Archives > 2007 > September 2007 >The Road Warrior - Extrication Suits Are For MVA Responses
September 2007
The Road Warrior
by Allen Baldwin
Extrication Suits Are For MVA Responses
For most departments, structural firefighting turnout gear is the standard issue for vehicle extrication responses. Let’s face it, it’s familiar, readily available and we are, for the most part, comfortable working in it. Extrication suits, however, are better for motor vehicle accident (MVA) responses. Let’s look at the reasons why.
Structural firefighting gear affords us a high level of cut-and-puncture protection, not to mention protection from fluids and flash fires for the most part when worn properly.
These benefits can also cause problems. Due to gear thickness and bulk, we are more susceptible to heat buildup. Just putting turnout gear on can raise your body heat index by 10 degrees. Higher body temperatures can spell all types of health issues and speed up fatigue among responders, which can adversely affect operations and personal safety.
The bulk is a problem too. While it offers a good protective envelope, it can also limit mobility, which results in physical stress that can reduce our ability to get the job done quickly and safely. The bulk of the gear also makes it easier to get caught on or in something at the scene, especially when working in tight quarters.
Because of these facts, I have seen what I jokingly call the “MVA Strip Down Factor,” where firefighters shed gear during operations. Take a look at vehicle accident photos from your department or others in your area and, from a personal protective equipment view, what do you see? I’ll bet you notice personnel in various states of PPE undress.
Some will be wearing only street clothes or uniforms, others may have full PPE, and the rest will have just the bunker pants or the coat.
Many fire departments require full turnout gear when working on the scene of accidents. Turnout gear made for structural firefighting is not always comfortable for extrication work, but it does provide a tremendous amount of protection from fire and from sharp objects that can tear skin easily. |
Some rescuers do not use turnout gear at scenes because it is too hot and too cumbersome for extrication work. However, day uniforms provide little protection from flash fires and jagged metal, plastic and glass. Some departments find extrication suits more acceptable than structural firefighting turnout gear. |
Extrication suits and jump suits are cooler and more flexible than structural firefighting gear. They are made by virtually all turnout gear manufacturers and have different features and benefits. (Fire Apparatus Photo) |
The reason for the various stages of PPE disrobing is simple – the gear is too restrictive, bulky and hot. And where there is no standard operating guideline (SOG) for PPE at accident scenes, the gear is quickly tossed aside.
Being A Realist
Unfortunately, by getting involved in the MVA Strip Down Factor, the protection afforded by structural firefighting PPE goes out the window.
Some departments mandate that turnout gear be worn during MVA responses, and I agree with that to an extent, especially for vehicle extrication and extrication training. I am, however, a realist, and I understand the argument that structural turnout gear is just too much and really should be used by the personnel with the protection hose line in hand.
Those who believe structural turnout gear should be required at MVAs will cite its benefits, like providing protection from tears and punctures, as well as fire protection in the event of a flash fire. But, none of that means a thing if a firefighter is there popping a door off in bunker pants, helmet and a coat that is open or off with nothing between the metal and skin but a cotton T-shirt.
With this in mind, there is a way to provide better and higher levels of protection above the department issued T-shirt, but a little more comfortable than structural firefighting turnout gear. Outfitting responders with one of the many available extrication jump suits, or extrication coat and pants combinations will easily fill that bill.
All of the major structural firefighting turnout gear manufacturers such as Globe, Janesville, Morning Pride, and Fire Dex make these suits along with several other PPE vendors, such as American Fire.
The suits are usually made out of a cotton/Nomex mixture and many of the same materials as structural firefighting turnout gear. Just like structural firefighting turnout gear, the options for these garments are endless. Everything from radio and bellows pockets to reinforced elbows, kneepads, chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) barriers, including a host of liner and shell combinations are available.
Additionally, these garments can be outfitted with a variety of reflective stripping options to increase the visibility of the wearer. Depending on the fabric and options selected, these suits are about a quarter of the cost of a set of turnout gear.
There are two styles that are readily available – coveralls and the separate extrication coat and pant combinations.
Each has its advantages concerning fit, mobility and comfort. It really becomes a personal preference as to which style is best suited for department and individual needs.
The big advantage to these suits is that they are lighter in weight, which means less heat stress, and better fit than regular structural firefighting turnout gear for increased mobility.
Contact your local equipment vendor and ask for some of these garments to try and help determine if they might increase safety during vehicle extrications. If it fits well and is comfortable, responders just might wear it.
Also, take some time to look at the National Fire Protection Association 1951 standard and see what is required for this type of purchase. The 2007 edition specifies the minimum design, performance, testing and certification requirements for utility technical rescue, rescue and recovery technical rescue, and CBRN responses. The standard specifically targets garments for technical rescue utility ensembles and components that are designed to provide a limited amount of protection in work areas where physical and thermal hazards are expected.
These work areas include search and rescue and vehicle extrication. These ensembles are intended to provide protection from tears, abrasions, and low-level heat. The garments can also provide varying levels of blood-borne pathogens protection, depending on the material specified.
Before buying anything, review the standard and make sure what you are looking at is compliant.
I’d like to offer a special thanks to Moul Enterprises for its assistance in researching this information.
And, as always, be safe and return to quarters.
Editor’s Note: Allen Baldwin is the manager of operations and incident response for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and a volunteer captain with the Gettysburg (Pa.) Fire Department. He has been a firefighter and EMT for over 25 years, served as chief of the Chambersburg (Pa.) Fire Department and is an instructor with the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and several community colleges.