PPE News

Tradition, history of the American firefighting helmet

By Mick Mayers After the first few times a warrior took a stick to the head, someone determined a protective covering was warranted. It seemed...

Why firefighters choose unsafe actions when they know better

By Jennfer A. Taylor, Ph.D, MPH, CPPS; Joseph A. Allen, Ph.D.; Andrea Davis, MPH, CPH; and Alexandra Fisher, MPH Have you ever wondered why...

Is drying time keeping you from cleaning your turnout gear as often as you should?

Sponsored by RAM Air Gear Dryers By Robert Avsec for FireRescue1 BrandFocus Fire departments across North America are facing the greatest threat to...

How can we call ourselves a professional fire service when members won't even wear PPE?

In this episode of "What's YOUR Problem?," Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder tackles this reader question: "How can we call...

Understanding 2021 AFG project areas and applications

By Lexipol Team The Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program is set to open soon for its 20th year – is your department prepared?...

September 2021: Training Day Lesson Plan

Welcome to FireRescue1 Training Day, providing company officers training ideas, resources and a downloadable schedule to help keep crews focused and...

Spotlight: Decon7 Systems, Inc. develops, manufactures tactical decontamination solutions for responders

Company name: Decon7 Systems, Inc. Headquarters: Coppell, Texas Signature Product: D7 Website: https://www.d7defense.com/ 1....

‘All that changed the second I became a father’: From salty dog to clean gear advocate

This job is my life, my first love, and what I was put on this earth to do. We help people in dangerous and dynamic environments every single day...

Fireground toxins don’t care if you’re paid or volunteer

Fire service leaders in small communities experience such close bonds to those we serve, our “customers,” as Chief Brunacini called them....

‘Ego eats brains’: Chief Brunacini’s lesson underscores the problem with dirty gear

Ego can be dangerous. It can cloud judgment, narrow perspective and foster an image-focused mindset. “America’s Fire Chief,” the...

Another perspective on 'Dirty Helmet Syndrome' – and a simple way to reduce the risk

Chief Bashoor introduces FireRescue1's special coverage series "Dirty Helmet Syndrome." Watch the video above or read the...

A case study in ditching ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome’ – and where we can still improve

For many years now, a firefighter’s gear has been directly related to the perception or image of a certain level of bravado. Nearly three...

Does dirty gear really matter that much?

In this episode of "What's YOUR Problem?" Chief Goldfeder takes on the issue of "Dirty Helmet Syndrome" and whether dirty...

Digital Edition: Dirty Helmet Syndrome

Download your copy! Where a dirty helmet was once a badge of honor, a source of pride for firefighters looking to prove their mettle, this symbol...

After 50 years, the best PPE is still between our ears!

Fireball gloves, a metal helmet, a rubber coat and three-quarter rubber boots from the spare gear rack was my PPE in 1970 at the Kentland Volunteer...

Scorched helmets and dirty gear: It’s time to end this type of firefighter bravado

Nothing irritates me more than to watch personnel emerge from live-fire training with soot-covered, scorched helmets. And what’s worse –...

How to buy turnout gear (eBook)

With the heightened focus on cancer awareness and prevention, departments depend on turnout gear to provide supreme protection from fireground...

How to buy protective hoods (eBook)

We now know that potentially carcinogen-carrying soot and other particles can collect in significant quantities in the head, face and neck areas....

Walking the walk: How FDs are setting the example to cure ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome’

Culture wars within the fire service are easy to spot. Firefighters rumble online and at the kitchen table over transitional fire attack, helmet...

Minn. FFs receive 33 ballistic vests, helmets purchased through donations

Mara H. Gottfried Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn. ST. PAUL, Minn. — When St. Paul Fire Capt. Tom Bever's mother was terminally...