PRODUCT GUIDEINSTRUCTIONS-WARNINGS-GUIDELINES

TACTICAL SUIT

I . INTRODUCTION FORCE RELATION TO TARGET:

2. AVOIDING BLUNT TRAUMA

The RedMan Tac cal Suit provides signifi cant protec on from blunt trauma for offi cers trained in crowd management, cell extrac ons and in resolving civil unrest and disorder. The RedMan Tac cal Suit will enhance the offi cers’ protec on from direct impact a acks, indirect (defl ected) a acks, and environ-mental injuries.

The RedMan Tac cal Suit is intended only for trained profes-sionals in correc ons, law enforcement, and the military.

Other protec ve gear including, but not limited to, a helmet, face shield, protec ve (gas) mask, duty uniform, gloves, shoes, and hazardous materials Personal Protec ve Equipment (PPE) are not provided with this suit.

By Larry Nadeau Founder, R.A.D. Systems, Inc. and Interna onally known DT Trainer

For many years, the primary way instructors learned the intricacies of simula on suits was actually wearing them during simula on training. The more conscien ous instructor may have prac ced before these sessions, but this was rare. In other words, experience was the primary teacher, accompanied by occasional guidance from more experienced peer instructors. Of course, this is changing as training and informa on develop. The previous school of “raw” experience is evolving into safer “guided” experiences within the simula on venue.

One of the most diffi cult aspects of confronta onal simula- ons to convey to instructors is how to successfully manage

inside the simula on suit during training scenarios. By the me simula on scenarios occur, students understand “fl uid shock” or “energy transfer” striking principles; students are capable of transferring a great deal of kine c energy to their intended targets even at light and moderate force training levels.

For simula on instructors to minimize their own trauma or sensory overload, they must understand the concept of force rela on to target. This refers to the force generated by students as it relates to the intended target (the instructor wearing the simula on suit). If the simula on instructor knows how to manipulate the part of his/her body which is the intended impact point, he/she can minimize the kine c energy that is transferred and drama cally reduce the poten al trauma received during training.

Many simula on instructors have a general understanding of force rela on to target. However, in order to incorporate it into training programs, it might be useful to break the concept down into its basic components:

Offi cers subjected to blunt force can more readily avoid blunt trauma—and its poten ally serious, long-term, and deadly eff ects—if physically and mentally trained in the “force rela on to target” concepts and techniques developed by Larry Nadeau. The following ar cle outlines these for defensive tac cs simula on trainers, but they relate to duty use as well.

Addi onal note: Avoid holding your breath when being struck with blunt force to avoid possible injuries (such as ruptures, bruises, and hemorrhaging) to areas of the neck including the throat, trachea (wind pipe), larynx, and pharynx.

Courses in managing and surviving blunt force strikes are available. See informa on on RedMan-approved trainers and training programs. (Contact Informa on on page 8.)

RedMan Tactical Suit An Instructor Survival Concept Stay Loose (Relax muscle tension.) – Avoid ge ng tense inside the simula on suit. Instead, remain as alert and as relaxed as possible. The natural tendency is to ghten up muscles just before perceived impact. Try to avoid this ghtening and roll with the incoming strike.

Don’t Get Rigid (Keep joints slack.) – Avoid locking joints of the body. It’s much be er to keep them slightly bent, with connec ng tendons and muscles remaining loose.

Don’t Stay Planted – While standing in a simula on suit, the instructor’s weight should be evenly distributed on both legs with the knees bent, keeping most of the weight balanced on the balls of the feet. If the instructor picks up one of his/her feet, the other leg is now planted. The more pressure or weight on the planted appendage, the more energy it will absorb when that part of the body is struck.

Don’t Get Braced Against Objects – One of the most dangerous things a simula on instructor can do is become braced against a wall, vehicle, or the ground and then be struck by a student. When this happens, the instructor has no place to recoil from the blow and all the energy created by the technique is transferred completely to the target – the instructor. This occurs most o en when an instructor falls to the ground.

Avoid Absorbing Movements (Move with – away from – the strike.) – Do not move into oncoming blows. Moving into an oncoming strike can increase the energy of the strike by combining the velocity of both objects as they move toward each other. Boxers are o en warned not to lead with their chins because this is an absorbing movement which magnifi es the force.

Incorporate Rolling Movements (Move with the strike.) – When a simula on instructor perceives a strike being delivered, he/she should move on, or slightly before, impact in the direc on of that strike. This rolling movement will diff use most of the fl uid shock or energy transferred to the target.

