Multifunctional Textiles for Advanced Personal Protective Equipment Report

First responders commonly enter situations with unknown threats wearing only duty uniforms. These uniforms offer little to no protection against atypical threats, causing the first responders to be exposed to unnecessary hazards. Multi-threat Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for first responders, capable of withstanding chemical/biological, fire, stab and blast hazards, either do not exist in one garment or are bulky and unable to be worn at all times. Additionally, the cost of these PPE items is prohibitive to be used as duty uniforms. Multi-threat duty uniforms that are lightweight, breathable and can be worn at all times while providing protection against unanticipated threats are needed to address this capability gap. 

Luna Innovations has designed an advanced uniform incorporating a suite of technologies that, when combined, will be able to provide a lightweight base garment ensemble that can be worn daily and will be capable of withstanding potential hazards for a limited period of time.