Patient Care in a Chemical Environment Sub-Study: Effects of Chemical Protective Clothing on the Performance of Basic Medical Tasks.

Abstract : The purposes of this study were (1) to measure the ability of medical specialists to perform 9 selected basic medical tasks while in fatigue uniform, MOPP-4, or MOPP-4 with a tactile glove, (2) to measure learning effects on performance of these tasks, (3) to determine the degree of which the ability to perform the tasks is degraded by MOPP-4 or MOPP-4 with the tactile glove, and (4) to obtain preliminary durability and user satisfaction data on the tactile glove. Subjects performed the tasks in fatigues, MOPP-4 with tactile glove, and MOPP-4 for six consecutive duty days, thus each subject served as his/her own control. Subjects were able to perform all of the tasks under all conditions on all test days. Subjects improved their performance speed significantly, while making fewer errors. The bulk of the improvement in performance occurred in the first 3-4 days of the study in fatigues, MOPP with tactical gloves, and MOPP-4. At the end of the study, subjects functioned at 77% of fatigue level in MOPP with tactical gloves and at 64% of fatigue level in MOPP-4. It may be advisable to alter manning patterns in order to maintain work output. Tactical gloves significantly improved performance, but have relatively low durability, with 15 of 18 damaged by the end of the study. They are of considerable value for tasks which require the extra dexterity.