Fire Fighting Equipment - Devices Fire Fighters Need

Here are some of the important fire fighting equipment that a fire fighter needs. As is known to all, fire fighting is a tough job. The firefighter risks his life for the welfare of the people he does not know. His duties involve getting inside the smoldering establishment to rescue victims. They also have to open windows, make holes on the roof, and break wall parts to provide ventilation. As they enter the burning establishment, anything can happen. The walls around them can collapse and the floor underneath them might break.

With a tough job like this, they need rough training. In fact, all firefighters went through difficult trainings to prepare them for the real thing. Aside from the training to develop their skills, they also need something else for their operations. No matter how good the fire fighter is, he will have a very slim chance of survival if he does not have the right gear and equipment.

1. They need firefighting equipments such as extinguishers and water hose with the fire hose reels. They need this to combat fire.

2. They have to wear protective gear. These are:

a. Turn out jacket - these funny looking jackets have fire resistant materials on their outer layer. This material prevents the firefighters from acquiring burns. The inner material is waterproof. This keeps them dry during their operation. These jackets have stripes made of reflective materials so that they will remain visible even in the dark.

b. Helmet - This protects their head from falling objects, heat, and water. The material used is fire resistant plastic. You can also identify their ranks basing on the color of the helmets.

c. Gloves - this protects their hands. It allows them to touch hot surfaces. This also ensures that their hands are protected throughout the operation.

d. Boots - The boots protect their feet. Ordinary footwear will not do because they might step on sharp debris. Their boots prevents the water from touching their feet.

e. Breathing apparatus - This provides them with fresh air as they enter the establishment filled with smoke.

These gears are designed specifically for the firefighting operation. No ordinary helmets or jackets will do because they can melt and catch flame. Fire fighters wear gear to have something to protect them as they do their duties.

3. They need flashlights. They need this to see clearly in dark areas. When smoke takes over a room, it will be very difficult to see. The flashlights will aid their vision.

4. They need ladders to get to the higher levels of the flaming structure. They also need this to rescue trapped victims.

Aside from the devices mentioned above, the fire fighters need other items. They need more than the extinguishers and fire hose reels to do their jobs. They will also need harnesses and other safety devices. After the operation, they use shovels and similar tools to check the floors, walls and ceilings. They need to do this to look for hidden flames that might reignite a fire.