October 19, 2005 - VivoMetrics Government Services and Rex Systems Inc. today announced a partnership to further develop Rex System's First Responder Communications Tracking System (FRCTS) by incorporating VivioMetrics' LifeShirt system that allows wearers to view and monitor their own vital signs.

LifeShirt system/LifeShirt photo

FRCTS offers portable, non-infrastructure bound technology that can be worn by first responders to communicate with one another and a central command center. The companies are hopeful that increased communication of both real-time medical and positioning information will have a major contribution to heightened safety for emergency personnel.

The VivoMetrics LifeShirt System will be worn by first responders beneath their protective gear as a part of the complete FRCTS. First responders will be able to view and monitor their own vital signs through data being generated on a display inside their SCBA mask. Colleagues active in the field as well as emergency personnel at the central command center will have access to the same data.

With the capability to measure first responders' vital signs while at work, the LifeShirt could play a critical role in preventing injuries from exhaustion or stress before they happen, and will do so in a way that does not interfere with the duties of these workers, the companies said.

Rex Systems' FRCTS is currently in its second phase of development, which it says involves "significant improvement" to the original concept by integrating the system with the first responder wearable ensemble.

The complete FRCTS will consist of a heads-up display, an audio communications device, camera/video monitor and sensors for internal and external agents, including hazardous chemicals or biological components, in addition to the monitoring of vital signs using the LifeShirt System.

Working with the U.S. Army's Communications, Electronics, Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC), Rex Systems hopes to have a model ready for use by the first responder community within the next three to five years.

"We are excited to partner with VivoMetrics Government Services in the development of the First Responder Communications System," said Tom Guelzow, director of marketing at Rex Systems. "The LifeShirt was essential for the development of the FRCTS because of its ability to monitor physiologic data and helped us expedite the process. The work we are doing serves a vital safety need for first responders while at work and lets us monitor potential injury in time to prevent it."

For more information about VivoMetrics Government Services and LifeShirt System solutions for first responders, visit www.vivometrics.com/responder/.