Students design search & rescue gear

Students from various programs of the University of Monterrey (UDEM) have designed a reflective vest with LED lights to improve visibility at night for the search & rescue teams working at collapsed buildings.

Moreover, they've also designed special boots for rescue dogs working on finding people trapped beneath the rubble.

The University said the project made a first batch of 30 reflective vests and 40 pairs of dog boots, which was sent Friday morning to Mexico City, and they hope to finish another 200 vests and 40 pairs of boots for the states of Puebla , Oaxaca , Morelos and Mexico City .

The initiative was originally developed by the students Jade Martínez and Ulises Rangel. The students then received more support from their peers.

“The idea came when Jade found out through social networks that the designer Alexia Ulibarri designed and sent reflective vests with LED lights to the search & rescue teams, and Ulises encouraged Jade to develop her own project,” stated the UDEM.

With the help of fellow student Roberto Cruz, they made reflective vests lighter and were able to provide a longer battery duration, and even included in their design a front pocket for the battery, to make replacement easier.

Jade was grateful for the support of the Arts, Architecture, and Design Division, and the Center for the Solidarity and Philanthropy, which donated to them the reflective vests.

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