Pretty sure that's not what kneepads are for

[crazylegs]

As is usual my last resus took place in a confined space. This one was in the gents loos at a large sporting event. Obviously this means there's quite a lot of liquid of indeterminate origin on the floor.

Unfortunately while my kneepads didn't cushion my knees any from the textured flooring, they did manage to absorb twice their weight of said unpleasant liquid while we worked on the patient on scene.

I think I might be 'adapting' my uniform soon.

[TheSHAD0W]

You'll have to get ice hockey goalie knee pads, they have nice hard plastic surfaces. Shouldn't soak up anything.

[crazylegs]

That would make me look like a proper wally though.

We're not allowed to add anything that's visible on the external of our uniform. I've a couple of ideas, hopefully they'll work - really don't want to have to have that splatting feeling around my knees again if I can help it.

[Kittish]

Can you sew in some waterproof/resistant patches around the knees on the inside of your pants?

[crazylegs]

The 'pads' are simply two layers of fabric, pretty useless really - I'm going to see if I can turn them into pockets for kneepads I have for other trousers and insert them as and when required. If I sew them in place I won't be able to use them anywhere else (and they may end up non IPC compliant )

[wolfie]

A lot of people don't know this, but there are 2 kinds of foam - open-cell and closed-cell. The difference is that in open-cell, the "bubbles" are connected, so it can soak up liquids. In closed-cell, each "bubble" is independent, so the foam is non-absorbent. From your description, your kneepads were open-cell.

You say you're not allowed to add anything that's visible from the outside? Have you considered buying an extra set of knee pads (or trousers, if the pads are built-in), removing the existing padding (which clearly doesn't do the job), and replacing it with a facing of UHMW polyethelene backed by closed-cell foam? It would look "stock", but the UHMW would "bridge" irregularities, leaving the foam as padding over a smooth surface.

[crazylegs]

A lot of people don't know this, but there are 2 kinds of foam - open-cell and closed-cell. The difference is that in open-cell, the "bubbles" are connected, so it can soak up liquids. In closed-cell, each "bubble" is independent, so the foam is non-absorbent. From your description, your kneepads were open-cell.

They're not even that sophisticated - they're simply multiple layers of poly-cotton. Not too sure why they're there other than abrasion resistance. I'm guessing the person who designed/approved them never did CPR on textured tile or concrete...

[TheSHAD0W]

I wonder if you could spray them down with that superhydrophobic stuff they've got now.

[crazylegs]

We have to wash it at 60 degrees, would it last? Wouldn't cushion any though

[wolfie]

I can see 2 approaches:

1) Get a pair of ordinary knee pads that will fit INSIDE your uniform trousers. Won't show from the outside, but will protect you.

2) Let your boss know that the supplied uniform is not proper PPE for certain of the job tasks (i.e. CPR when on a hard surface), and one of the rules (can't wear non-approved items over the uniform) is keeping you from using your own proper PPE. This is an occupational health and safety issue.

If #2 doesn't work, bring up the issue with your doctor. Are you in the U.S.? If so, being allowed to wear your own knee protection to prevent injury would be reasonable accommodation under the ADA.

[HiddenMica]

http://www2.dupont.com/Teflon_Fabric...eflon_fab.html

This stuff works wonders! They often use it on ties and such. :3 I would buy a new pair of pads and just use this on the outside, would probably help a ton.

I used it on my car interior. It has saved me so much hassle...

[crazylegs]

1) Get a pair of ordinary knee pads that will fit INSIDE your uniform trousers. Won't show from the outside, but will protect you.

2) Let your boss know that the supplied uniform is not proper PPE for certain of the job tasks (i.e. CPR when on a hard surface), and one of the rules (can't wear non-approved items over the uniform) is keeping you from using your own proper PPE. This is an occupational health and safety issue.

If #2 doesn't work, bring up the issue with your doctor. Are you in the U.S.? If so, being allowed to wear your own knee protection to prevent injury would be reasonable accommodation under the ADA.

1) Will need to do some sewing to do it - but it's reasonably achievable

2) Trying to pin down the group responsible for uniform in the org is rather difficult, no-one appears to have responsibility for it

No, in the UK I'm afraid. I could raise it under HASAW but I feel it's easier to re-learn sewing

Cheers for the advice though

[TimmyHate]

I'll point out the TheShad0w likely wasn't talking about Goalie Leg Pads (ex;http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=V90L ) but more likely the extra knee guards they wear under the pads (ex: http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=BRGK http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=KPRBK)

[BearLeeBadenaugh]

Well, if they'll approve another manufacturer for procurement, I'd suggest 5.11 tactical. Their ems pants are available with kneepad pockets and they've already been teflon treated. http://www.511tactical.com/mens-ems-pant.html

Also, if you're going to retrofit your existing pants, I do like the kneepads 5.11 makes. Relatively thin neoprene(3/8") with a nylon backing, so only one side grips the pad pocket, eliminates bunching. http://www.511tactical.com/kneepads-pair.html

[sms001]

2) Trying to pin down the group responsible for uniform in the org is rather difficult, no-one appears to have responsibility for it

Wear whichever of these (remarkably clever!) ideas suits you best, and then when someone complains....THEY'RE the responsible ones.