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Why don't we copy the French Fire Helmet Designs?
One of the coolest things I have ever received in the mail, ever... arrived at my house a couple of days ago. It was from one of the friends I made here on the FFN, and he is from France, where he works as a professional firefighter. Like many firefighters, we both like fire service related things and are involved with trading things back and forth. What amazed me however, was the functional design that I saw first hand.
Up to this point, I have only seen photographs of french firefighters wearing a very unfamiliar fire helmet style. To be honest, I blew off the design because they just did not look like fire helmets. After having the chance to actually wear one, I offer the following insight for those, like myself, who never have had the chance to see what our brothers and sisters across the Atlantic wear for head and face protection.
The world just keeps getting smaller... I invite everyone to take the time to get to know others around the world with the spirit of sharing and providing the most up to date training and response information available. We are not alone, we have each other.
Prenez garde à rester en sécurité, (TCSS)
CBz
The Casque Pompier (Fire Helmet):
Built in Safety Goggles:
Fire Helmet Protective Visor / Heat Shield:
View Through Fire Helmet Protective Visor / Heat Shield:
Fire Helmet Heat Shield:
05-25-2010 Update: I made direct contact today with MSA and spoke with one of two sales reps that have knowledge of the French Gallet F1-SF Firefighter Helmet. Here's what I learned:
• These "French" fire helmets are manufactured by MSA, which is 100% USA owned and is based internationally out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• MSA bought out the french company Gallet 7-8 years ago, which included this helmet design and manufacturing rights.
• Existing USA style fire helmets are rated to no more than 1500˚F, while this particular style is rated to 1800˚F. Why more? The same technology used by NASA for astronaut helmets visors are incorporated into this design. Both the helmet and face shield reflect the heat, keeping the interior of the helmet cool, with maximum interior helmet temperatures reaching around 95˚F.
• The existing F1-SF helmet does not meet NA standards as mentioned in one of the posts. However, there is such a demand now for this style that MSA is working on providing a NA approved helmet that has the same features but also possesses the necessary impact standards.
• What we are looking at is a glimpse of what the 21st century firefighters are going to be wearing, internationally...
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Vic Silverfish on
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I don't have an opinion which bucket is safer. I would like to see the different models tested to see what is better. Frankly, I don't see this style catching on in America even if it turns out to be safer.
Regarding wearing gear incorrectly: any piece of equipment that requires proper use is a risk. If you could replace it with gear that is inherently safe (i.e. can't be used incorrectly) that would reduce the risk. If this helmet's design means you don't need to worry about ear flaps and your collar, that's an improvement. Weigh that against the heat-stress of a full enclosure, reduced hearing, etc, and welcome to the world of risk management! I'll bet each model performs better in some areas and worse in others.
To an extent, it is trying to protect people from themselves. I'd rather not think of it as "big brother" as much as reducing the number of steps and the number of things that can go wrong. I'm not worried about guys in big urban departments that run all the time and do it all second nature. I would think more of the suburban and rural departments (both career and volunteer) that just don't fight a lot of fire. They may get one or two proper jobs a year - now the blood is pumping and adrenaline is going - now the potential for minor mistakes (like ear flaps) occurring while you are paying attention to the big stuff becomes a real threat.
I come from a busy (3-5000 calls/year) station, now am at a slow (LT 180 calls/year) one. We train all the time, but the skills just aren't as polished as at a busy station. This spans volunteer, retained, and career brigades.
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Permalink Reply by John Sees on
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I don't care what helmet you wear. I don't wear tupperware. Leather forever.
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Luechtefeld on
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I prefer the looks of good 'ol American helmets, but function trumps style. My helmet gives me problems at times, and I wish it were as balanced as a hockey or motorcycle helmet.
I am definitely open to this style of helmet, but I am new and I am the exception - a lot of retirements stand between me and this helmet.
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Permalink Reply by Tom Krauter on
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By the way, i have one in lighting yellow, like the german helmets are....
Used, b ut in good conditions,,, who will change....
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Permalink Reply by Shareef Abdu Nur on
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For those that agree with me, Thank you. For those that disagree with me, I still respect your opinions. Please try to understand my point of view. I come across alot of newer FF's and even some older FF's who have no idea of our history as a service. With each new recruit class that graduates, unfortunately we are losing more and more of our rich history. I have seen so many traditions compromised because of some "idea" or "theory" that is actually based on more opinion that fact or studies. Not everything that is new is better and if we do not hold on to some aspects of our history then who are we to be in the future? Firefighting is not a job, a career, or even a profession...It is a tradition that is rich with history and culture. We have to ensure that the newer members embrace our culture and save our history. I understand and respect new technology, but let's make them prove that it's better and safer and not just newer before we just jump on board.
Please forgive me if I have offended anyone. It is never my intention to do so. Thank you.
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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I wouldn't wear that effin' thing to a Halloween party...let alone request or want to wear it to a fire......enough said....? French were always a little "different".......LOL
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Permalink Reply by Garry Russell on
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In the end doesn't this again boil down to personal or department preference like everything else does. Scott/MSA Pierce/Spartan/American La France whatever everyone prefers different trucks, gear, helmets. As long as the stuff is protecting us when we go to do what we do I say it doesn't matter use what you like because in the end it was all made to do one thing protect us doing one of the most dangerous jobs in the world and we all Love doing it
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Permalink Reply by David Walker on
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Tradition for the american fire service is not following the French. Not trying to be closed minded but..... umm... no not digging this to much.
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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In the end doesn't this again boil down to personal or department preference like everything else does
Yep, that's how it does boil down Garry.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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I'm going to say because they're ugly, (no offense to my French Brothers), and if we did adopt them, we'd have to redesign our SCBA's to fit them. Stay safe!
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and if we did adopt them, we'd have to redesign our SCBA's to fit them.
Perhaps you haven't seen the research in development of the new "flat pack" SCBA.
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