The conspicuity of first-responder safety garments.
BACKGROUND
This study compared the conspicuity of three types of first-responder safety garments (NFPA 1971-2007 turnout gear coats, and ANSI/ISEA 107 and 207 safety vests).


METHODS
Participants drove instrumented vehicles on a closed track during both daytime and nighttime, indicating when they could first detect pedestrians in a simulated emergency response scene. Pedestrians wore one of the safety garments and stood on either side of the emergency scene, facing or perpendicular to oncoming traffic, and either stationary or walking in place.


RESULTS
All three garment standards provided equal levels of conspicuity, in that the distances at which the pedestrians were detected were equivalent. Time of day was a significant factor, with longer mean detection distances being observed in daytime. Pedestrian orientation was significant, with mean detection distances being longest when facing traffic. Pedestrian motion did not result in significant differences in detection distance.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that all three garment types studied are equivalent in making first responders conspicuous as pedestrians when working an emergency response scene in close proximity to traffic.


CONCLUSIONS
Whether an NFPA or ANSI/ISEA compliant is worn, first responders are equally likely to be detected by passing motorists, and as such these garments should be considered to be equivalent.
Tuttle
Stephanie J
SJ
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, USA.
Sayer
James R
JR
Buonarosa
Mary Lynn
ML
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D011481:Protective Clothing; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult