Firefighting Equipment & Tools
- Firefighters use some equipment and tools unique to the profession.firefighters image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
The field of firefighting has been in existence since the days of ancient Egypt, when fires were extinguished with hand-operated pumps. Since then, technological advances have allowed people who fight fires the luxuries of high-powered water hydrants, fire trucks with extension ladders and systems for alerting fire departments when the services of firefighters are needed. To fulfill the job requirements, specific equipment and tools are available. - The clothing and footwear that firefighters use come in the categories of station wear and apparel worn while on the job site. During a fire, firefighters need to protect themselves from a variety of circumstances, and apparel such as safety vests and brush pants are flexible after exposure to extreme thermal conditions found when saving someone from a freezing river, for instance. In addition to the traditional fire coats, jumpsuits and boots, rain gear is also a part of the firefighter wardrobe. Station wear consists of apparel such as gloves, gear bags and sunglasses.
- There are different categories of firefighting gear such as packs, fire shelter, hot shield, gloves, hydration and cleaners. There are a variety of firefighter packs, duffel bags and radio harnesses available that add convenience to the profession. Shelter gear is a key to survival when a firefighter is trapped during a wildfire. Hot shield fire protection, fire helmets and safety goggles protect the head and face. Hydration equipment includes personal cooling devices.
- First aid kits available to firefighters come in different forms and offer different degrees of aid. For instance, first aid kits are available in fanny packs that include everything from eyewash to a blood stopper, gauze, bandages, latex gloves and moist towelettes. More elaborate first aid kits contain an emergency blanket, ammonia inhalants, sodium chloride, trauma dress and paramedic shears. Personal care items include poison oak soap, bio-safe skin protectant and hand towels.
- Since firefighters must face harsh tasks and situations in extinguishing fires, tools specific to the field are necessary. Chainsaws and axes are used when attempting to get through a locked door or through a wall. Door wedges are used to prop doors open at the site of a fire, and there are different, brightly colored hoses available that are more visible to a firefighter whose vision is compromised because of extreme smokiness or darkness.
