For the last few months during multiple non-structural training events I have been wearing Tecgen Xtreme’s jacket and pants. The gear is lightweight, single layer, non-structural turnout gear. If your big on firefighter health & safety, keep reading. Tradition may say otherwise, but education and technology may be on to something here.
I was initially concerned about durability because of the single layer, however, after multiple heavy rescue trainings; the gear has held up well. No holes yet, just some grease, red mud (from South Carolina), and other stains.
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From the Tecgen Xtreme website:
For most departments… up to 80% of responses are non-structural in nature. Now you have a choice for these types of calls.
70 and sunny during this heavy rescue class. Guess what we allowed the attendees to do? Yup, take the thermal liners out of the structural gear.
Smitty from Boron Extrication and I spent some time with the Tecgen Xtreme crew at FDIC.
TECGEN XTREME® garments are UL certified to exceed NFPA 1951 (Technical Rescue) and NFPA 1977 (Wildland Firefighting), making them the perfect choice for the following types of responses:
- Extrication
- Search and Rescue
- MVA
- Junior Firefighting / Explorer Programs
- Wildland, Grass and Brush Fires
- Confined Space
- Trench Rescue
- High / Low Angle Rescue
- Good Will Calls
- Support Personnel
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Pros:
- No break-in needed.
- Lightweight and breathable. I purposely wore this gear during the FDIC stair climb to feel the difference from working in structural gear.
- Flame resistant. During some torch training, some slag splashed onto the coat. No burns to the skin underneath.
- Much lower cost than structural turnout gear. Could be worn for extrication, technical rescue, wildland, EMS assists to extend the life of turnout gear.
- Multiple pockets with velcro closure are useful for small tools.
Snow showers in the morning kept me in structural pants.
Cons:
- No water resistance. You will get wet in the rain.
- Will require additional undergarments during cold weather.
Cost:
About $500 for jacket and pants, but check with Tecgen Xtreme for exact pricing.
www.tecgenxtreme.com
From about November to the end of March in Ohio, I anticipate wearing structural gear simple for the warmth aspect. However, during the spring, summer, and early fall months the Tecgen Xtreme gear is a great option to keep the core temperature of firefighters down. With all the talk about health and safety, we should consider options to reduce heat stress during non-structural responses and training. This gear will meet our expectations of reducing heat stress.
Pass it on!
