Abstract
In an effort to provide urogenital, perineal and femoral protection against blast debris, a novel personal protection device was developed. The prototype, a harness shaped device worn over trousers, was assessed by 15 Soldiers as they performed an assortment of simulated mission tasks. User ratings were generally positive for ease of use, mission performance, mobility and reduced restriction and interference. Participants felt the device allowed them good mobility, fit close to the body, had breathability and allowed access to the front pockets. Participants experienced some bunching in the crotch area, waste relief required the device be at least partially removed, and some restriction in the hip was noted.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Blast Debris Protection team and all those who supported the evaluation of these concepts. We would also like to thank the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center for the funding for this project. Most importantly, the authors also thank the National Guard Soldiers for volunteering to participate in this study and for the sacrifices they make to serve our country.
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Mitchell, K.B., McNamara, J., Isherwood, K. (2018). Human Factors Field Evaluation of a Blast Debris Protection Design Concept. In: Goonetilleke, R., Karwowski, W. (eds) Advances in Physical Ergonomics and Human Factors. AHFE 2017. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 602. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60825-9_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60825-9_13
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