatus activates a siren to alert the ECO of a possible distress situation, simultaneously identifying the source of the distress.

The portable unit optionally includes any combination of a plurality of sensors, such as respiratory function sensors, temperature sensors, heart rate monitors and the like. The information detected by these sensors is transmitted over the radio telemetry link to the receiving station together with the ID number and is both available to the ECO at any given instant, and recorded for future analysis. The portable unit, in some embodiments, also includes computational means to analyse or partially analyse the information detected. Additionally or alternatively the

information detected can be analysed or partially analysed by the control apparatus.

Each position on the board is accompanied by a clock display 10 which notes the time of entry of the fire fighter allocated that ID number to the controlled zone, and indicates a suggested time to leave.

The apparatus is also configured to monitor the air pressure in the breathing apparatus air or gas storage cylinder of the person allocated that ID number, and to provide an instant calculation of approximate time they have available to operate in thick smoke, with a pre-set'time to leave'alarm.

In an alarm mode the alarm circuit powers the emergency signal, which powers the encoder. In this way the alarm circuit in the portable apparatus sends this encoded signal to the control apparatus.

In the control apparatus, the decoder associated with this ID number identifies the signal, and a red light shows at the relevant position on the board.

Thus, when any fire fighter being monitored is in a distress situation their monitoring/distress signal unit transmits their unique ID number to the control apparatus, which displays a visual signal, thus instantly alerting the ECO to a problem, and identifying the fire fighter in distress. In an embodiment of the invention receipt of an alarm signal triggers the control apparatus instantly and automatically to alert a rescue team.

The monitoring and analysis of information received by the control apparatus from the sensors over a radio telemetry link gives the CEO a clear picture of the condition of all of the men under his control. Some examples of uses of the apparatus are: Evaluating respiratory function. This allows instant identification of respiratory malfunction of any user, which triggers an alarm.

Continuous updating of ongoing drop in cylinder pressure of each user's breathing apparatus. This allows the control unit to compute when where is just sufficient air to enable a fire fighter to return to entry control, and triggers an alarm.

Monitoring air pressure drop over a short pre-set time intervals. This means that when the drop is greater than a pre-set level, for example due to the face mask demand valve remaining open at the end of a respiratory cycle, this will trigger an alarm Monitoring internal temperature of a user's face mask. Excessive temperatures trigger an alarm.

Indication of activation by a user at their unit of a manually activated alarm. This causes their ID number to be displayed on the board, and triggers an alarm.

Monitoring user's body temperature. Excessive temperatures trigger an alarm.

Monitoring respiration. This allows instant notification of other team members if respiratory failure occurs.

Communication with control. This allows notification as soon as a victim is located.

Identifying location of each team is operation.

Monitoring ongoing reduction in gas pressure in cylinders.

Monitoring heart rate or any other biological functions. This provides instant notification that a fire fighter is hyperventilating.

Identification of sensor failure.

Data recording capability for future research, evaluation, and as evidence for inquiries. That is, the control apparatus also has provision for ongoing monitoring of the sensors on the portable units including sensors recording respiration, face and body temperature, face mask pressure, other biological functions, and the breathing apparatus demand valve monitor.

This data can be collected, for example on floppy disk, for future analysis of biological behaviour of

persons operating in these types of hostile environment ; or for use by, for example, designers of face masks.

Integrated communication system including a paging evacuation signal to permit the CEO to withdraw individuals or teams.

That is, the apparatus further comprises a communication facility in the form of a paging transmitter designed for use as an evacuation system for instant recall of all deployed fire fighters.

The transmitter is operable to produce a signal.

The signal can optionally be sent to a particular individual or individuals, or everyone in the group controlled by a specific apparatus to order their evacuation from the hazardous zone.

Pager operation means is situated on the control board. When activated, the pager triggers a remote signal in the face masks of some or all of the users identified by the control apparatus, as appropriate.

To order evacuation of an area, the ECO need only operate the pager. Each face mask is adapted to display the evacuation signal as a bright light.

