Foam Products: What do firefighters wear on duty? 

Everyone knows that firefighters deserve every bit of praise that they can get. They should be considered heroes for the things that they do for people and how often they risk their lives to save others. Every time they put out fires or take an injured person to the hospital, this is an act that only professionals can complete. 

However, firefighters don’t perform these heroic acts randomly. Before being able to join a team of firefighters, they must first go through years of training and observing to learn the ropes. This includes safety procedures and what to do in the event of an emergency. 

They are also taught to know the correct attire while on the job. This is where we at Foam Products come into the picture. See the list of clothing items below to learn more: 

Fire-retardant jacket and pants

This is possibly one of the most important pieces of clothing that a firefighter will need. A fire-retardant jacket and pants are not made with a regular cloth. The material is almost rubbery and can protect someone against fire for a few minutes. It needs to be worn properly and tucked into other clothing items to protect the skin. 

Hood and helmet

While protecting the body is important, firefighters also need to protect their heads. At least two layers of cover-up are required for their head before they put the hood and helmet on. This is so they are prepared from the hot flames or falling debris while on the job. 

Mask 

Allowing smoke and other harmful chemicals to enter the body is a big no-no. This is why firefighters also need to wear large masks that cover their eyes, nose and mouth properly. It must be worn at all times, especially when trying to rescue people from burning structures. 

Boots 

When fires break out, the ground can be hot and dangerous especially in residential areas. With all of the debris falling and the smoke, it can be hard to watch where you’re stepping. This is why wearing military-grade boots is essential for safety. 

Gloves

In order to rescue people, perform search parties or clean up the mess, firefighters need to hold a lot of things. Instead of exposing their hands to heat and various chemicals, they will be free to grab or push anything out of the way. These gloves are also made of strong material, so they don’t break easily. 

Respiratory devices

While this item is not technically something that a firefighter would wear, no job is complete without it. Before going into a burning area, firefighters must have respiratory devices in case they or any victims need them. It’s nearly impossible to breathe in a cloud of smoke, so having an oxygen tank and a mask are essential.