The document discusses the need for EMT knee padded pants based on injury statistics showing high rates of knee and back injuries among EMT workers. A survey found that over 50% of EMT workers experience knee discomfort during stabilization procedures and over 40% would prefer pants with built-in knee pads. The document proposes designing EMT pants with dual-layer padding around the knees using a recommended material that is washable, flexible and less than an inch thick. Future plans include prototyping and testing the pants in the industry.
2. Injuries
โข In 2011 Dept. of Labor statistics:
โข 7680 EMT reported injuries
โข 780 Knee injuries
โข 3050 Back injuries
โข 900 caused by worker position
3. Stabilization
โข Every day occurrence on
job
โข To prevent further injury
โข Must remain still for long
time
โข Position is uncomfortable
โข Compensate with back
4. Interest
โข Survey:
โข When holding stabilization how often do you have
knee discomfort?
โข Always โ 23%
โข Sometimes โ 52%
โข Never โ 25%
โข Would you prefer to wear EMT pants with knee
pads/cushions built in, rather than regular EMT pants?
โข Yes โ 42%
โข No โ 58%
โข Addresses reasoning for not wanting them
5. Current product availability
โข Tactical 511
โข Knee pad inserts
for special pants
โข Expensive & wears out easily
โข Rep said people donโt buy
โข Reviews:
โข Too bulky
โข Moves too much
โข In survey 89% of people do not wear braces/knee
supports
6. My idea
โข Built in cushioning around
knee area
โข Wonโt move
โข Dual layered pants with
PORON in middle
โข Combination of 2 PORON
materials
โข Material recommended by
knee surgeon, physical
therapist & cast supplier
โข Washable
โข Flexible
โข Less than an inch thick
7. Price
โข Average price for a pair of EMT pants $50
โข People willing to spend between $40-$100
โข Average was about $70
8. Future plan
โข Prototype
โข Startup materials requires lots of money
โข $197.18/both sheets
โข $6.20/pants
โข Test Prototype in industry and personal wear
โข Revise