A firefighter climbing the ladder carried by a ladder truck.
Firefighters require a wide range of equipment in order to do their job effectively. Each day can bring a different task, so firefighters must be prepared for a variety of dangerous situations. Protective equipment helps keep firefighters safe, while various tools and vehicles help the firefighters accomplish their primary role: protecting the lives of others.
Clothing
Firefighter pants are known as "turnouts" because they are turned inside out with the boots still attached. This allows firefighters to jump into their boots and quickly pull on their pants, saving valuable seconds in an emergency. Firefighter jackets are made from three different layers of material. Together, these layers help to protect the wearer from extreme heat and extreme cold. Attached to the jacket is a hood made from fire resistant material.
Helmets
Many fire departments still issue helmets that are not dissimilar to those used by early firefighters. According to the City of Davis Fire Department in California, these traditional yet modernized helmets are considered "the most durable and safest helmets in the fire service." Helmets help to identify the rank, department and identity of an individual firefighter using color codes, numbers and wording.
Boots and Gloves
To survive the extreme conditions encountered during his work, a firefighter must protect every part of his body. Firefighters wear gloves made from a blend of high-performance fibers, making the gloves resistant to heat and fire. Firefighter boots are made of leather, rubber and a special combination of fireproof synthetic materials. Firefighters have to be very physically fit. When fully dressed in all the required clothing and equipment, a firefighter's weight will have increased by 50 pounds.
Breathing Apparatus
The breathing apparatus used by modern firefighters makes use of technology first invented by NASA. According to the NASA Spinoff website, the lightweight breathing system uses an aluminum composite material that was first developed by NASA for use on rocket casings. The breathing apparatus protects firefighters from injuries caused by smoke inhalation.
Tools
Many different types of axes are used by firefighters. Two of the most common axes are the pick-head axe and flat-head axe. Both are used for chopping, but the pick-head axe is especially useful for punching ventilation holes while the flat-head axe can be used like a hammer. Another useful tool is the halligan, used for prying open doors, breaking windows and tearing down walls. Plasma cutters, meanwhile, are an incredible invention. They are used to cut through all types of metal using a plasma torch. The torch reaches a temperature of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit which, according to the National Geographic, is "five times hotter than the surface of our sun."
Fire Engines
Fire engines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with various types designed to fulfill different functions. In the early days of the fire brigade, fire trucks were pulled by horses. Thankfully, today's firefighters can arrive on the scene much faster. The pumper truck is the most common type of fire engine, and carries all the equipment necessary for a wide variety of tasks. Tanker trucks hold a huge amount of water, more than 1,000 gallons, and help to supply the pumper trucks. Ladder trucks are much longer than pumper and tanker trucks. Firefighters need a good head for heights when climbing the telescopic ladder. When fully extended, the ladder reaches a height of more than 100 feet, helping firefighters to reach otherwise inaccessible places.
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