Challenges in Future Personal Protective Equipment – An Overview of Developments in User Needs Available to Purchase

The challenges to military and first responder personnel have considerably changed over the last few decades. Complex environments which consist of multiple threats also impose larger demands to personal protective clothing and equipment. As military and first responder personnel not only need to be protected, but also to perform their work, the development of their clothing and equipment is challenging. This paper serves as an overview of the issues that currently exist in protective clothing and equipment for these groups, addresses the most important needs, and aims to signal trends in this area, to provide input for research and development.