Our Story
The 2009 Ig Nobel Public Health Prize Winner.
The Emergency Bra is a personal protective garment that transforms into two face masks in case of an emergency or where standard personal protective equipment is not readily available..
It’s also one sexy piece of lingerie.
“Risk is never zero and it can’t be neglected. It has to be managed. You have to be prepared all the time, at any place, at any moment… and practically every woman wears a bra.”
-Dr. Bodnar
Inventor, Brassiere Enhancer
About The Inventor
Dr. Elena Bodnar, currently the founder and President of the Trauma Risk Management Research Institute in Chicago, is an internationally recognized scientist with over 20 years of experience in clinical research and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. She managed the Electrical Trauma Research Program at the University of Chicago, and collaborated with the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency on projects related to the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Her areas of scientific expertise are trauma risk management strategies and long term health consequences of radiation exposure and electrical trauma. She has authored numerous scientific publications and book chapters.
Dr. Bodnar started her professional career as a medical doctor in Ukraine. The inspiration for a readily available facemask came from two disasters. Fresh out of medical school in Ukraine in 1986 during the Soviet Union, she participated in the evacuation and treatment of victims of the Chernobyl nuclear explosion. Years later, after moving to Chicago, footage of the September 11 victims using shirts to filter out debris inspired her to design the Emergency Bra. The patented undergarment, which can be removed without taking off any clothing, earned Bodnar a 2009 Ig Nobel Prize, honoring unusual but worthwhile achievements and gained her international exposure.
About The Emergency Bra
The Emergency Bra's primary function is that of a conventional bra. However, in case of emergency, or where no personalized protective equipment is available, it can be quickly and easily converted into two face masks without removing any clothes (unless you want to). Where no specialized devices are available, the bra mask can potentially decrease the inhalation of harmful airborne particles. Additionally, because the Emergency Bra masks can be securely fixed to the head, it may free a survivor’s hands to help keep their balance while running and removing objects on the way out of danger.
Contact:
General Inquiries: admin@ebbra.com
Press: ebodnar@ebbra.com
Post: EBbra. 109 Symonds Drive #563 Hinsdale, IL 60522
DISCLAIMER: The Emergency Bra is not a substitute for specialized protective respiratory devices and should not be used when specialized equipment is required or available. It may be used as a face mask while escaping from a dangerous environment during emergency situations when no specialized protective devices are available.
The Emergency Bra is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.