What is in your turnout gear?

Firefighter Boenish (Wash.): Spanner [wrench], eye protection, hose gloves, medical gloves, HAND WARMERS! And a water bottle. Firefighter Tittle (Pa.): Two pairs of gloves, pink safety glasses, Nomex hood, hair ties, medical gloves, ear plugs (for fireworks) and a healthy snack bar.

What is included in turnout gear?

So, what is firefighter turnout gear made of? Today's turnout gear is made of fire-resistant fabrics that mainly consist of Nomex and Kevlar. Generally, turnout gear may constitute a combination of hood, gloves, suspenders, trousers, boots, helmet and jacket.

What do firefighters carry with them?

Of course, generally speaking, there are some items that most, if not all, firefighters carry: a radio, a flashlight, cable/wire cutters, webbing, a door chock/wedge, a pocket knife, a screwdriver, etc. All of our contributors listed these items as necessary. Here's what they had to say about a few of them.

What do firefighters carry on their backs?

A self-contained breathing apparatus is standard protective gear for firefighters at most fire departments. The breathing apparatus includes a mask with a hose connected to a tank filled with breathable air. It is worn on the firefighter's back to provide oxygen for at least 30 minutes.

What do firefighters wear under their turnout gear?

Station wear is commonly used to describe the uniform worn by firefighters at the station, which is also a work uniform used underneath their turnout gear. The term can also be used, according to this specific context, as additional protective equipment worn by fire emergency personnel.

LION IsoDri® - What's inside your turnout gear?

How heavy is full firefighter gear?

A firefighter's gear can weigh up-to 75 pounds. The basic gear includes a helmet, hood, pants, coat, gloves, and oxygen tank. Depending on what the situation dictates, more equipment may be necessary.

Do firefighters buy their own gear?

We do not have to buy our own gear. We are issued full gear by the dept. New members wear the older black gear during their six month probation and then they are issued a set of the newer gear if they make the cut.

Do firefighters get to keep their helmets?

Firefighters on the force more than 20 years have to pay only $50, and 30-year veterans can keep their helmets free of charge.

Why do firefighters have nails on their helmets?

Two or three can be carried easily in a pocket or on a helmet. Tees can be used as temporary plugs to stop leaks caused by small holes in gas tanks or hoses. In addition, some firefighters use small nails to prop open doors, but golf tees can perform the same function.

How heavy is a firefighter suit?

A turnout coat is the type of jacket that firefighters wear. Turnout coats can weigh as much as 20 pounds and consists of several layers of fire-resistant materials to provide protection from heat and moisture.

What is on your fire helmet?

These helmets featured a suspension system and energy-absorbing foam impact liners; a face shield for partial eye and face protection from heat, sparks, liquids, and flying debris; and flame-resistant flaps to protect the ears and neck.

Why do firefighters wear brown?

In 1999, the Inferno was phased into service. This maroon suit was more pliable and heat resistant than the previous suit. This allowed firefighters easier movement and the ability to stay in hot conditions for longer. The suit has three layers: fireproof, waterproof and thermal protection.

Why do firefighters carry webbing?

The webbing provides both handles and space away from the down firefighter to facilitate movement and exit from the structure. The tool girth hitch allows a variety of tools to be safely carried up and down ladders while allowing the firefighter to maintain balance and hands on the ladder.

What goes in a wildland pack?

How long does firefighter gear last?

NFPA 1851 specifies that the firefighter protective ensemble or ensemble components must be retired from service no more than 10 years from the date the ensemble or ensemble component was manufactured – the date it was manufactured, not the date it was placed in service.

How hot can firefighters get?

Fire burns at temperatures up to 2000° F (1093.3° C) or higher. Turnout gear is designed to protect you to make structural firefighting survival, just not invincible.

Why are fire hats backwards?

The rear of the helmet, also known as the duckbill or beavertail was elongated and its purpose was to keep water and hot embers from running down the wearers back. Firefighters were known to put the helmets on backwards to use the duckbill to shield their faces from the heat of the fire.

Why are fireman hats long in the back?

The rear brim was to ensure that the firefighter's neck wasn't easily scorched from either heat or water passing over it. In a major emergency, you could reverse Gratcap's helmet and wear it backward to protect your face while keeping your chin on your chest.

Why are fire hats long at the back?

The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters' backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.

Why is a firefighter called a Jake?

Being a "Good J-Key" probably meant a fireman who was cool under the pressure and could send clear Morse code. "J-Key" was eventually shortened to "Jake", and when spread to the public, "Jake" came to be a common term for firemen in general.

Do firefighter boots expire?

NFPA 1851 states that firefighters can safely use their protective ensemble and its elements for up to 10 years. Note that the date used to determine bunker gear's longevity is its manufacture date, not the date the gear started service. At 10 years past this date, the bunker gear expires and should get retired.

How much heat can a firefighter suit stand?

Most commonly made of Zetex or Vermiculite and not aluminized. Maximum ambient heat protection is about 2,000 degrees F (1,093 degrees C) for short duration and prolonged radiant heat up to 1,500 degrees F (816 degrees C).

What is it like dating a firefighter?

Dating a firefighter is mostly the same as dating anyone else. However, the work schedule, high stress, and potential for injuries and exposures can add some different types of challenges to a relationship. So, to be happy dating a firefighter means understanding those constraints and accepting them.

How fast does a firefighter get dressed?

A firefighter needs 100 hours of training before legally being allowed to enter the interior of a burning building. How long do you think firefighters have to get dressed? Less than two minutes! This includes all of their gear, which can weigh from eighty to one hundred twenty pounds.

How much does a set of turnout gear cost?

One set of turnout gear costs about $3,000, and a fire department needs one for each firefighter. The NFPA requires this gear be replaced every 10 years, no matter how much it's used. If the gear is used heavily or damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced more frequently.