Evaluation of UAS Applications for Fire Operations

Purpose of this Research: The purpose of this study is to collect data from fire departments in the state of Florida to assess their perceptions on the use Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to supplement daily operations. Some fire departments in Florida have incorporated UAS as part of their inventory to fight fires and support emergency operations. UAS research suggests that the use of unmanned systems may reduce response time and improve communications, overall saving lives. Your cooperation with this survey instrument will help shed light on possible benefits associated with use of UAS technologies. The survey should take about 20 minutes.

Eligibility: To be in this study you must be a firefighter in the state of Florida.

Risks or discomforts: The risks of participating in this study are no more than what is experienced in daily life.

Benefits: Your participation will benefit the further incorporation of UAS into the firefighting industry. The results of the study will be synthesized and used to describe trends in the use of UAS in your industry.

Confidentiality of records: All electronic data recorded will be scrubbed of IP address and email tracking. Survey Monkey will delete all data after a 13-month period per website protocols and procedures. The answers to the survey will be utilized solely for the purpose of research and your answers will remain anonymous. All survey responses that the investigator receives will be treated confidentially and stored on a secured server. However, given that the surveys can be completed from any computer (personal, work, school, etc.), we are unable to guarantee the security of the computer on which you choose to enter your response. As a participant in this study, the investigator wants you to be aware that certain “keylogging” software programs exist that can be used to track or capture data that you enter and/or websites that you visit. Information collected as part of this research will not be used or distributed for future research studies.

Compensation: There is no compensation for your participation however your input is greatly appreciated.

Contact: If you have any questions or would like additional information about this study, please contact Shane Miller, Milles55@erau.edu, or the faculty member overseeing this project, Dr. John Robbins, robbinsj@erau.edu. For any concerns or questions as a participant in this research, contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at 386-226-7179 or via email teri.gabriel@erau.edu.

Voluntary Participation: Your participation is voluntary, and you may revoke your consent without penalty.

CONSENT: By checking AGREE below, I certify that I am a firefighter in the state of Florida.,understand the information on this form, and voluntarily agree to participate in the study.
If you do not wish to participate in the study, simply close the browser or check DISAGREE which will direct you out of the study.

Please print a copy of this form for your records. A copy of this form can also be requested from Shane Miller, Milles55@erau.edu.