![]() Physical exertion leads to sweating, which can fog up the visor on the protective mask. ![]() PAPR takes in atmospheric air via a motor, filters it and blows it across the inside of the mask worn by MSRT operators.Įven at peak performance, when MSRT operators have to climb or run onto ships while carrying 70-pounds of equipment including weapons, armor, and detection equipment, physical discomfort can affect their intense focus on the mission at hand and make their work more difficult. “To perform their job most effectively, they need to be outfitted with high quality personal protective equipment, such as a respiratory protective system that minimizes stress and exertion, while also protecting against a range of contaminants.” How a better PAPR can help the Coast Guardįilters in PAPR systems protect against hazardous CBRN substances in the air via an activated carbon filter and a High-Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA, filter. Don Bansleben, S&T Program Manager for the PAPR Assessment. “MSRT members are responsible for keeping the maritime environment safe and are required to be capable of operating in a CBRN environment,” said Dr. In June 2019, S&T and CBC assessed the performance of PAPR equipment at MSRT East in Chesapeake, Virginia, where MSRT operators tested products in simulated operational settings to select the most suitable one for their missions. During this time, S&T invested subject matter expertise and conducted user tests for MSRT’s CBRN missions. S&T began assessing PAPRs in 2017 and concluded its work in September 2019. ![]() “We wanted a system that would minimize some of the negative physiological impacts during heavy exertion and extended missions-lower the respiration rate and make it easier to breathe through the filters in a regular protective mask.” ![]() The physical stress of rapidly moving through ships, clearing spaces, and potentially dealing with armed suspects can significantly raise respiration and heart rate,” said Daniel Moose, Technical Director for MSRT East. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Chemical Biological Center (CBC) to assess existing Powered-air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) and recommend models that would be a better fit with MSRT’s current masks, literally and figuratively. To resolve this issue, S&T enlisted the U.S. The Coast Guard asked S&T to assist in meeting a need to reduce the discomfort of wearing APRs by MSRT teams because discomfort adds to physical stress, which may impede endurance. Some of these operations involve chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats and require protective equipment, including air-purifying respirator (APR) masks. The Coast Guard’s Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) is a tactical unit that specializes in maritime counterterrorism and high-risk law enforcement operations, boarding and securing vessels held by terrorists or criminal groups at home and abroad. ![]() The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is committed to ensuring that all American responders have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and securely-including reliable personal protective equipment that won’t let them down when it matters the most. They are rescuers, law enforcement, border patrol and, in some cases, the Coast Guard is also involved in special operations. Just like their counterparts on dry land, these first responders are called to action when citizens are in distress, when a crime has been committed, and when natural disasters strike. Coast Guard is America's maritime first responder. ![]()
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