Multifunctional Eye Protection
Abstract
Technology Solution Options for eyewear for first responders that provide appropriate eye-protection in a range of mission environments and tasks. Currently, first responders are issued multiple types of eyewear that each provide distinct protection, including sunlight, heat, and impact protection. The result is that first responders are required to carry multiple pairs of eyewear (such as safety spectacles and sunglasses), change eyewear during a mission based on the task, or be forced to choose between types of protection when it is logistically impossible to change. This process puts first responders at risk to harmful ocular exposure and can compromises their safety and effectiveness. Ideally, first responders would have one pair of multifunctional eyewear that perform at high standards in multiple mission environments, including rescue missions, technical operations, hazardous materials mitigation, disaster response, medical situations, and potentially others. The eyewear could be used by a variety of first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical care responders, and disaster relief professionals. The eyewear would not need to be fit for missions that require an SCBA or welding mask. Obtaining one multifunctional eyewear solution would also streamline equipment selection processes and reduce the need for mission-specific eye protection. The solution should be government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) or commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and available for purchase in the next 8-12 months.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1154190
Entities
Organizations
- United States Department of Homeland Security