Most Important Firefighter Equipment

Firefighters have one of the most important jobs when it comes to saving lives. However, their job can be one of the most dangerous, too. That’s why it’s crucial for firefighters to have the right equipment. They need entry tools, medical equipment, gas readers, and protective gear to shield them. Learn about the most important firefighter equipment and how it helps them do their job.

Forcible Entry Tool

A forcible entry tool is one of the most important pieces of firefighter equipment. Crowbars, hooks, saws, and pickaxes can all help a firefighter get into a building. They can also help them get into specific rooms. People sometimes get stuck in rooms because they know it’s dangerous to open a door with a hot doorknob or with smoke behind it. It can mean there’s a lethal backdraft waiting.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is a phrase we hear often. Firefighters have important PPE that can guard them and save their lives. Their uniform is the most vital. Often called bunker gear, a firefighter wears bulky clothing with multiple layers to protect them from flames. They have flame-retardant gloves, overalls, coats, and a hard hat to protect them from falling debris. Gas masks and respirators are also fundamental pieces of equipment.

Gas Detector

Firefighters also have to detect toxic gases, as some gases released during a fire are fatal. Firefighters can detect toxic fumes like hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and ammonia. To make sure their detectors are reading correctly, it’s important for firefighters to know the different types of calibration gases that can regulate the sensor. Their multi-gas detectors tend to get calibrated with oxygen, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide.

Rescue Equipment

Firefighters need flashlights, door chocks, medical equipment, multi-function tools, and fire blankets to rescue victims. Smoke can make it hard to see without a flashlight, and door chocks keep doors open so a hose can run through the building. Firefighters are also registered paramedics. They should have a medical kit that includes nitrile gloves, stethoscopes, and shears. They should also have a fire blanket to wrap around victims they bring through the flames to escape.