New PPE for journalists working in war zones presented at Media Center Ukraine

The Ukrainian Research Institute of Defense Technologies together with a factory for the production of personal protective equipment developed special PPE to ensure the safety of journalists working in war zones. It consists of a kit of special protective equipment for the press. The kit contains not only a bulletproof vest and a helmet, but also other items necessary for the journalist’s safety and convenience: holders, load bearing gear, a backpack, etc. Also, the developed security concept contains recommendations on how exactly to use the above-mentioned gear and how to behave in critical situations. Anton Semenov, CEO at the Ukrainian Research Institute of Defense Technologies spoke about it at a briefing at Media Center Ukraine.

“We took up this project because we were approached by journalists who constantly cover what is happening, who are constantly in the war zone and need protection. As a rule, they come there with a bulletproof vest and a helmet. Some have first aid kits, but unfortunately they are not compiled in a way that meets the needs in an emergency. We listened to journalists, their needs, listened to their pains. Using experience in the development of protective systems, we developed a concept that meets the wishes of journalists,” — Anton Semenov said.

Together with Maksym Maksymov, Director of Technology at the Ukrainian Research Institute of Defense Technologies and Olga Guzhva, Ukraine Voices Project Manager at the Institute for War & Peace Reporting they presented the PPE at Media Center Ukraine.

“The entire set, except for the body armor, fits right into the bag, which can also be worn as a backpack. Also, talking of large things, here is a backpack, in which you can put things that are directly needed by the correspondent when performing their duties…. The bulletproof vest itself has load bearing gear that the journalist can use as an organizer. A tablet can fit there, as well as recording equipment, microphones, and all of this will be protected,” — Anton Semenov said.

“That is, every gadget, every piece of equipment that a journalist has — there are special things for it. It is convenient and safe,” — Olga Guzhva added.

Also, she says, developers will further refine and test PPE for journalists. And later it will be supplied to the media, and, if necessary, training on the operation of the equipment will be held.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news