By Alan M. Petrillo
The personal protective equipment (PPE) needs of emergency medical service (EMS) responders differ from those of structural firefighters, with less emphasis on protection from heat and more on protection from bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and other substances.
As a result, PPE manufacturers are making gear tailored for those specific needs as well as turnouts compliant with multiple National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
1 Lion makes the MedPro line of EMS turnout gear with a Westex® DH fire-resistant, breathable outer shell and a CROSSTECH® EMS moisture barrier. (Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Lion.)
EMS Turnouts
Alysha Gray, product manager of fire PPE for Lion, says that Lion introduced its MedPro™ emergency medical call gear last year and that it is compliant with NFPA 1999, Standard on Protective Clothing and Ensembles for Emergency Medical Operations. Gray says MedPro’s outer shell is constructed of Westex® DH fire-resistant, breathable fabric with a Hydropel Premier finish “that gives both comfortable and durable protection against flash fires.” MedPro gear has a durable CROSSTECH® EMS moisture barrier that protects against blood, body fluid, and water while still remaining breathable, she says.
2 The TR-51 series of TECHRESCUE® turnout gear made by Lion is dual compliant with NFPA standards for EMS and technical rescue work.
Gray points out that MedPro gear, available in both navy and high-visibility yellow colors, has PCA-reinforced elbows, knees, and cuffs; has Lite-N-Dri™ knee cushioning; functional pockets for easy tool access and versatility; and “superior mobility because of a banded crotch, underarm bellows, and bi-swing back,” she adds.
Karen Lehtonen, vice president of innovation and product management for Lion, notes that Lion’s TR51™ technical rescue and recovery ensemble is compliant with NFPA 1999 and NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents. “Our technical rescue PPE is a multipurpose garment that is an option for EMS use,” Lehtonen says. “The Nomex® outer shell is tough and durable for extended wear life; the 3M Scotchlite™ reflective material makes sure you’re seen in low-light and daylight conditions; and the CROSSTECH S/R removable liner provides liquid penetration resistance to water, blood, and bodily fluids.”
Rob Freese, senior vice president of marketing for Globe Manufacturing Co., says Globe’s EMSRESCUE™ gear is all-weather, waterproof, breathable, lightweight, windproof, and comfortable. “The gear is compliant with NFP