Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07726537

Testing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for First Responders

The purpose of this pilot study is to improve protection of first responders in case of biological disasters (e.g., pandemics, biotoxin incidents). For this goal we will compare two different kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used for a variety of exercises simulating activities of first responders in the field at two different environmental temperature profiles in a randomized cross-over study design. The goal is to find the best possible compromise between protection and ergonomics as well as to determine potential factors that might limit the performance of first responders while wearing PPE. This should provide guidance for future improvement of PPE and how biosensors for monitoring heart rate and body temperature in combination with AI models may reduce risk for first responders in the field.

Recruiting

Interested in participating?

Request Info

Key information

Conditions

Healthy Adult

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Medical University of Graz

Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria

Location status: Recruiting

About this study

During three cycles of simulated work physiological parameters such as heart rate, body temperature and fluid loss as well as fine motor skills, error rate and reaction time will be monitored, complemented with a questionnaire on comfort and wellbeing after each cycle.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

The study will be open to employees or students of:

  • the KAGES hospital, Graz, Austria
  • the Medical University of Graz (Med Uni Graz), Austria
  • the University of Graz, Austria
  • the Red Cross
  • the Police
  • Fire brigade of the city of Graz

Exclusion criteria

  • Pregnancy, allergy against latex or PVC, claustrophobia, acute infection, thrombophilia
  • Chronic illnesses (not treated) such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and epilepsy,
  • Participation in another study

Treatment and study plan

Category III PPE suit "COMAT (Matisec, France)"

Other

3 cycles of 6 different tasks at 2 different temperatures will be performed wearing the following Category III PPE suit: COMAT from Matisec, France. This suit will be worn with a face mask (Draeger) equipped with a P3 filter, as well as rubber boots and 2 layers of nitrile gloves.

Category III PPE Suit "EBO-10 (EGO, Czech Republic)"

Other

3 cycles of 6 different tasks at 2 different temperatures will be performed wearing the following Category III PPE suit: EBO-10 from EGO, Czech Republic. This suit is a full body ventilated suit with powered air purifying respirators, and will be worn with rubber boots and 2 layers of nitrile gloves.

Primary outcomes

  1. Body weight

    Time frame: Baseline and at completion/termination (max. 6 hours after start)

    Mean change in body weight (kg) after completion/termination of the test

  2. Heart rate

    Time frame: Baseline, continuously during the test, and after completion of test (max 6 hours)

    Heart rate is measured using a blood pressure cuff before and after the test, as well as using sensors strapped next to the skin during the test.

  3. Blood pressure

    Time frame: Baseline and after completion of test (max 6 hours)

    Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure cuff.

  4. Weight of Category III PPE suit

    Time frame: Baseline and after completion of test (max 6 hours)

    Weight of suit in kg at before and after the test to assess fluid loss.

  5. Body temperature

    Time frame: Baseline, during the test, and after completion of test (max 6 hours)

    Body temperature in °C is measured using an in-ear thermometer before and after the test, as well as using sensors next to the skin during the test.

  6. Humidity

    Time frame: For the duration of the test (max 6 hours)

    Humidity is measured using sensors next to the skin.

  7. Mean reaction time

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    Reaction time is measured using the ReactionX app, with 4 sensors that light up intermittently.

  8. Semi-quantitative questionnaire on subjective wellbeing

    Time frame: 5 min

    The questionnaire uses a scale of 0-10 and is the last task in each of the 3 cycles of 6 tasks.

  9. Resilience scale questionnaire RS-13

    Time frame: 5 min

    The internationally standardized questionnaire assesses psychological stress level, using a scale of 0-7 (do not agree - completely agree). It is completed before starting the test, and after completion or termination of test (after max 6 hours).

  10. Error rate

    Time frame: Max 20 min

    Error rate is assessed by matching coloured and numbered caps to matching tubes and sorting them into predefined positions into a 81-position sample box. Number of errors is documented.

  11. Fine motor skills

    Time frame: Max 20 min

    Fine motor skills are assessed by matching coloured and numbered caps to matching tubes and sorting them into predefined positions in an 81-position sample box. Time needed to complete the task is documented.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Julia Kircher

CONTACT

[email protected]

Kurt Zatloukal, Dr. med.

CONTACT

[email protected]

+436641533264

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medical University of Graz

Other

Collaborators

  • European Union

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jul 24, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 24, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.