How Wearing Alternative PPE Can Protect You
Why should one set of turnouts be the only option for every emergency you respond to?
It’s important to consider that structural firefighting PPE is designed specifically to protect you from the thermal hazards of interior structural firefighting. Donning structural gear on non-fire emergencies can cause unnecessary stress on the body while contributing to repeated exposure to contaminants. With many fire departments experiencing a high volume of non-fire calls, wearing an alternative garment can increase the lifespan of your turnout gear while reducing cross-contamination within the community and amongst your crew members.
Wearing The Right Gear For The Right Call
As the community you serve continues to change and develop, you need the right gear to meet the demands of your job. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire calls have dropped by 23.8% between 1980-2016, and EMS calls increased 17.8%!
Below are two examples where structural firefighting PPE is not needed:
- EMS Calls - Choosing to forgo your turnout gear when entering a patient’s home provides civilian protection against the spread of contaminants while reducing heat stress amongst your crew members.
- Wildland Firefighting - The added weight of turnout gear along with the increased chances of heat related injuries, can become a hindrance when engaging in wildland firefighting. Instead, choose a lightweight, breathable garment that meets the demand of your job!
Alternative PPE offers the right protection and versatility for the toughest non-fire calls while identifying you as an emergency worker when on scene. Use this garment on the following emergencies:
