Even though all first responders wear uniforms to identify themselves during a crisis, none of them are as important as what a firefighter wears. Their uniforms protect them from intense flames, but what exactly does all of that entail? We’ll discuss the various parts of a firefighter’s uniform and their importance.
Jacket and Pants
Let’s start with the basics. A firefighter’s jacket and pants are the main lines of defense against the flames. They are made with fire-resistant materials that keep them from getting burned. Depending on the role, they might have other features as well. For example, wildland firefighter pants have increased knee durability to protect against sharp sticks and rocks on the forest floor, but there are plenty of other ways wildland firefighter pants protect their legs. Regardless of their additional perks, these clothing articles are firefighters’ front line of defense.
Gloves
Clothing doesn’t protect the hands, so gloves are another essential part of any firefighter’s kit. Not only do these gloves’ fire resistance and insulation protect against the heat, but their thick materials protect the user’s hands from jagged objects that could pierce the skin. Plus, the exterior typically has grips that make it easier to hold particular pieces of equipment.
Boots
If the hands have an extra layer of protection, then the feet will too. Firefighters must wear rubber boots with reinforced steel. This allows them to not catch on fire while protecting against large objects that could fall on the firefighter’s feet.
Helmet
We can’t forget about protecting the head, either. In a burning building, the ceilings and walls could collapse at any point. A firefighter will need protection to ensure they don’t get knocked unconscious, which is what the helmet is for. Its thick padding keeps their head from getting too hot, as well.
Breathing Apparatus
Fire isn’t the only threat in these types of situations, though. Where there are flames, there will also be smoke. That means firefighters need a safe source of oxygen while on a call. To combat this, they wear a tank filled with breathable oxygen on their backs with a hose running to a mask on their face. As an added bonus, this mask also protects them from rogue flames.
Personal Alert System
The personal alert system is the last part of a firefighter’s uniform that has become a standard for most departments these days. It’s not uncommon for these first responders to get trapped within a burning building themselves, so when that happens, it’s best to know where they are instead of sending in more firefighters blindly. Once activated, these systems use GPS to show others where they’ve gotten stuck. This allows a team to head straight to their location, increasing the chances of survival.
