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An evaluation of respiratory protective devices used in children's evacuation
1Department of Psychology, University of Umeå, Sweden.
Insights
This study assessed respiratory protective devices (RPDs) for children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric emergency preparedness
- Protective equipment efficacy
Background:
- Children's safety during evacuations requires effective respiratory protective devices (RPDs).
- Previous research has not extensively evaluated RPDs specifically for pediatric evacuation scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usability and effectiveness of respiratory protective devices (RPDs) in children during evacuation.
- To compare the performance of protective jackets versus protective masks for children.
Main Methods:
- One hundred and sixty children were involved in evacuation simulations from home and day-care centers.
- Researchers assessed RPDs' fit, children's ability to keep them on, communication impairment, and observed anxiety levels.
- Parental/staff assistance and evacuation environment were varied.
Main Results:
- 65% of children evacuated with RPDs; masks were worn more (75%) than jackets (55%).
- Masks had more improper fit issues, while both RPDs reduced speech communication.
- Children using RPDs showed less anxiety, and adult attitudes were more varied.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory protective devices (RPDs) can be utilized in children's evacuations, with masks showing higher adherence.
- Fit and communication challenges with masks require further attention.
- Successful RPD use in evacuations may positively influence children's anxiety and adult interactions.
Abstract:
This study evaluated respiratory protective devices (RPDs) used in children's evacuation. The RPDs evaluated were either a protective jacket or a protective mask. One hundred and sixty children participated. Half were evacuated from home with the help of their parents, whereas the other half were evacuated from day-care centres with the help of staff. In all, 65% of the children were evacuated wearing their RPDs. No significant differences were found between the two environments, but significantly more children (75%) kept the mask on than the jacket (55%). However, many more cases of improper fit after dressing were observed with the mask than with the jacket. Speech communication was observed to be reduced for 58% of the children, wearing the mask, and slightly more for those wearing the jacket. Children who did not evacuate with the RPDs on were observed to be more anxious and adults' attitudes towards them were rated as more neutral, whereas children who successfully evacuated were less anxious and adults' attitudes towards them were rated both as more positive and as more negative.