Improving protection for first responders
The rise in incidents of terrorism, natural disasters and crime has pushed the development of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence. The IF REACT (Improved first responder ensembles against CBRN terrorism) project focused on the preparedness of first responders. Issues with personal protective equipment, such as heat stress, can physically and psychologically burden first responders. The project developed more efficient and capable personal protective equipment for both civilian and official/trained first responders. To achieve their aims, the project partners evaluated existing equipment and conducted two field exercises to determine the current obstacles and needs of personal protective equipment. This involved improving airway protection, skin protection, and technologically integrated capacity for communication and detection, leading to prototypes in these three areas. More specifically, the team designed a novel gas mask to assist airway protection and a one-size-fits-all over-pressured hood with a head cooling system. It then developed suits for skin protection with air permeable Saratoga technology able to purify and cool contaminated air. Progress was also achieved with respect to choosing the best communication and detection systems and their possibilities for integration into suits or hoods. A 3G bubble was also developed to provide voice calls and data sessions. A suit-integrated camera system was also developed to improve awareness for those in both the field and the command room. Overall, IF REACT has outlined a tool that would allow users and procurement staff to choose the best personal protective equipment according to the level and risk event. These advancements will mean a great improvement in the capacity of first responders, and potentially those in the command room. Watch the project’s video here.
Keywords
Protection, first responders, CBRN, terrorism, gas mask
