Advanced Multi-purpose Base Ensemble Uniforms for Emergency Responders Fact Sheet

The need for clothing and equipment that provides protection against “all hazards in an unpredictable response environment” was identified in the Project Responder 3 report. The first responder work environment requires a multi-threat base protective ensemble that can be worn as a normal duty uniform (i.e., “Base Ensemble”) and it must be compatible with the specialized protective garments required to meet the needs of specific public safety disciplines (e.g., firefighting, EMS). Some specialty areas (e.g., explosive ordnance disposal, HAZMAT, etc.) require a different level of performance and protection than this Base Ensemble will provide. Currently no base ensembles meet this capability gap.