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Blunt Force Trauma ProtectionThe closed cell foam, fiberglass, and plastic inserts provide sig-nificant protection from blunt force. Do not remove the inserts from the suit.

Flame Retardent As additional protection for the officer, the black nylon exterior used in the RedMan Tactical Suit is treated to be flame retardent.

Water Resistance and Pathogen BarrierThe black exterier used in the RedMan Tactical is treated to be water-resistant but this property diminishes with each laundering.

The blue vinyl lining polyurethane-coated stretch fabric is water-proof, anti-microbial (bacterial and fungal), and provides a barrier to bloodborne (e.g., HIV/AIDS) and other pathogens. It is not resistant to chemicals.

If Exposed to Flame or Contamination Remove as quickly as possible from the hazard source. Extinguish flames with mandated techniques or Class A/B/C fire extinguisher. Seek decontamination and medical treatment as required.

Note: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be worn over the RedMan Tactical Suit. Always follow Standard Precautions, including Body Substance Isolation and Universal Precautions, to decrease the risks of infection from exposure to blood, urine, feces, and other substances. (See pages 6-8).

Other GearBullet-resistant, slash-resistant, PPE, and other gear may be worn with the RedMan Tactical Suit.

WeightThe RedMan Tacticla Suit weighs approximately 10 pounds.

“Roll with the punches,” a familiar phrase, takes on enhanced meaning in simula on survival.

While visual identification of an oncoming strike is the instruc-tor’s most reliable cue to begin reacting, instructors should not depend so heavily on “seeing” strikes that other signs are ignored. Instructors who are too dependent on visual cues may be caught rigid and “flat footed,” resulting in frustration and increased risk of injury if they fail to see oncoming blows.

Other helpful techniques are: Anticipate. Consider the trainee’s immediate objective in the

exercise. In most high level simulations this will be to strike the aggressor (the instructor) in a target area. The instructor has a fairly complete knowledge of the techniques, tactics, and strategies involved and should be able to anticipate prob-able incoming strikes.

Be sensitive to compression of the gear which signals an incoming strike and the need to begin “rolling movements.”

Start slowly and allow yourself time to develop. Experience is always the best teacher but only when it is survived!

Specific training can assist in the development of critical instructor skills.

For simulation training instructors, it is vital to understand force relation to target. It is also extremely important to understand all the components of this concept in order to convey them as effectively as possible to students. The keys to unlocking the lessons of raw experience are here. Stay loose and roll with the punches.

3. SPECIAL PROPERTIES 4. INSTRUCTIONS

When first putting on the suit, make any necessary adjust-ments in the placement and fitting of the shoulders using the Velcro® hook/loop fasteners for a snug, secure fit. After making adjustments for optimum fit and coverage, store the upper body assembled for quick donning.

RedMan Tactical Suit Components1. Shoulders (right and left) 2. Shoulder Bib & T-Straps3. Chest (front and back)4. Chest Cover5. Upper Arms (right and left)6. Lower Arms (right and left)7. Groin Guard with Harness8. Leg Guards (right and left)

Protective Gear that may be required but is not provided with the RedMan Tactical Suit includes:1. Duty helmet with face shield2. Protective (gas) mask3. Additional Groin Protection4. Duty uniform5. Duty gloves6. Duty shoes7. Padded cloth guards8. Nomex jumpsuit or other appropriate clothing (e.g.,

Nomex gloves, socks, underwear)9. PPE bio-hazard suit or gown, helmet, mask, (latex) gloves,

boots, etc.

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REDMAN TACTICAL SUIT COMPONENTS

GROIN GUARD SKU: RMTGIncludes: Groin Guard, Groin Guard Belt, Groin Guard Belt/Harness

UPPER BODY SKU: RMTUPPERIncludes: Neck Bib, Shoulder T-Straps, Shoulder Pads, Chest Front, Chest Back, Chest Cover, Upper Arms, Lower Arm Guard

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1010

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1. Chest/shoulder Bib2. Shoulder Pads3. Shoulder T-Straps.4. Front and back of Chest Cover5. Upper Arms6. Inner Forearms7. Groin Guard8. Groin Guard Belt/Harness9. Side padding a aches to groin guard belt10. Leg Guards11. Neck Bib

COMPONENTS:

SOLD IN FOLLOWING CONFIGURATIONS:

LEG GUARDS SKU: RMTLEGSIncludes: Le and Right Leg Guards.

