Research for Civil Security

10 „SmaRt ClOthES“SAFEEnhanced-performance, permeable protective clothing using new absorbents and vitalsign sensorsmotivationIn their work, rescue forces involved in fire protectionand disaster management are exposed tounknown hazards due, for example, to heat, pollution-ladenatmospheres or mechanical effects. Fortheir own safety and to maximize their operationalcapacity, emergency teams must have optimalequipment designed to provide active and passiveprotection against the abovementioned hazards.Project description and goalsThe aim of this project is to develop new protectiveclothing that combines the essential elements ofoptimal protective equipment for rescue teams:Based on an optimised adsorbent material capableof bonding a broad range of applicable pollutants, acomfortable protective suit will be designed with integratedsensors that will record the vital signs andposition of rescue personnel and measure environmentalparameters (e.g. temperature). IntegrationKey factor in an operation: specially equipped protective clothing (source: State Fire Brigade School Hamburg)of rescue forces in a communication network willenable the transmission of this sensory data to thecommand and control centre. This networking willpermit rapid response to possibly life-threateningsituations.