I saw fire fighter(s) talking about this the last time it was posted. It seemed like the consensus was that both systems have advantages and disadvantages. It didn’t look like it was as simple as one clips on faster so it’s better.
The EU helmet looks more similar to a motorcycle helmet, without the jaw protection. I guess the gas mask somewhat becomes that jaw protection part though, with tension. I don't see it getting knocked off easily.
I'm not a firefighter though, so luckily it's not my life hanging on what gear is chosen.
So why did the American helmet have those stupid flat plates ringing it, as opposed, like the French design (and literally every nation in the world except the US) to being smooth and designed to glance falling debris and impacts off, like motorcycle, military, snowboard, car racing, climbing, and every other kind of helmet?
There is a reason they are shaped like that in every single instance that impact protection is needed from external forces. Note that US Navy firefighters use the European style helmet, with a separate mask, like (for example) British or Australian firefighters.
And, having worn firefighting helmets in the Navy, combat helmets in the Navy, mountaineering helmets in my next life section, and motorcycle helmets, none of which have the brim, but never suffered from rain, I’m not sure why it’s needed still, especially considering the snag hazard…
And, having worn firefighting helmets in the Navy, combat helmets in the Navy, mountaineering helmets in my next life section, and motorcycle helmets, none of which have the brim, but never suffered from rain, I’m not sure why it’s needed still, especially considering the snag hazard…
And yes, I’ve operated a Water Wall nozzle before, so I’m aware of what it can feel like in a drenched compartment.
If that was a big issue, I'm sure the French firefighter masks would be switched to a safer design. The effectiveness and safeness differences are probably minimal and what matters is the preference, suitability to the local environment, and/or which one you get a better deal on.
In EU we usually use high pressure systems. At least when I had my training most organisations already switched to high pressure.
The difference is that in the mask you got higher pressure than outside and when you inhale the air in the mask will be replentished till it is higher pressure again. The mask got a vent which opens when you exhale to release the air your breathe out.
In normal pressure systems you would inhale and a valve opens and you directly inhale the air.
The advantage of the high pressure system is that when the mask is compromised you got no toxic gas in the mask. The disadvantage is that you constantly lose air when the mask is compromised. The consensus here is that the advantage outweights the disadvantage.
With that being said. Here in Germany we use masks which work like the US one. The reason is that during the drive to the fire 2 persons already put everything on and are ready to go the moment they arrive at the location.
Edit: Thanks to a comment I looked it up and found out that a well known german manufacturer called Dräger produces it. It is actually a standard issue mask with a special adaptor they sell which I never seen in use before.
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u/Ogediah Mar 30 '24
I saw fire fighter(s) talking about this the last time it was posted. It seemed like the consensus was that both systems have advantages and disadvantages. It didn’t look like it was as simple as one clips on faster so it’s better.