TACTICAL SUIT SKU: RMTSUITIncludes: Upper Body, Groin and Lower Legs.

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INSTRUCTIONS FIRST TIME ASSEMBLY

PART 1: GROIN GUARD ASSEMBLY

PART 2: LEG ASSEMBLY

1. Layout the groin guard pieces which includes the back pad, front pad, harness and 2 side pads.

6. Pull the harness strap under belt loop, then fold up over the belt loop and fasten to the Velcro.

3. Make sure you have both sides securely fastened to the

belt.

8. Line up leg over front of knee and shin. Pull straps.

2. Slide the side pads onto the belt portion of the groin.

7. Repeat step six on the other side. Groin is fully assembled.

4. Once assembled, slide on and fas-ten belt.

9. Wrap the black straps around your legs and attach to the velcro.

5. Pull harness straps over your shoulder. Make sure they are not twisted.

10. Repeat on other leg. Legs should be fully assembled before proceding to the next step.

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INSTRUCTIONS FIRST TIME ASSEMBLY

PART 3: SHOULDER ASSEMBLY

PART 4: CHEST ASSEMBLY

11. Place the shoulder pads over each shoulder. Make sure the right

and left are on the correct side. You can tell by the point at the edge of the shoulder.

16. Once shoulder assembly is complete, prepare for the chest.

13. Line up velcro to attach to shoul-ders.

20. Take the long side of the t-strap and pull through the ring of the front of the chest. Adjust the front of the chest in a proper position for your height.

12. Take the chest/shoulder bib and pull over head.

19. The chest comes as a front and a back.

14. Prepare the shoulder T-Straps. Place the long side over the

shoulder, attach to the velcro.

21. Repeat for the back of the chest.

15. The short side of the T-Strap should run parallel to the shoul-der. The hook side of the velcro needs to facing upwards.

22. Pull down the nylon covering on the chest guard over the exposed velcro.

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PART 5: ARM ASSEMBLY

23. With the chest assembled, we are ready to move onto arms.

28. Line up lower arm to forearm and adjust straps for a secure fit.

29. Once upper body is fully assembled, take the Neck Bib (with logo) and adjust over top of shoulders and chest.

25. Make sure the bicep covering on the arm guard is lined up to be placed over the bicep.

24. Get the upper and lower arms as shown.

26. Pull the t-strap from the shoulder through the upper arm loop and fasten upper arm to shoulder.

27. Line up the bicep over the exterior of the bicep and adjust the velcro straps.

30. Suit is fully assembled. Check and adjust all

straps.

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INSTRUCTIONS TAKING OFF THE SUIT

UPPER BODY

LOWER BODY

1. Begin by unstrapping the arms from the bicep and forearm.

1. Pull the harness out of the front belt loops.

3. Unfasten the arms and pull your arms out of the arm guards.

3. Groin should be slipped off like pants and remain assembled as an etire unit.

2. Unstrap the sides of the chest guard.

When you take off the upper body, leave it together as a unit. This will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to put on the suit.

2. Unbuckle the waist.

4. Pull the chest over the back of head, lift off like a shirt.

4. Unstrap and remove each leg.

5. The entire upper body should stay together as one unit. This includes the shoulders, chest, bib, upper and lower arms.

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ONGOING AND QUICK ASSEMBLY

1. Step into groin and fasten belt, pull straps over head.

3. Pull over pre-assembled upper body.

2. Put on lower legs as shown on page (6)

If you took off the suit as a unit that was fitted to your body, putting on and taking off the suit can be done independantly in 5 EASY STEPS.

4. Fasten down sides of chest.

5. Adjust arm straps.

6. Suit is fully assembled. Check and adjust all straps.

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5. CARE OF THE REDMAN TACTICAL SUIT

Removing and Inspecting the Gear

GUIDELINES: 1. To avoid stress damage to the gear, open Velcro fasteners

before removing it.2. Starting from an end, roll back Velcro straps to gently

separate the hook and loop fasteners. Pulling apart may cause undue stress on the thread and eventual separation of the Velcro from the gear to which it is sewn.

3. Inspect the suit to ensure that all parts, including the inserts, are intact and in good condition. Repair or replace parts as needed.

Cleaning and DisinfectingSoiled gear and clothing may expose offi cers to pathogens and toxins. (There is also the possibility of exposure to carcinogens that may be released in fi res. This is primarily a hazard to fi refi ghters but is noted here as a precau on and another reason for thorough cleaning.) Frequent, appropriate cleaning can decrease contamina on and exposure that may result in health problems.

