An evaluation of respiratory protective devices used in children's evacuation.

This study evaluated respiratory protective devices (RPDs) used in children's evacuation. The RPDs evaluated were either a protective jacket or a protective mask. One hundred and sixty children participated. Half were evacuated from home with the help of their parents, whereas the other half were evacuated from day-care centres with the help of staff. In all, 65% of the children were evacuated wearing their RPDs. No significant differences were found between the two environments, but significantly more children (75%) kept the mask on than the jacket (55%). However, many more cases of improper fit after dressing were observed with the mask than with the jacket. Speech communication was observed to be reduced for 58% of the children, wearing the mask, and slightly more for those wearing the jacket. Children who did not evacuate with the RPDs on were observed to be more anxious and adults' attitudes towards them were rated as more neutral, whereas children who successfully evacuated were less anxious and adults' attitudes towards them were rated both as more positive and as more negative.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes