Firefighters use a wide variety of specialized fire fighting equipment that allows them to do their job effectively, efficiently, and safely. Each piece of equipment is specially designed and produced to perform one specific function in fighting fires. Some of the equipment used in fighting fires is used to ensure the safety of the firefighter, while others are used to aid in the rescue of civilians and to extinguish the fire quickly. Though each piece of equipment functions individually, they are all need in order for the firefighter to be able to do his or her job properly and safely.

Among the most important safety equipment that a firefighter uses is their personal protection equipment. This protective clothing consists of boots, pants, jackets, gloves, and helmets to protect them from heat and flames. The standard type jackets and pants are made up of a three layered design. The outer layer is a heat and tear resistant shell with light reflective strips. The middle layer is made of a material that wicks away moisture from sweat so that the firefighters don’t become over heated during a fire. The inside layer is made up of a vapor layer to protect the firefighter’s skin from burns.

SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) is made up of a canister that will allow the firefighter to breathe for anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes depending on their activity level. The canister is connected to a mask that goes over their face and includes a box that can translate vibrations into vocal sounds and is connected to a radio. One life saving feature of this apparatus is a personal alarm that will activate after 30 seconds if there is no movement from the wearer. This has saved the lives of many downed firefighters who couldn’t call for help on the radio.

There are many more types of specialized firefighting equipment than are used. From specialized vehicles to the fireman’s axe, many hours of design and testing go into making each of the items that help firefighters keep themselves, and the public, safe.