Lin57EMT

I understand your point, and there are a couple younger people on our squad who would vehemently agree with you. I guess I fall somewhere in between the "full turnout gear" idea and your "my brain will keep me safe" theory. Ideally I don't approach the vehicle until it is safe to do so, but the exception to the rule will bring me into harm's way if I'm not careful. I will have my hands full providing patient care, and no matter how good the senses are, unless I can cause flying glass and metal to veer off by force of will, I could get hurt. Turnout gear may be the only thing that protects me from the unexpected. In my mind, it's the same as wearing gloves, goggles or any other PPE - no matter how good I THINK I am at avoiding contamination, somebody else might be aiming straight at me. I'll wear the gloves to avoid the bloodborne cruds, and I'll wear some protection in the vehicle, as well. I think no matter how "old school" I might be, I'd be tempting the Gods of Mayhem and Chaos if I went in completely unprotected and expected my SpideySenses to save me - I'm too old to be that fast anymore!

Yeah, there are quite a few suppliers of the Nomex-type gear. It's less expensive than traditional firefighting-level protection, and not bulky at all. I've seen some vendors peddling them at the local trade shows. The Indura is a better substitute, also. I'm getting the idea that EMS being tricked out in full gear is falling out of favor (finally!). We wouldn't object to the Nomex jackets, the gloves, and even the helmets. But the whole heavy thick-as-a-mattress thing is getting kind of old. I think our squad, or a majority of them, anyway, would prefer something like Nomex or the Indura fabrics. We don't really care what we LOOK like; we care what we WORK like. The bulky stuff just doesn't cut it.

We found that most of our people will put on the coat and helmet, but nothing else, with only a couple of exceptions. We do access the patient while in the vehicle, and sometimes a responder will stay with the patient during extrication, although usually the firemen will do stabilization just fine, so we do have good reason to be wearing the gear, beyond the fact that the fire company requires it. Thanks for your response. Personally, I'd rather wear our own gear and wait for extrication to be done by the firemen. Linda

Our squad (all volunteer, rural) is still a part of our local fire company. In the past, we have been issued old turnout gear for use at MVAs, including pants, boots, suspenders, gloves, coat. Whenever the fire company replaced a set of gear, they would give us the old stuff. It's heavy, hot, and ill-fitting, and the only thing that differentiates us from the firemen on scene are our blue helmets. We'd like to find a lightweight (or lighter-weight, anyway)alternative. There are some one-piece jumpsuits out there, as well as two-piece. Who uses what? What do you like/dislike about your turnout gear? Do you ALWAYS wear what you are issued, or do you "forget" to wear some parts because they're too bulky or heavy or hot or whatever? Thanks for any input.

Xaby, You said in one post that you would find it a financial hardship to retake the entire course. You might check out any local volunteer rescue squads who would be willing to pay for your training if you join the company. Our company is strictly volunteer, and we pay for any member who takes classes, excluding the Paramedic qualification. All books, materials are paid for by our squad, and the member becomes a volunteer, takes time on the duty roster, etc. It's great experience, as you get to go on calls, become familiar with the rigs, get qualified to drive, learn the communications system, etc. while you're training. Plus, you're giving to the community, and that REALLY feels good. Check into it, if you think it might be for you, and best of luck with everything! Lin57EMT