Cleaning and Disinfecting are Essential:1. After each use, whether for training or duty 2. Between users when gear is shared3. Whenever gear comes into contact with contaminants4. Before storing

Quick DisinfectingWhen quick disinfecting is necessary in the field, use RedMan’s pre-mixed natural spray withdisinfectant SaniZide® Plus according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Leave wet for 10 minutes.

Porous, non-waterproof surfaces of the RedMan Tac cal Suit may absorb pathogenic, disease-causing micro-organisms. Appropriate disinfec ng procedures and agents will help reduce the risks of personal infec on and disease but are not guarantees against them.

Review the recommendations in this product guide for cleaning, disinfecting, and decontaminating, and follow your agency’s related policy and procedures to help mini-mize related health risks.

There are many factors to consider when cleaning, desinfecting, and decontaminating gear. First Line Response Systems/Macho makes no guarantee of results and assumes no liability or obligation whatsoever regarding these recommendations.

WARNING WARNING!

Basic Laundering1. Hose down, shower, or wash RedMan Tactical suit

parts by hand or machine (home or commercial), depending on available facilities and the size of the component. Note: Do not remove the foam, fiberglass, and plas-tic inserts.

2. For basic laundering, wash regularly with cool water and a neutral, low alkaline, non-oil-based soap/detergent such as liquid Tide, Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo, Dawn Liquid, or Ivory Liquid. Do not use oil-based soaps/detergents as they will not remove dirt or chemicals as well and may leave a flammable residue.

3. Detergents recommended by DuPont for Nomex (black exterior): Alert, Dynalite/ Force, Innovator Ultra (liquid or powder), Factor Plus®, Liquid Factor® (I and II), Surpass 2, and Choice.

4. Cleaning methods recommended by Dartex for Penn Nyla (blue lining): For superficial dirt, wipe with a neutral detergent, water, and a soft cloth. Treat more resistant soiling by wiping with a methylated or white spirit followed by hand-hot water and an appropriate detergent.

5. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents that will cause deterioration of the fabrics.

6. Rinse well to remove any flammable residue left by cleaning agents.

7. Air dry* only; do not apply heat. 8. Allow the inner foam parts to dry completely to

avoid mold and mildew.

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Basic Disinfecting1. Pre-clean the gear to remove any blood or other body sub-

stances using Standard Precautions, combining Body Substance Isolation and Universal Precautions (including the use of appropriate cleaning gloves, the isolation of sub-stances, proper removal and disposal of contaminated items, etc.) as defined and mandated by OSHA and the CDC to help prevent infection by bloodborne (e.g., HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C) and other pathogens. (See Contact Information on page 8.)

2. Disinfectants recommended by DuPont for Nomex (black exterior): Cavacide, Ido Disinfectant, Multiwash, Pursue Germicidal Concentrate, QT and QT1000, Spritz, Unicide 128 and Unicide 256. These were tested or reviewed by DuPont and were determined not to impact the thermal properties of Nomex fibers when used at recommended dilutions. Other similar products may also be acceptable. Follow the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions. Use non-chlorine-based disinfectant.

3. Disinfectants recommended by Dartex for Penn Nyla (blue lining): Matar, Dispatch, or a sodium hypochlorite solution (0.1% or 1000 parts per million available chlorine). Follow the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use chlorine on Nomex.

4. Rinse well to remove any flammable residue left by cleaning agents. Air dry.* (See page 7.)

Dry CleaningIf home, on-site, or commercial laundering procedures do not remove wide-spread or ground-in soils, the suit may be dry cleaned. Nomex should be cleaned separately from garments of other materials to avoid contamination with lint of flam-mable fibers. Dry cleaners must maintain clean solvent sup-plies.

Do not dry clean to decontaminate. (See next section on “Removing Contaminants.”)

Removing ContaminantsFollowing are some general guidelines and options for remov-ing contaminants. These are not appropriate for all situations and substances. Follow your agency’s policy and procedures. If in doubt, or if sufficient hazards are present, contact the Hazardous Materials Team or the local Health Department. Follow appropriate procedures to avoid contact, re-contami-nation, and cross-contamination.

In some cases, the safest, best procedure is to dispose of con-taminated items in a manner appropriate for the hazardous material and replace them with new, uncontaminated gear.

