THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AND PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

This study examines the relationship of emergency response experience and psychological stress with personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Effective PPE use was assessed by behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) and by a subjective state change measure (SSCM) of PPE use. Participants, consisting of 141 emergency response team members of a chemical manufacturing organization, were evaluated in a series of field simulations where PPE was used. Subjects completed a series of paper and pencil questionnaires measuring anxiety, type A behavior, anger expression, and a knowledge test concerning chemical emergency response. Results indicated that self-estimates of PPE skill were better predictors of observed BARS performance than knowledge scores, the amount of formal training, or emergency response experience. Effective performance scores were related to knowledge and experience in PPE use and negatively related to the outward expression of anger. Discomfort in using PPE was significantly correlated with experience using protective gear, positive teamwork-effectiveness ratings, and lower levels of anxiety symptoms.