Don't Make Do: Why Proper PPE Fit is Non-Negotiable

SCBA and Hood Integration

• Mask that seals properly with your hood in place
• Hood that stays in position during movement
• No pressure points from SCBA straps
• Clear field of vision in all directions

For Our Female Firefighters

Let's address something important: traditional gear designs often don't cut it for our female firefighters. It's not just about comfort – it's about safety and respect. We're seeing more and more manufacturers finally stepping up with gear designed for different body types, but we need to keep pushing for better options.

Common issues that need addressing:

• Proper chest and hip proportions in turnout gear
• Adjusted shoulder and waist placement
• Correctly sized gloves that maintain dexterity
• Boots that actually fit female foot shapes
• Face pieces that seal properly on different face shapes

This isn't about special treatment – it's about ensuring everyone on the crew has gear that works as intended. Because when the tones drop, we're all firefighters who need our equipment to protect us, not hinder us.

The Movement Factor

Remember what they taught us about kinesiology? Your skin can stretch several inches around joints during normal movement. Your gear needs to move with you, not against you. Those flex points at the elbows, knees, and shoulders aren't just fancy features – they're what let you work effectively when every second counts.

Think about these common movements:

• Overhead ladder throws
• Crawling through tight spaces
• Tool operation above your head
• Dragging hose around corners
• Victim carries down stairs
• Forcible entry operations

Each of these requires your gear to flex and move naturally. When it doesn't, you're using extra energy and putting yourself at risk.

The Heat Factor

Here's something we don't talk about enough: properly fitting gear actually helps manage your heat stress. How? It's all about those air gaps. When your gear fits right:

• Air layers provide proper insulation
• Sweat can evaporate more effectively
• Movement doesn't compress your thermal protection
• Ventilation systems work as designed

Remember, we're already dealing with extreme heat – your gear should help you manage it, not make it worse.

Taking Action

Here's what you can do to ensure you're getting the protection you deserve:

Know Your Numbers

• Update measurements after significant physical changes
• Document what works and what doesn't

Test Your Gear

• Do a full range of motion check
• Practice common firefighting movements
• Check in all lighting conditions
• Test with your SCBA and radio

Speak Up

• Report fit issues immediately
• Document problems formally
• Share concerns about gear limitations
• Advocate for proper sizing options

Regular Assessment

• Check fit after each washing
• Evaluate wear patterns
• Monitor for compressed areas
• Inspect closure systems

The Bottom Line

Your PPE isn't just another piece of equipment – it's the barrier between you and everything the fireground throws at you. Every movement, every decision, every action you take depends on that gear working exactly as designed. There's no room for compromise, no space for "good enough."

When your gear fits right, it becomes part of you. It moves when you move, protects when you need it, and lets you focus on what matters – the job in front of you. That's not a luxury – it's a necessity.

Remember:

We don't wear this gear because it's comfortable. We wear it because what we do isn't. But that doesn't mean it should work against us. Every firefighter deserves gear that fits right, moves right, and protects right. Because at the end of the day, proper fit isn't just about the gear – it's about making sure everyone makes it home.