Enhancement of the Swedish Emergency Services : A study of the potential of human enhancement implementation within the Swedish police and fire and rescue service

Abstract: Human enhancement (HE) is the field of research aiming to improve and overcome the biological limitations of the physical and mental performance of humans. The implications of HE might especially prove relevant within high-intensity environments, such as the working environment of police and fire and rescue services. The aim of this thesis is to identify the needs of personnel within these domains and to highlight potential HE solutions that could aid to improve responder performance in the setting of an active emergency. Interviews conducted with representatives for the Swedish police and fire and rescue service highlighted the need for support of mental performance in the form of destressing during highintensity situations as well as an improvement of creating situational awareness and making adequate decisions in a short amount of time. The results imply a potential of implementing HE solutions that aid emergency responders by keeping them alert and open for information gathering or minimizing the experienced level of stress while providing vital information for a proper response. The thesis alsoconcluded a generally positive attitude towards implementation of HE solutions.