The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is becoming increasingly frequent during search and rescue (SAR) operations conducted to find missing persons. These systems have proven to be particularly useful for operations executed in the wilderness, i.e., in open and mountainous areas. The successful implementation of those systems is possible thanks to the potential offered by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which help achieve a considerable reduction in operational times and consequently allow a much quicker finding of lost persons. This is crucial to enhance their chances of survival in extreme conditions (withholding hydration, food and medicine, and hypothermia). The paper presents the results of a preliminary assessment of a search and rescue method conducted in an unknown terrain, where groups were coordinated with the use of UAVs and a ground control station (GCS) workstation. The conducted analysis was focused on assessing conditions that would help minimise the time of arrival of the rescue team to the target, which in real conditions could be a missing person identified on aerial images. The results of executed field tests have proven that the time necessary to reach injured persons can be substantially shortened if imaging recorded by UAV is deployed, as it considerably enhances the chance of survival in an emergency situation. The GCS workstation is also one of the crucial components in the search system, which assures image transmission from the UAV to participants of the search operation and radio signal amplification in a difficult terrain. The effectiveness of the search system was tested by comparing the arrival times of teams equipped with GPS and a compass and those not equipped with such equipment. The article also outlined the possibilities of extending the functionality of the search system with the SARUAV module, which was used to find a missing person in Poland.

Large-scale usage of oxygen therapy (OT) may lead to increased oxygen concentrations (OC) in places where COVID-19 patients are treated. The aim of the study was to establish in an empirical way the OC in COVID-19 at the patient’s bedside and to assess the relationships and reactions that occur during OT in an uncontrolled oxygen-enriched environment. We analyzed and took into account the OC, the technical conditions of the buildings and the air exchange systems. Based on the results, we performed a Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis to assess evacuation conditions in the event of a fire outbreak in the COVID-19 zone. A total of 337 measurements of OC were carried out, and three safety thresholds were then defined and correlated with fire effects. The highest ascertained oxygen concentration was 25.2%. In the event of a fire outbreak at 25.2% oxygen in the atmosphere, the response time and evacuation of medical staff and patients is no longer than 2.5 min. Uncontrolled oxygen enrichment of the environment threatens the safety of medical staff and patients in COVID-19 hospitals.

Numerous fires occurring in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the dangers of the existence of an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. At oxygen concentrations higher than 21%, fires spread faster and more vigorously; thus, the safety of healthcare workers and patients is significantly reduced. Personal protective equipment (PPE) made mainly from plastics is combustible and directly affects their safety. The aim of this study was to assess its fire safety in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. The thermodynamic properties, fire, and burning behavior of the selected PPE were studied, as well as its mechanical and electrostatic discharge properties. Cotton and disposable aprons were classified as combustible according to their LOI values of 17.17% and 17.39%, respectively. Conall Health A (23.37%) and B/C (23.51%) aprons and the Prion Guard suit (24.51%) were classified as self-extinguishing. The cone calorimeter test revealed that the cotton apron ignites the fastest (at 10 s), while for the polypropylene PPE, flaming combustion starts between 42 and 60 s. The highest peak heat release rates were observed for the disposable apron (62.70 kW/m²), Prion Guard suit (61.57 kW/m²), and the cotton apron (62.81 kW/m²). The mean CO yields were the lowest for these PPEs. Although the Conall Health A and B/C aprons exhibited lower pHRR values, their toxic CO yield values were the highest. The most durable fabrics of the highest maximum tensile strength were the cotton apron (592.1 N) and the Prion Guard suit (274.5 N), which also exhibited the lowest electrification capability. Both fabrics showed the best abrasion resistance of 40,000 and 38,000 cycles, respectively. The abrasion values of other fabrics were significantly lower. The research revealed that the usage of PPE made from polypropylene in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may pose a fire risk.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify cyber threats associated with systems integrating fire protection devices (SIUP). The analysis includes conducting a comprehensive assessment of potential attack sites (vulnerabilities) and recommendations for building designers and managers to minimise adverse actions. Project and methods: A detailed review of the literature and cybersecurity standards applicable to fire protection systems, such as NFPA 72, was conducted, from which key points that are vulnerable elements and represent attack surfaces were identified. The Cybersecurity for Fire Protection Systems report from a workshop held by the Research Foundation in 2021 was analysed. Results: Analysis of the collected research material showed that the key points of vulnerability are human factors, software, hardware, wired and wireless connections and system security. In addition, internal threats, i.e. lack of training, malicious action by employees, invasion by unknown software and too much access by security personnel to system components, are also important issues. It has been found that cybercriminals can use various techniques: denial-of- service (DoS) attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, remote code execution and social engineering, to disrupt systems. To prevent this and minimise the risk of attacks, it is recommended that security configuration guides should be issued, that specialists should be employed and that strategies should be created to increase the resilience of systems integrating fire appliances to cyber attacks. Currently, Polish regulations are mainly based on the technical aspects of SIUP operation, i.e. the installation and operation of alarm systems. There is a lack of relevant legal regulations that directly address the issue of the network and cyber security of these systems. Conclusions: It is necessary to urgently develop and implement comprehensive legal regulations that would take into account the specificity of the cyber security of fire protection systems in Poland. Future research should also focus on the human factor aspects of SIUP systems security. Keywords: safety, cyber security, fire protection, system integrating fire protection devices, SIUP, fire protection device

In the face of the rapidly changing landscape of armed conflicts around the world, particular attention is paid to the development and application of new forms of warfare, especially in the context of hybrid wars. A characteristic feature of these conflicts is the combination of traditional military methods with modern information and communication technologies, which poses complex challenges for international security. This article focuses on the new challenges posed by contemporary armed conflicts, particularly the hybrid war we are witnessing in Ukraine. The article emphasizes the significant role of advancing technology in hybrid warfare tactics, focusing on including communication and information technologies. These advances have facilitated cyberattacks, disinformation, and rapid coordination in military operations. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a case study, illustrating the use of digital technologies and cyberspace as the main battlefields, making it the first cyberwar on such a scale. The article also examines the broader implications of this warfighting tactic, particularly its impact on the international community and Poland. Due to Poland’s geopolitical situation, the conflict increases the risk of such cyberattacks, posing a significant threat to national security and social stability. The article aims to analyze the consequences of the challenges related to cybersecurity and hybrid warfare activities in Ukraine in the context of the public sector and society in Poland.