TY - JOUR T1 - The development and introduction of ballistic protection of the external genitalia and perineum JF - Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps JO - J R Army Med Corps SP - i15 LP - i17 DO - 10.1136/jramc-2013-000026 VL - 159 IS - suppl 1 AU - Eluned A Lewis AU - M A Pigott AU - A Randall AU - A E Hepper Y1 - 2013/03/01 UR - http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/159/suppl_1/i15.abstract N2 - In response to an Urgent Operational Requirement, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) investigated, designed, developed, trialled and subsequently fielded a Tiered Pelvic Protection System to service personnel deployed on Operation HERRICK in Afghanistan. An Urgent Statement of User Requirement (USUR) was drafted in order to equip service personnel with protection for the groin, perineum, buttocks and upper thigh areas from the effects of buried Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Injuries to the groin and pelvic area from buried IEDs can have severe physiological and psychological impact; therefore the aim of the pelvic protection was to reduce the number and severity of such injuries and to improve the outcome, both in terms of quality of life of the survivors and increase the chances of survival. The aim of this paper is to outline some of the research and development that contributed to the design(s) of the Tiered Pelvic Protection System; describe the components of, and report the medical success of, the Tiered Pelvic Protection System. ER -