Designing the protection systems for our future firefighters requires a deep understanding of the role, innovative thinking and continued investment in research and development.
Developing tomorrow’s PPE solutions is a perpetual priority for the team at GORE-TEX Professional, built on a legacy that has seen Gore as a pioneer of innovation in firefighter protection for over 40 years since being first to design a moisture barrier for use in firefighting suits. At that time there was little understanding about the concept of managing moisture inside structural fire gear. Those new suits used lighter-weight outer fabrics and a GORE-TEX moisture barrier to keep firefighters dry from the inside and outside for the first time, revolutionising PPE and significantly reducing the risk of burns and heat stress. Today, over 5 million firefighters around the world are protected by GORE-TEX product technology.
Gore has continued to drive innovation with advanced technologies that consistently set new standards for protection. GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® was introduced in the early nineties, incorporating additional protection in the moisture barrier from blood and body fluids, particulates and common chemicals. This was closely followed by the development of a radical new solution in 2000 that uses thermally stable silicon spacers on the moisture barrier to create an insulating air cushion between the layers of the garment, called GORE-TEX AIRLOCK®, offering lightweight waterproof, breathable protection.
More recently, Gore introduced the unique GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PARALLON® System, which incorporates two membranes to enhance the breathability of the garment without compromising on protection, even in wet conditions. It combines a highly breathable Gore thermal barrier with a GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® moisture barrier to create consistent thermal protection and enhanced comfort for the wearer during structural firefighting activities. It is quick drying to optimise redeployment of firefighting teams at prolonged incidents.
Gore has continued this trend of game-changing new product development with the launch of its revolutionary GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric. It is a unique waterproof, windproof and breathable product that enhances comfort while protecting from blood pathogens and flash fire. It sets a new standard for personal protection for technical rescue, bringing together proven Gore technologies to create a solution that delivers previously unheard-of performance and comfort. The fabric eliminates the traditional compromise between comfort and protection for rescue work.
The commitment to continuously innovate is a fundamental principal across the team at GORE-TEX Professional and Gore continues to invest heavily in research and development. It’s a process that starts with time spent with firefighters to develop a detailed understanding of their needs and challenges. It then moves in-house with concept development and product testing that extends through the supply chain to ensure that garments manufactured with GORE-TEX fabrics meet the most stringent performance standards and requirements.
Gore’s testing facilities are among the best in the world. Its Biophysics and Flame Protection laboratories allow Gore engineers to test and measure the properties of component materials, Gore laminates and fully constructed garments, as well as footwear.
The Environmental Chamber can recreate up to 95% of the environments on the earth’s surface, allowing teams to evaluate the performance of products in specific conditions while collecting quantitative data on the protection provided and resulting comfort of the wearer.
The Heat and Flame Protection lab enables product development specialists to precisely measure and analyse the ability of its products to provide the three key elements of burn protection: flame resistance, thermal insulation and thermal stability.
All GORE-TEX products are made to last, extending the average lifetime of a firefighting garment. They are designed to withstand the rigours of firefighting and regular washing and decontamination without any loss of performance, reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
Gore’s legacy of innovation and quality has played a significant part in dramatically improving the personal protection of firefighters around the world and will continue to do so for future firefighters.
