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CHANTILLY, Va., March 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- First Line Technology's PhaseCore® (heat-activated cooling vests) was selected as a finalist as part of USAID's Fighting Ebola: A Grand Challenge for Development. As part of the challenge, First Line Technology Vice President Randy Sakowitz presented PhaseCore to officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Global Giving, the National Personal Protection Laboratory (NPPTL) within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) (CDC/NIOSH/NPPTL), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

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"Fighting Ebola: A Grand Challenge for Development" was developed by USAID (with the CDC, DoD and the White House) out of the clear and urgent need for innovative ideas to improve delivery of care and stem the spread of disease. The challenge, which launched in late 2014, sought to inspire improvements in personal protective equipment (PPE) and Ebola response, fund the solutions proposed, and establish critical partnership to allow for immediate testing and distribution of innovative solutions that could be deployed quickly. With the winners of the challenge, USAID hopes that Ebola responders will be able to work longer, but safer, periods of time with less PPE, and fewer transitions.

More than 1,250 submissions were received as part of the competition, which inspired design workshops in universities and corporate settings across the nation – and the world. PhaseCore is currently one of 14 finalists.

"We could not be prouder that PhaseCore is being considered as a finalist as part of Fighting Ebola: A Grand Challenge for Development," said Sakowitz. "Eradicating Ebola is a global concern and we believe that PhaseCore contributes to the best possible environment to prevent the spread of the disease. PhaseCore heat-activated cooling vests would prevent caregivers from getting overheated in their medical PPE, which would allow them to work safely for longer periods of time while maintaining focus on both their patients and the safety regulations at hand. Finally, the doffing of PPE will not be rushed when medical personnel are prevented from becoming overheated so contamination during PPE removal can be prevented."

PhaseCore Cooling Vests use PhaseCore, a salt-based phase change material (PCM) that absorbs the user's body heat and provides a gentle cooling effect for up to four hours in hot and humid environments. PhaseCore is a long-term, sustainable solution that uses available resources. It is easily recharged in the field at room temperature without the need for ice, water, electricity, or refrigeration. When worn underneath PPE, the user maintains a safe core temperature, which allows him/her to provide continuous care for patients. In addition, the ability to remain comfortable and focused will encourage medical personnel to doff PPE safely, due to the fact they will not be rushing to cool down.

About First Line Technology:

First Line Technology, LLC designs and manufactures disaster preparedness and response equipment like PhaseCore Cooling Vests, our medical ambulance bus (the AmbuBus), and our line of decontamination equipment. We work with first responders and the military to develop innovative products that make their jobs easier and their lives – and the lives of the people they serve – safer.

At First Line Technology PEOPLE are our most valuable asset. We believe that everything we do should be grounded in INTEGRITY and that we each have the responsibility to do the right thing. We're committed to providing QUALITY products and services that meet customer requirements. And we feel as though we serve the COMMUNITY – our office, our city, our nation, and the world – best by serving those who serve others.

Contact:
Jennie Williams, (703) 955-7510, ext. 127
pr@firstlinetech.com
www.firstlinetech.com

Media Contact: Jennie Williams, First Line Technology, 703-955-7510, jwilliams@firstlinetech.com

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SOURCE First Line Technology