A New Modular Solution of Personnel Protective Equipment for the Emergency Responders

Emergency responders, due to the specifics of their work, are exposed to a combination of several different risks and there may be several possible consequences for their safety and health. The relative risk significantly influences the decisions regarding the compromise that must be made between the level of protection, functionality and comfort provided to the emergency worker. The aim of this research was to develop modular PPE systems that protect the emergency responders from injury while acting/ operating effectively in hazardous environments and provide the highest level of protection against a range of possible threats. The modular PPE system, built upon a duty uniform, integrates state-of-the-art protective technologies; provides basic protection from most likely threats (for example: fire, extreme weather etc.); enhances daily-wear comfort; provides increased localized protection as needed (for example: knees, forearms); includes next-to-skin layer and outer layer to provide varying levels of protection as needed; the modular layers easily donned and undonned. This modular approach: i) provides several advantages, including preserving comfort and flexibility until the intervention mission requires the use of the next level of protection; ii) it is a guarantee that emergency responders are not in a position of choosing between their safety and the effectiveness of the mission; iii) the use of modular layers could be the most cost-effective option, because only certain layers may become damaged or be in need of decontamination following an incident.