For those who haven't heard the news from Canada (disaster scene with most of the downtown core shut down), recent article, http://wearables.about.com/library/weekly/aa040101a.htm (see related articles in yesterdays toronto star, www.torontostar.com and globe and mail, www.theglobeandmail.com) Wearable Computer causes Decontamination Dilemma With the advent of wearable computers in widespread civilian use, police, fire, and medical teams fear less than full cooperation from victims of mass casualties or those suspected of carrying disease. [decon_unit_2001apr1.jpg] DECON UNIT: People were stripped, decontaminated, and wrapped in blankets by a specially trained strike force dressed in attack-proof suits built for handling potentially toxic materials. ... Although none of the 18 people who were stripped down, showered with a mild bleach disinfectant, and dressed in tyvek suits required hospital treatment, the spokesperson said ``we can never be too careful when dealing with a potential threat''. Domestic preparedness is a growing worldwide concern, worth bringing together police, fire departments, and military strike forces around the world to cooperate in the global war on disease and biological hazards. With incidents of suspected contamination, all contaminated clothing, including undergarments and jewelry, must be removed immediately. This is no time for modesty. Clothing must be bagged for lab testing, as well as evidence that could be used later in apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators. ... Nevertheless, the control of contaminated persons who refuse to cooperate with fire department or health services personnel is a serious issue, and the potential for such situations is not only possible but very likely, as became evident in yesterday's incident when one of the victims refused to undress. The victim managed to avoid the pre-strip hose-down. Prior to being stripped, victims are usually hosed down so that loose spores that might have accumulated on clothing do not release in aerosol form. In order to avoid the hose-down, the victim slipped out of the decontamination lines formed by army personnel. It appears he did not want to get his computer system wet. Most wearable computers incorporate a head mounted display. Much like a miniature television screen, such headworn displays have voltages as high as 13,000 volts present, although most modern units use much lower voltages (420-480 volts for the Xybernaut product, versus 800 volts for the SONY systems). Clearly these systems present unique decontamination dilemmas. Moreover, wearable computers are often used as prostheses, to monitor heart, respiration, and other physiological parameters. Additionally, like eyeglasses, wearers often use them to see better. A wearable computer user may feel dizzy or disoriented when the system is removed, and cannot safely evacuate an area. -- Subscription/unsubscription/info requests: send e-mail with subject of "subscribe", "unsubscribe", or "info" toWear-Hard Mailing List Archive (searchable): http://wearables.blu.org please, Please, *PLEASE* don't subscribe through a forward/false domain
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