The use of stark visual signals excludes the possibility of ambiguity of verbal commands over two-way radio, the current means of communication.

Each portable unit is equipped with a homing beacon, and a face mask adapted for use with the breathing apparatus comprising the portable apparatus is

adapted to contain a range limited receiver connected to a warning light suitably situated in a wearer's field of vision. When activated, for example by the operation of a motion or respiratory sensor alarm, the homing beacon is adapted to activate warning lights in the face masks of others already within the range of the beacon such as nearby fire fighters, and also to activate warning lights in the face masks of rescuers when they enter the range of the beacon, to indicate that they are in the vicinity of the distressed.

In the specific example shown in Fig 1, indication positions are identified as A-H, and are allocated to provide specific information to the controller, in the form of an easily read visual display.

Messages sent voluntarily or involuntarily over the telemetry link between control apparatus and remote units are immediately and reliably received and can be acted upon instantaneously.

Information relating to each monitored fire fighter's progress is sensed by the sensors in his portable unit, and relayed to the control apparatus where it is displayed visually. The information collated is displayed in relation to each fire fighter's programmed ID number, so it is immediately apparent to whom the information displayed refers.

The information can also be recorded for future reference.

When a fire fighter's sensors indicate that there is an alarm situation, for whatever reason, the alarm circuit powers an encoder, which sends a signal back to the decoders in the control apparatus. All the decoders in the apparatus receive the signal, but only respond to a signal they identify. That is, when a distress signal is received it is recognised by its individual ID number generated by the board, and triggers a visual signal on the display at the relevant port, indicating the identity of the distressed individual.

The control apparatus can be configured to display a number of parameters, conditions or situations.

Different lights or other indicators associated with each position can indicate a pre-arranged message.

Some examples of this are, as shown in Fig 1: The display can be configured to indicate when manual alarm has been activated by an individual operating in the hazardous area, and to indicate their identity, since the ID number is automatically sent together with the alarm signal.

The display can be configured with a visual signal designated to communicate the messages"victim found"or"assistance required", and to indicate the identity of the message sender, since the ID number is automatically sent together with the signal, and appears at a particular port.

The display can be configured to indicate a breakdown in the radio telemetry link.

The display can be configured with a visual signal designated to communicate the message"turn on water at pump", and to indicate the identity of the message sender, since the ID number is automatically sent together with the signal, and appears at a particular port.

The display can be configured with a visual signal designated to communicate the message"turn off water at pump", and to indicate the identity of the message sender, since the ID number is automatically sent together with the signal, and appears at a particular port.

The display can be configured with a visual signal designated to communicate the message"back-up required", and to indicate the identity of the message sender, since the ID number is automatically sent together with the signal, and appears at a particular port.

Each control apparatus is provide with means to include the apparatus in a network of control apparatus comprising a plurality of control apparatus in use at a particular the incident. When the control apparatus are networked, this enables an overall command to co-ordinate all entry control points.

An important feature of the invention is that, unlike the static board it has been designed to replace, it is possible to update all recorded data, including all data transmitted from each fire fighter's personal monitor-which also functions as their automatic distress signal unit, over a radio telemetry link and instantly display the information on the control unit display panel.

Furthermore, unlike present practice, which requires the controller to write on the static board to record the time each fire-fighter passes through the entry point, and the amount of air or gas in each of their respective storage cylinders. The ongoing drop in pressure of each breathing apparatus cylinder is displayed on the visual display, and can be monitored, and the apparatus computes when it is 'time to leave', and activates an alarm alerting both the fire fighter and the controller that the fire fighter must leave the hazardous area.

The apparatus also monitors each fire fighter's face temperature, body temperature, heart rate monitoring and respiration. A respiratory monitor in the breathing apparatus constantly monitors respiration, and indicates when this is normal, but has an alarm function alerting the onset of hyperventilation, or unconsciousness resulting in altered respiratory function. A suitable respiratory monitor is described in UK Patent No 2311015.

