PPE News

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....

‘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...

‘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...

No need to lose protection to gain dexterity

By Robert Avsec for FireRescue1 BrandFocus When it comes to the elements of their structural firefighting ensemble, PPE, most firefighters will tell...

1-click Prime Day tips for public safety

Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer and one of the nation’s top employers, has set June 21 and 22 as the dates for Prime Day. The...

9 extreme heat safety tips for public safety personnel

Record-setting heat is scorching the American West and putting tens of millions of people, as well as the public safety professionals who care...

Review: A radio-strap skeptic takes the H6 firefighter radio strap for a spin

Sponsored by Homeland-Six By Dalan Zartman for FireRescue1 BrandFocus I have spent the better part of my 20-plus years as a career firefighter...

Texas groups launch $1.1M initiative to donate equipment to first responders in 22 counties

Royal McGregor Odessa American, Texas MIDLAND, Texas — On Wednesday afternoon, the Permian Strategic Partnership and Permian...

From the front lines, for the front lines: A pandemic PPE startup

Ethan Lutz needed to vent. After a grueling 17-hour shift, the college junior picked up the phone and called his mom. He described the perilous PPE...

NJ researchers find high levels of PFAS in blood of volunteer firefighters

By Laura French PISCATAWAY, N.J. — A recent study by New Jersey researchers found that volunteer firefighters have a higher level of...