1. Improved First Responder Ensembles Against CBRN Terrorism
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

2. Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, 15-17 October 2014
Who are we?
IFREACT is a consortium of CBRN manufacturers, subject-matter experts and end-users from all over Europe
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

3. Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, 15-17 October 2014
Aim
Developing an advanced protective ensemble that will enhance the chemical, biological and radiological protection of European first responders in a CBRN crisis.
terrorist attacks +
non-intentional incidents
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

4. Current PPE - Far from ideal
As stated in the European Security Research Innovation Forum (ESRIF) final report 2009, current Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is:
Heavy and bulky
Restricts peripheral vision
A physiological burden/heat stress interfering with operational duties of first responders
Lack of related PPE standards
(University of Illinois, 2008)
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

5. Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, 15-17 October 2014
Goals of IFREACT
To develop a PPE system that:
provides adequate protection while keeping
the burden of the system as low as possible;
includes solutions for respiratory protection
and hand and foot protection;
Enhanced operational capability with variety
of innovative add-on.
allows end-users to best select the PPE
system needed for the mission and the
expected threat via digital selection tool.
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

6. IFREACT will go beyond the state-of-the-art
For the 1st time, skin protection (suit) performance will be based on the assessment of:
Realistic CBRN incident scenarios;
Realistic protective requirements as to quantitative threat and exposure levels;
Real life First Responder operational needs.
Expected outcome:
Adequate protection (re. threat & user needs),
Lowest possible burden on the wearer,
Simple to use, to maintain and to store.
Optimally compatible with other level C PPE used by the wearer.
‘low lifecycle cost’, incl. costs of acquisition, use, storage & maintenance.
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

7. Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, 15-17 October 2014
HEAVY DUTY SUIT – Design Concept
Balaklava
Safe interface hood/respirator
-> designed butyl ring to seal to respirator
Suit
human-engineered design
safe interface:
Saratoga© (1g = 500m2)
Outer textile layer, air permeable
Oil and water repellent
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

8. Beyond the state-of-the-art
Respirator
Key to alleviating physiological and psychological burden of PPE
Increased flexibility
Panoramic visor
Aeraulic circuit
Overpressure hood
textile materials that will insure, in addition to the function of protection, the direction the air flow to cool the head and reduce fogging of visor.
Over pressure maintained by blower system worn on body
This equipment should be also compatible with a helmet.
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

9. Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, 15-17 October 2014
Bio-dosimeter
Lightweight, portable
Airflow rate approx L per minute to match adult breathing rate
6 hours uninterrupted sampling
Gives access to the biological dose absorbed by the individual
Periodic reading of these aerosol collectors can provide evidence of biological incidents
Sampling
Quick provisional identification by hand-held assays (immunoassay)
Further identification through laboratory analysis (PCR, culture, GC/MS…)
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

10. Communications bubble
Provides dedicated safe network
Suitcase sized
1,500m coverage
Communication via standard GSM phones
Capacity for 28 simultaneous calls
Hands free capability
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

11. Add-ons - Head Up Display
In the command Center:
Track location and status of responders
Issue orders via text message
View video feed from field
Communicate with field units
head-up display:
Directional information
Time in hazardous zone
Decon. stations
Duties/tasks
maps and localisation
See messages / alarms
Photograph and stream video
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

12. Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, 15-17 October 2014
What Next?
First prototypes are available, modifications and adaptation based on user requirements
Testing for physiological burden and protective performance are on going (Initial results encouraging).
Integration of add-ons in one set of systems
Exercise with fully integrated suits involving 30 responders in October
Dissemination of project results
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014

13. Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, 15-17 October 2014
Future Forces International 2014 Annual Conference, October 2014