Allayant is a paramedic uniform with a built-in adjustable artificial spine (spring) for back support.
- Allayant is worn during the response call as well as at the station.
- The shirt can loosened when the paramedic is not directly using the shirt (example: driving the ambulance) and tightened right before the time of heavy lifting.
- As the EMT bends over to lift, the back brace automatically adjusts, assisting the EMT in tightening their lower back muscles. With this built in back brace, EMTs can safely lift and transport patients and other heavy loads.

With my research on medical transport devices, it became clear that all EMTs face a related common challenge in their daily duties. The heavy lifting of medical equipment and patients up and down flights of stairs places all EMTs at risk for experiencing frequent back injuries. In my initial interviews it was difficult to get the EMT to speak openly about their back injuries in front of their employers. After interviewing several EMTs by phone in the privacy of their homes, I then interviewed the EMT coordinators regarding the frequent back pain concerns. With the EMT coordinators, I looked at EMT complaints on back pain and discussed possible causes.
Together we looked at ways to increase the safety and comfort for EMTs by discussing solutions to prevent chronic back pain. We have an opportunity to design a device to prevent injuries and preserve the health of our EMTs, rather than have them spend valuable time and money in rehabilitation and recovery.

I kept an open point of view to fully understand the life of an EMT. After noticing how much honor and pride EMTs took in their work, I wanted to add the sense of professionalism, respect, and athleticism to the design. By highlighting their professional quality, the design of the device and uniform would empower EMTs to continue to perform their duties at their maximum, which would in turn best serve the public. In designing this device, the needs of the EMT’s needs were highest on my list, since they would be wearing and operating the device on a regular basis for most of their shift. Lightweight, comfort, and safety were carefully considered in every step of the user scenario. Second were the needs of the EMT Captain since they do the purchasing and influence the team. Private emergency medical services (EMS) stations and city Fire Rescue follow different dress codes, and it was important to consider the codes in order to create a universal design that would incorporate all the various dress codes. Manufacturing was also an important consideration; finding a way the uniform could be stitched together, and the back brace spring assembled separately would speed up manufacturing. After the stitching was completed, pockets were created where the back brace spring could slip in for easy fast assembly. Allowing the back brace spring to be removable would allow the user to easily remove it before washing the uniform.

At the launch of the project, it was necessary to quickly identify what the main problem or problems within emergency transport would be addressed. To create a strong product brief, my goal became to understand and take on the life of an EMT to discover key insights. I began my research by visiting EMS and fire stations and doing general observations which lead to the first rounds of interviews. In order to identify areas of design opportunities I had the EMTs first explain and demonstrate to me their roles, the devices they carry, and the equipment in the ambulance. After it was evident the common area of injury involved the lower back, I then formulated my interview to focus on the specific functions of their job that required lifting and twisting with the lower back muscles. After learning the medical terminology, conducting several interviews, and visiting hospital emergency rooms at their peak periods, a vehicle ride-along was scheduled to see the EMTs in action. After fully understanding what the problem was, and areas affecting the problem, I was ready to begin the ideation and sketching phase. Ideation led to several proposals to solve the problem, which were then narrowed down to three, and then one (the adjustable back brace). Five different mockups were built to find the best design for a locking and unlocking mechanism the back brace would require. Once the final mockup was revised, it was then presented to the fire station to receive feedback from the interviewees. Final revisions were then made based on the professional feedback. Testing was then performed on the functioning prototype. After the back brace was assembled, I began to design and research materials and fabrics for the uniform. Along with a seamstress, we worked on developing the right shirt pattern that would incorporate the dimensions of the back brace along with the dimension of the male mannequin. I researched breathable, and liquid/acid repellent materials for the exterior of the uniform. I gained inspiration for the design from law enforcement and military uniforms, along with medical and athletic uniforms.

· Current back braces are designed to lock the back muscles and spine in ONE position, limiting mobility, creating discomfort, and restraining the user from doing their work. This new back brace specifically addresses the constant changing needs of EMT’s daily duties, allowing them to comfortably adjust to the need at hand.
· Building the brace into the uniform makes it ready and available to use. Having the back brace adjustable, the user can comfortably wear it when lifting heavy patients and when sitting waiting for a call. The spring creates pressure on the lower back muscles encouraging users to lock their backs to limit their range of motion and prevent hyperextension.
· Having fewer injuries will save the station money in paying worker’s compensation and hiring/training new employees.
Healthier EMTs can better respond to emergencies and better serve the public.
· The back brace is removable for replacement and for keeping the uniform washable. The body fluid-repellent fabric coating protects the life of the uniform.
· The uniform has an athletic fit for elasticity, efficiency, and breathability, and displays a military-inspired design to emphasize authority and respect.
This product line will be divided into several models from basic to professional, to serve the general public as well as industry professionals. Basic: Adjustable back brace/spring with belt and shoulder straps. Standard: Robust back brace/spring with padding on the straps for workers who are lifting all day. Professional: Back brace/spring built into law enforcement, fire, and EMT uniforms.