For decontamination, do not use chlorine bleach, chlorinated solvents, dry cleaning, water temperatures higher than 130º C. (266º F.), heavy abrasion and/or scrubbing, high pH (great-er than 10.5), or high velocity power washers.

1. Bio-Hazards. Body Substances (blood, urine, feces, etc.) a. To help prevent HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and other infection,

follow Standard Precautions, combining Body Substance Isolation and Universal Precautions (including the use of appropriate cleaning gloves, the isolation of body sub-stances, proper removal and disposal of contaminated tems, etc.) as defined and mandated by OSHA and the CDC. (See Contact Information on page 8.)

b. Use a disinfecting, sanitizing solution such as appropri-ately diluted oxygen-based bleach. Do not use chlorine bleach on Nomex or for decontamination; although it will not affect the inherent flame-resistant property of the Nomex, over time it will weaken the fabric, decreasing its life-span, and may cause discoloration.

c. Air dry.* Blistering Agents and Nerve Agents

d. Cover with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) that acts as a magnet.

e. Use a wet/dry vac and dispose of waste appropriately as

hazardous material.

f. Shampoo with sodium bicarbonate and dispose of waste appropriately as hazardous material.

g. Air dry.*

2. Chemical Agents and Aerosols (CS, CN, OC, smoke) a. Use non-oil-based detergent and clean water.

b. Use cool to cold water (not warm or hot) as heat often intensifies the effectiveness of chemicals.

c. Air dry.*

*Note: Avoid heated drying as heat tends to re-incubate/activate bio-agents and chemicals and may drive them further into clothing or other gear. Air dry in shade to avoid heat and discoloration from sunlight. Allow the inner foam parts to dry completely to avoid mold and mildew.

Packing and StoringAfter cleaning, store the chest assembled and adjusted for quick donning.

Wrap the elbow and leg straps loosely back on them-selves to prevent stretching and twisting. Do not attach them as if in use as this will cause stretching of the straps and unnecessary stress on the gear.

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PRODUCT WARNING

WARNING WARNING!• The RedMan Tac cal Suit provides signifi cant— but limited—protec on to covered areas from blunt force impact. Failure to properly inspect, fi t, secure, and wear the RedMan Tac cal Suit may increase the likelihood and severity of any injury.

• The RedMan Tac cal Suit does not protect against bullets, blades, shanks, or other sharp or pointed edged weapons or objects. It is not bullet-resistant, puncture-resistant, or slash-resistant. Ballis c, stab-resistant, and slash-resistant vests may be worn underneath.

• The RedMan Tac cal Suit is not fi re-proof; the black nylon exterior provides an extra margin of safety and is fl ame-re-tardent. It will off er a brief delay in heat-transfer. It will not prevent burns, searing caused by heat transfer, or the mel ng of other fabrics onto the skin. The blue vinyl interior is not fl ame-resistant and will begin to melt at 130º C. (266º F). RedMan Training Gear/Macho Products makes no claims regarding protec on from fi re hazards.

• Uniforms and duty or tac cal gear may be made of materials such as nylon that are fl ammable or that have low mel ng points which could compromise the protec on the RedMan Tac cal suit provides.

• The suit does not protect against fl ammable, explosive, or corrosive substances, especially if they enter through gaps to the interior surface against the body.

• The suit does not protect against chemical or biological agents.

• The suit provides limited water-resistance and may absorb gasoline and other fl ammable liquids and contaminants that may pose fi re or other hazards to the user. The water-re-sistant property of the exterior fabric will wash out; retreat fabric with a water-repellent.

• Inspect the suit before and a er use to ensure that all parts, including the inserts, are intact and in proper condi on for op mum protec on.

• RedMan Training Gear/Macho Products is not responsible for the safety or suitability of any user-performed repairs, modifi ca ons, or altera ons.

• Users, their employers, agencies, and departments con-duc ng training with, or duty use of, this gear assume full responsibility for avoidable and unavoidable risks of training and duty including serious injury, disability, and death.

READ ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO USE.KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR REFERENCE

SEE UPDATES AT WWW.REDMANGEAR.COM/WARNINGS

• 1.800.865.7840 • Fax 1.800.459.2598 • 772.388.9892 • Fax 772.388.9859

• sales@redmangear.com • 10045 102nd Terrace • Sebas an, Florida 32958

Ques ons? Call RedMan Training Gear:

For Product Updates and Warnings visit: www.redmangear.com/warnings

UPDATED 4/8/2015 RMTACPGCopyright © 2015. RedMan training Gear is a registered trademark of Macho Products, Inc.