EMT Knee Padded PantsSeth Katzman

Injuries

• In 2011 Dept. of Labor statistics:

• 7680 EMT reported injuries• 780 Knee injuries• 3050 Back injuries

• 900 caused by worker position

Stabilization

• Every day occurrence on job

• To prevent further injury

• Must remain still for long time

• Position is uncomfortable• Compensate with back

Interest

• Survey:• When holding stabilization how often do you have

knee discomfort?• Always – 23%• Sometimes – 52%• Never – 25%

• Would you prefer to wear EMT pants with knee pads/cushions built in, rather than regular EMT pants?• Yes – 42%• No – 58%

• Addresses reasoning for not wanting them

Current product availability

• Tactical 511• Knee pad inserts for special pants

• Expensive & wears out easily

• Rep said people don’t buy• Reviews:

• Too bulky• Moves too much

• In survey 89% of people do not wear braces/knee supports

My idea

• Built in cushioning around knee area

• Won’t move

• Dual layered pants with PORON in middle

• Combination of 2 PORON materials• Material recommended

by knee surgeon, physical therapist & cast supplier

• Washable

• Flexible

• Less than an inch thick

Price

• Average price for a pair of EMT pants $50

• People willing to spend between $40-$100

• Average was about $70

Future plan

• Prototype• Startup materials requires lots of money

• $197.18/both sheets• $6.20/pants

• Test Prototype in industry and personal wear• Revise