Monitoring radio telemetry signals from portable radio biological monitors including motion sensing based units and biological monitors enables the ECO to be alerted the instant any fire fighter is in any type of distress, including becoming trapped or unconscious, or encounters any biological problem detected by their portable unit.

Indication of altered respiratory effort enables instant implementation of rescue procedures.

Any data recorded during an incident is stored for analysis for use in, for example, future development of protective clothing, or improving breathing apparatus face masks. It is possible to monitor and record various stress related symptoms felt by fire fighters operating in thick smoke or in different types of hazardous zones, and to withdraw a fire fighter whose stress levels exceed a given point.

The data recorded from various sensing transducers on the fire fighter's person, including heart rate, respiration, body and face temperature and the like is of use for analysis to investigate ways of reducing stress levels. Present technology does not allow monitoring of fire fighters'reactions when entering or working in a smoke filled building or other type of hazardous environment.

There is a very limited window of opportunity to locate trapped or unconscious fire-fighters, since they have at most less than thirty minutes of air in

their cylinder. Presently, attempted location of such casualties is by means of infra red detectors, which is slow, and without guidance.

With the present invention it is possible to identify signals transmitted over the radio telemetry link from the injured or trapped fire fighter and pinpoint their source, which greatly reduces the rescue time. The radio telemetry link has the further advantage of continuous communication with each fire fighter, which keeps the controller fully apprised of each fire fighter's progress, and the state of their wellbeing, with feedback which is constantly updating.

A network of apparatus enables overall control of a major incident, including monitoring of all vital data relating to the fire fighters, and the number of fire fighters operating from each entry control point.

If evacuation is necessary, due to loss of control over the fire or for any other reason, the apparatus gives the overall networking controller the facility to page all fire fighters.

The instant a fire fighter is identified as being in distress, the entry controller is able to contact the nearest fire fighters to assist in rescuing this fire fighter, or to direct rescuers to the incident.

In essence this invention provides a means to assist in the management of personnel operating in all types of high risk zones.

Data recorded by the control apparatus can be downloaded by a bar scanner or by means of a keyboard. This data can include fire fighters'names ID numbers, times of entry to a danger zone, air remaining in storage cylinders, and the time it will take to consume this reserve of air whilst fire fighting, which is calculated by the apparatus.

Further embodiments of the invention are provide to monitor and control use of breathing apparatus for medical or other purposes.

Improvements and modifications may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (21)

1. A control apparatus for monitoring and directing at least one person using breathing apparatus comprising indication means; and communication means.

2. A control apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 adapted to receive signals from and/or transmit signals to remote apparatus associated with said at least one person.

3. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim adapted to communicate with said remote apparatus by means of telemetry.

4. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising an encoder.

5. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising programmable visual display means.

6. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim adapted to generate telemetry identification numbers.

7. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising data recording means.

8. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising paging means.

9. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising computational means.

10. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising alarm means.

11. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim adapted to co-operate with one or more control apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim.

12. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim adapted to co-operate with a remote apparatus.

13. A control apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim adapted to co-operate with a monitoring unit and/or distress signal unit.

14. A control apparatus as claimed in Claim 13 adapted to monitor information detected by a sensor or sensors associated with said monitoring unit.

15. A remote apparatus for use with the control apparatus of any preceding claim adapted to be associated with at least one sensor.

16. A remote apparatus for use with the control apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 14 adapted to be associated with respiration and/or pressure and/or temperature and/or demand valve sensors.

17. A remote apparatus for use with the control apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 14 adapted to comprise an alarm.

18. A remote apparatus for use with the control apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 14 comprising homing means.

19. A method of monitoring the use of breathing apparatus comprising the steps of: generating a job-specific ID number; allocating the ID number to an individual; collecting data relating to the well-being of the individual; assimilating the data; and noting whether action is required.

20. Apparatus as herein before described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

21. Method as herein before described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.