The purpose of this pilot study is to improve protection of first responders in case of biological disasters (e.g., pandemics, biotoxin incidents). For this goal we will compare two different kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used for a variety of exercises simulating activities of first responders in the field at two different environmental temperature profiles in a randomized cross-over study design. The goal is to find the best possible compromise between protection and ergonomics as well as to determine potential factors that might limit the performance of first responders while wearing PPE. This should provide guidance for future improvement of PPE and how biosensors for monitoring heart rate and body temperature in combination with AI models may reduce risk for first responders in the field.
Inclusion Criteria:
The study will be open to employees or students of:
Exclusion Criteria:
kurt.zatloukal@medunigraz.at+436641533264
Participants wearing Category III PPE suit 1 or 2 perform 3 cycles of 6 tasks at 20-24°C
Participants wearing Category III PPE suit 1 or 2 perform 3 cycles of 6 tasks at 30-34°C
julia.kircher@medunigraz.at
Testing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
A Human Factors Simulation Study Protocol for the Assessment of Usability of Innovative Personal Protective Equipment
Effect of Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on CPR Quality in Times of the COVID-19-pandemic
Personal Protective Equipment Affect Team Performance During Medical Emergencies
Assessment of Thermal Condition of Health Workers Who Use Personal Protective Equipment From Biological Hazards During Their Work With COVID-19 Patients
Thermoregulatory Reactions of Medical Workers Who Use Personal Protective Equipment From Biological Hazards
Self-contamination Following Removal of Two Personal Protective Equipment Suits: a Crossover Trial
The Rescuer Fatigue During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Manikin by Using Personal Protective Equipment.