New suit could improve treatment of Ebola

A protective suit devised by a team from Johns Hopkins University is among the winners in a global competition for solutions to increase the protection and comfort of healthcare workers battling Ebola
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IMPROVED PPE PROTOTYPE MKVI

Hood Integrated into suit, reducing number of components which need taking off. Large, clear area improves visibility

Anti-fog system Air enters hood vents and is exhaled through front of mask

Gloves Fingerless liners integrated into suit for easier removal of outer gloves

PPE = Personal Protective Equipment

Openings Extra material under seams adds second protective layer. Zip edges curl away, reducingcontaminationrisk to inner garment

Cooling system Belt-worn battery pack blows dry, filtered air into hood, helping to cool skin and reduce fogging
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SUIT REMOVAL

Requires few steps and can be achieved in seconds, without assistance, rather than 20 minutes taken for standard suit

1 Wearer pulls on large tabs behind hood – allowing suitto unzip at rear – then places feet on wrist tabs

2 Tabs pull suit downwards as wearer stands up

3 Suit slips off, allowing for safe removal by touching inner garment only
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Source / Pictures: Johns Hopkins University

Centre for Bioengineering Innovation and Design (CBID) and Jhpiego

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