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Essential Equipment for Firefighters

Essential Equipment for Firefighters

Firefighting requires a lot of knowledge, skill, and bravery. But to perform their job, firefighters don’t just need the right qualities—they also need the right type of equipment. To learn about some pieces of essential equipment for firefighters, keep on reading.

Forcible Entry Tools

In an emergency, firefighters might need to break into a building by forcibly prying open doors and windows. This can help them reach people who are trapped or locate the source of the fire. To get past these barriers quickly, safely, and effectively, a station should provide their firefighters with tools such as pro-bars, pig axes, hooks, and saws.

The Smaller Essentials

The smaller essentials are tiny, lightweight items firefighters can keep inside their turnout gear or otherwise easily carry. Flashlights can help firefighters navigate through the dark or thick, black smoke. One of the best flashlights for firefighters is the waterproof and impact-resistant Nitecore EDC. It’s designed for everyday carrying and easily rechargeable so firefighters can store it their turnout gear, charged for emergency use.

Door chocks, or wedges, are used to secure doors. They help a firefighter manipulate the ventilation flow to a fire. A multi-tool is a collection of different tools wrapped into a single device. It can help firefighters pry open shut objects, clip through rope or wire, and perform other necessary actions without needing to carry around multiple, heavy tools.

Medical supplies are vital. Most firefighters are also registered EMTs or paramedics. Their medical gear should include the basics, such as bandages and disinfectant, along with nitrile gloves, stethoscopes, shears, and more.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Another piece of essential equipment for firefighters is high-quality PPE, or personal protective equipment. For a firefighter, PPE should include:

  • Belts and Harnesses
  • Breathing Apparatus
  • Firefighting Boots
  • Fire Helmets
  • Gloves
  • Suspenders
  • Turnout Gear

Essentially, PPE is like a firefighter’s uniform. Each item serves a different purpose and helps firefighters protect themselves from smoke, soot, falling debris, and more.

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