The Basics on Donning Fire Fighter PPE

A fire fighter’s personal protective equipment, the PPE, when putting the bunker gear on, sometimes if not most of the time, is an after thought of importance and looked as being a basic fire fighting skill that’s a automatic when in a response or drill mode. I came across a phase know as “being brilliant in the basics” and since coming across this phase I now apply it to how I look at and do things within the fire protection and fire prevention fields. If you are good in the basics then you should have no problem handling the job at hand when on the fire ground. There are a lot of “basics” in fire fighting and the fire fighter’s PPE is just one of many.

The PPE “basics” are those steps that place the fire fighter into the PPE properly, quickly, as well as correctly. Donning the PPE should and needs to be practice periodically to be proficient where this basic of fire fighting equipment is on the fire fighter and protects because that its purpose. There are no short cuts, all parts of the turnout gear need to be worn. Having gloves in the bunker coat pocket while working on the fire ground doesn’t mean you are wearing them. Being a Safety Office or a Chief Office on the fire ground is not an excuse for not wearing the PPE. Believe me I’ve heard and seen these examples in my fire fighting career. They don’t wash. All PPE is to be worn by the fire fighter while on the fire ground and if not then that fire fighter should not be on the fire ground.

The helmet protects the head from impacts, and there maybe a shield attached that protects the eyes from flying objects and dust. The nomex hood protects the fire fighter’s face, ears, and neck not covered by the helmet or bunker coat. The bunker coat & bunker pants (turnout gear) protects one’s trunk & limbs from cuts, abrasions, and burns injuries (resulting from radiant heat), and very limited protection from corrosive liquids. Then there’s the gloves…are they on your hands (?)…which protects the hands from cuts, wounds and injuries.

Ensure all overlaps for your PPE are correct so when you add to your PPE ensemble by wearing the SCBA, for working in hazardous environments such as interior fire fighting or at the crash scene as an ARFF Fire fighter, the bunker clothing does not bunch up on you. When wearing the SCBA this places you in a advance wear of PPE now, so lets make sure to follow the “basics” on how it’s worn with bunker gear. Don’t forget to wear those gloved too.

There you have it, you can’t get more “basic” then that. If you wear & use your PPE correctly, then it will provide protection. Oh, it’s always a good idea to inspect after each use and wear of your PPE, to make sure it’s in good condition and is serviceabile. At the very least, bunker gear should be checked and inspected monthly. Doing the occasional “Bunker Drill” in your department every three months helps keep up proficiency. Who’s the fastest in your fire department to get their PPE on?