Protecting lives in critical settings

Protecting healthcare professionals, other public facing professionals, and vulnerable individuals is something BitePRO has become widely respected for in recent years.

Jim Still, the company’s director of business development stated, “We had two key objectives that led to the creation of STRONGTEX. Primarily, we wanted to reduce the risk of individuals taking their own lives within healthcare and custodial settings. Secondly, we wanted to achieve this by creating a range of dependable and comfortable anti-ligature clothing. We know that comfort is extremely important, as it will help support individuals wearing such a garment in retaining their identity, dignity and promote their recovery. This will also help to increase their sense of self-worth, especially when the garment is being worn over a longer period.”

He continued saying: “We believe that the more comfortable the garment is, the less severe the behavioural disturbance the person may demonstrate, likely reducing the risk they may present to themselves and others.”

STRONGTEX garments are made from robust fabric, effectively mitigating the wearer’s ability to create a ligature to attach to an anchor point, or from swallowing pieces of the fabric. This is to help prevent self-harm, or suicides by individuals placed in seclusion in either healthcare or custodial settings.

STRONGTEX is washable at 71C/160F (thermal disinfection temperatures), fire-retardant, durable, sturdy, anti-tear, and has been rigorously tested against international standards, such as ISO 13937 which assesses the tear properties of fabrics.

The company is planning to add options to further personalise their garments in the future. The options may include the introduction of new fabric colours and modifications to the garment design. Anti-ligature bedding is also expected to be added to the range in 2025. 

For more information, visit www.bite-pro.com