Improved First Responder Ensembles Against CBRN Terrorism XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

Who are we? IFREACT is a consortium of CBRN manufacturers, subject-matter experts and end-users from all over Europe GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 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 Started in 2012, EC Funded under Framework Program 7 Ends December 2015 GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

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) GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

Goals of IFREACT To develop a personal protective capability 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 a variety of innovative add-ons. –Allows end-users to select the best PPE needed for the mission and the expected threat via a bespoke digital selection tool. GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

IFREACT will go beyond the state-of-the-art For the first time, skin protection (suit) performance will be based on the assessment of: Realistic CBRN incident scenarios; Realistic protective requirements based on 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, maintain and store. Optimally compatible with other level C PPE used by the wearer. ‘Low lifecycle cost’, incl. costs of acquisition, use, storage & maintenance. GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

Three layers of protection HEAVY DUTY SUIT LIGHT WEIGHT SUIT UNDERGARMENT Ensemble D: Coverall with integrated hood. For operations with a low workload in the warm zone. Ensemble A: Two piece suit with balaclava. Search and rescue operations in the warm zone Ensemble G: CBRN protective coverall. Worn underneath work Wear for vapour protection XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

Example: 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 = 500m 2 ) Outer textile layer, air permeable Oil and water repellent XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

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 ensure, in addition to the function of protection, the direction of the air flow to cool the head and reduce fogging of visor. –Over pressure maintained by blower system on body –This equipment should be also compatible with a helmet. GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 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…) GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

Communications bubble Provides dedicated safe network Suitcase sized 1,500m coverage Communication via standard GSM phones Capacity for 28 simultaneous calls Hands free capability XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

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 GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

What Next? First prototypes are available, modifications and adaptation based on user requirements Testing for physiological burden and protective performance are ongoing (Initial results encouraging). Integration of add-ons into system of systems Exercise with fully integrated suits involving 30 responders in October Dissemination of project results – 16 th December, Brussels. To attend GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

Final exercise XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

Final Exercise XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014

Questions? IFREACT: Funded under Framework Program Seven of the EC Contact Gwyn WinfieldAndrew Johnston GPEC 2014 Annual Conference, 9-11 September 2014 XVIIth International CBRN Symposium, Shrivenham, November 2014