As a firefighter, you need to be prepared for every possible situation. Home fire pits can easily get out of control and moving machinery can set alight when workers aren’t looking. Having all of the important tools and equipment on hand means you can rapidly respond to an emergency.
Being prepared with all of the right pieces of equipment is also vital for the safety of you and others. When you’re called out to a fire, you can execute your job efficiently and save as many lives as possible.
Here are four of the most important pieces of equipment that you need to own as a firefighter.
A Hose Strap
Although some people might argue otherwise, hose straps are essential for firefighters. They’ve been used since 1898 and have been helping firefighters save lives ever since.
Most straps are made out of nylon, which is a lightweight material that is easy to carry in your pockets. However, they are prone to breakage, especially if you use them a lot.
Using velcro heavy-duty straps will reduce the risk of breakages so you won’t need to constantly replace your straps. You’ll have more versatility and control when you’re handling a charged fire hose, which is key to successfully putting out a fire and saving lives.
You can also use a hose strap to secure hose lines and keep doors open when you’re helping victims out of a burning building.
Earplugs
When you’re a firefighter, you’re often exposed to loud noises for extended periods of time. When you’re tackling a blazing fire for several hours, you need to protect your ears using high-quality earplugs.
Keeping your ears covered minimizes the risk of long-term damage to your hearing. Poor hearing could impact your ability to communicate with other firefighters at work and your loved ones outside of work.
Escape Rope
When a victim is stuck at the top of a burning building, you might not be able to reach them with a ladder. You can use an escape rope in this scenario.
The victim can grab onto the rope and slowly lower themselves to safety. You’ll also be able to use the rope for the same thing if you have entered a burning building to save those who are stuck inside. It’s a key piece of escape equipment that could save your life and the lives of many others.
Heavy Duty Work Gloves
As a firefighter, you’re constantly using a range of heavy equipment and this can take a toll on your hands. To keep them safe and injury-free, you need to have a pair of heavy-duty gloves that cover your skin down to the wrist.
Thick gloves will prevent your hands from thermal burns (damage to the skin caused by the heat of the flames), and minimizes the risk of cuts, burns, and punctures. You should have at least two pairs of gloves in case one pair gets worn out or damaged, which is likely when you’re dealing with tough equipment and burning flames every day.
