Fire Fighting Course: The Importance Of Personal Protective Equipment As A Firefighter

Whether you're just starting out training in your fire fighting course or you're a seasoned veteran, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial. Wearing your PPE not only helps you to better respond in the case of a fire emergency but also ensures your safety as a firefighter.

As a registered health and training facility, EMCARE values the importance of proper safety, especially for first responders. In this quick read, we'll be breaking down why PPE is so essential to firefighters and the value of taking up a fire fighting course.

What Is Personal Protective Equipment?

If you've ever completed a fire fighting course or have experience in firefighting, you'll know that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a prerequisite for any firefighter. Firefighters are always seen wearing specialised gear when arriving at the scene of a fire, and for good reason. The job of a firefighter is incredibly dangerous, which is why it is crucial that firefighters protect themselves with safety gear.

PPE not only protects firefighters from external dangers, like heat and flames, but also prevents them inhaling toxic fumes and debris that could damage their lungs. Without PPE, firefighters would be vulnerable to a range of dangers, ranging from chronic breathing conditions and burns to possible death.

The goal of PPE is to protect firefighters as much as possible from hazardous environments, which is why it's manufactured with specific materials and constructed in such a particular way. Whether you're new to training or are completing your final fire fighting course, PPE is a requirement for all firefighters out on the scene.

Types Of Firefighting Equipment

In a rescue situation, PPE is crucial for firefighters. The main goal of PPE is to protect firefighters from smoke and fume inhalation, extreme heat, slipping and tripping and other hazardous substances. PPE ensures that firefighters are protected from head to toe, covering every inch of the body in specialised safety wear. There are range of different components that make up PPE, which include:

Fire Fighting Gloves
Considered to be one of the most vital tools for any firefighter, gloves are a staple part of PPE. Firefighters need to keep their hands protected so that they can properly extinguish flames and rescue any victims at the scene of the fire. By wearing these gloves, firefighters are protected from contact and radiant heat as well as live flames. Additionally, fire fighting gloves that are puncture and cut resistant also help first responders to have more dexterity during an emergency.

Face & Head Protection
If you've ever witnessed a team of firefighters at the scene of a fire, you'll know that they are always equipped with protective headgear. One of the most vital things a firefighter needs access to during an emergency is their vision, which is why they need to wear safety goggles or helmets with built-in face shields. Additionally, a protective helmet also keeps firefighters safe from any falling objects at the scene of the emergency.

Fire Resistant Boots
Firefighters need the right boots to not only withstand scorching temperatures and punctures, but also to not cause fatigue. If the boots are too heavy and sturdy, it may wear firefighters down and drain their energy faster during an emergency. Additionally, fire resistant boots also need to have soles with a sturdy grip as this will help to prevent potential falls and trips in dangerous areas.

Protective Suits
The fire-retardant material of firefighting suits is what allows first responders to tackle fires and enter dangerous environments with live flames. With the right protective suit, firefighters can enter harmful situations without their clothes catching fire. There are several types of protective suits that differ according to different safety concerns. Some fire-retardant suits, for instance, come with added chemical protection to ensure extra safety for firefighters in bio-hazardous environments.

Fire Fighting Course: Safety Essentials Of Personal Protective Equipment

Firefighters need to have the correct PPE to not only protect them from external dangers but also help them to have better agility and clearer vision during an emergency. Once you've completed a fire fighting course, you'll learn all there is to know about proper fire safety. The right PPE needs to meet specific standards to ensure maximum safety and dexterity for firefighters, such as:

A Moisture Barrier
Enclosed within the middle layer of protective fire gear is a moisture barrier, which prevents water from coming into the suit from the outside as well as evaporating perspiration. A moisture barrier is essential for a fire-retardant suit as it prevents the risk of steam burns in extremely hot environments.

Lightweight Material
Whether you're completing your first fire fighting course or have experience as a first responder, mobility and endurance are crucial for firefighters. The more weight you carry during a fire crisis, the harder the body has to work to keep it moving. Many firefighters are at risk of heat stress, which causes dehydration, hyperthermia, fatigue and, in severe cases, heart attacks. To prevent this risk, PPE needs to be lightweight enough for added mobility and less weight on the body.

A Thermal Barrier
Another component of PPE that helps to prevent heat stress is a thermal barrier. This is the layer of material that is closest to the firefighter's skin and is used to ensure the comfortability of firefighters.

The Importance Of Training: EMCARE's Fire Fighting Course

While protective gear is crucial for the work of firefighters, so too is proper training. Whether you're new to the firefighting industry or are looking to complete your training, a fire fighting course is essential for all aspiring firefighters. Here at EMCARE, we provide a range of modules and courses that cover all the basics of firefighting. From breaking down terminology to first-hand practical work, our courses go above and beyond.

If you'd like to sign up for your first fire fighting course or find out more about the training modules visit our website today.