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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 Matthew Powers on
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Thank you.
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Permalink Reply by Rafael Szabó on
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We use this version of this helmet
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Permalink Reply by Allen Ray Corey j.r. on
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I have to say I like the look of these helmets but have not had a chance to see one in person let alone try one out I would love to get my hands on one of these if nothing else just to give it a try.
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If you are traveling to Europe, you will find in any country of such helmets. In Hungary, for sure.
More info: Manufacturer's website: http://www.msanet.com/
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In Hungary, the time 22:30 at night, I go to work tomorrow. Good night, relaxed service (or Event-free service Which is the correct word? ), Stay safe!
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Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on
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Yeah...I suppose isolationism IS the best course of action. By the way, have you stopped to see where your clothes, auto parts (and cars) and a whole lot of other things come from?
And as a side note, the harrier and the aircraft carrier...both came from the british. And the P-51 Mustang, british engine. Damn good ideas too. And what about the french kiss (although nowadays I suppose it's called a Freedom Kiss.)
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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Geez FETC, your making it sound like I'm milking retirement...
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I'm not saying that anyone should adopt the style, but instead take a look at the features and make the decision whether it's something that we might want to see incorporated into our helmet designs...
The "I felt a lot safer" comment stemmed from the additional side protection that made allowances for hearing as well as the gold polycarbonate heat shield that is made from the same stuff as our SCBA masks.
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minimalist?
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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on
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That would be no helmet at all, if taken to its (il(logiical conclusion.
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Permalink Reply by Capkurt on
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I just received a French Fire Helmet when my daughter returned from her year of studying in France. I think they are very functional and lightweight compared to my American style helmet. It reminds me of my Federal fire helmet I had back in 1979 when I was doing an internship with the Oshkosh (WI) Fire Dept. Loved that helmet! Even got to use it for awhile on my first paid job in De Pere, WI until the City bought me a set of turnout gear. By the way, the comment that since we are American and we don't need to follow others is a little closed minded.
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Permalink Reply by Vic Silverfish on
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Heck, I'll go you one better - the entire premise of our Founding Fathers (liberty, freedom, rights of man) is based on the contemporary French writing. The US took French principals and (for a given value of perfect) perfected them. Ironic considering what happened when the French tried to do the same thing.
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