Abstract
In low-visibility environments, such as those with low light or heavy smoke, various emergencies often go undetected and unreported, resulting in unnecessary casualties due to delayed rescue responses. Emergency responders face significant challenges in locating individuals in these conditions. An example would be a sudden fall by an elderly person who is living alone at night. There is an urgent need for proactive, timely localization solutions that provide clear visual cues for rapid identification of distress signals. This paper introduces the design and manufacturing of an Alternating Current Electroluminescent (ACEL) knit fabric. This ACEL fabric is applicable in various low-visibility environments in emergency rescue situations, such as falls, fires, lost hikers, and marine rescues. In this study, to demonstrate the use of the fabric in indoor emergencies, we created a prototype in the form of a curtain. This ACEL fabric can also be adapted into various wearable forms in outdoor scenarios, one example of which is or in the form of the fabric on life jackets worn by survivors in marine disasters. The purpose of this ACEL fabric research is to facilitate easy and quick discovery and detection of individuals who need rescue in low-light environments, thereby minimizing the harm due to delayed responses. To further minimize response time, this technology can be integrated with existing rescue detection and response systems. This ACEL fabric acts as a bright and highly visible beacon that is easily detected by passersby or neighbors around urban disaster areas, first responders responding to the disaster, or drones. This research expands the potential applications of luminescent textiles in rescue and communication scenarios, demonstrating the feasibility, viability, and desirability of this innovative solution.