PENTAGON (May 24, 2010) -- The Lightweight Performance Hood (LPH) is a recently fielded piece of fire-resistant Soldier equipment that can save Soldiers from severe, disfiguring, even life-threatening burns to the head, specifically the face, nose, ears, and neck.
"A fire-resistant garment that can protect portions of the face that are most susceptible to thermal injury could make a huge difference in the long-term outcome for a Soldier or Marine who is exposed to thermal injury," said Lt. Col. (P) Evan Renz, Director, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas. "Therefore, we are very supportive of a product that will help prevent this injury. There's little doubt that [the Lightweight Performance Hood] could reduce injury to the face."
LPH Benefits</B>
Made of a fire-resistant, no-melt, no-drip material and weighing approximately 3 ounces, the LPH is also moisture-wicking and comfortable. The ventilated mesh dome at the top of the hood helps minimize heat stress in hot or dry climates, while providing limited heat retention in cool climates. These performance and comfort characteristics encourage Soldiers to wear the hood.
"With today's fabric technology, it's lightweight and breathable," explained Sgt. 1st Class William Corp, Equipment Modernization NCO for Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier's Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment.
The hood fits easily in a MOLLE grenade pouch or uniform pocket and is well worth its weight on the battlefield.
Fielding
First fielded in early 2009, the LPH replaces the Anti-Flash Hood. The PEO Soldier is currently fielding two LPHs for each deploying Soldier; fielding is completed prior to deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers can get replacement hoods as required through their unit supply or Central Issue Facility.
Future Development
The Flame Resistance (FR) Team continually tests and researches alternate fabrics that can be used to protect Soldiers from flash flame and thermal incidents. Now that the LPH is fielded, the Army's goal is to make sure every Soldier knows why the hood is deemed a critical piece of equipment and leaders encourage Soldiers to wear it.
The LPH represents a much broader ongoing effort to provide Soldiers with a full range of fire-resistant clothing so they remain lethal and survivable in any operating environment. The Army is always on the lookout for new fabrics and technologies to prevent Soldiers from having to suffer second- and third-degree burns.
Burns, severe or otherwise, are dangerous injuries, and highly susceptible to infection. The Army wants to provide everything possible to protect Soldiers from these often devastating wounds. Prevention is much better than recovery. Leaders at all levels must impress upon their Soldiers the importance of the hood and strongly encourage them to wear it when on missions.
It is as important as body armor. The Lightweight Performance Hood CAN save your life.
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