Exploration of Firefighter Turnout Gear Part 1: Identifying Male Firefighter User Needs

Authors

  • Jessica Barker Iowa State University
  • Lynn M Boorady State University of New York - Buffalo State
  • Young-A Lee Iowa State University
  • Shu-Hwa Lin University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Eunjoo Cho Iowa State University
  • Susan P. Ashdown Cornell University

Abstract

Firefighters serve as first responders and encounter a wide variety of hazards while performing their job tasks. They also perform an array of movements when responding to emergencies. It is thus critical that their personal protective equipment allow firefighters to perform their duties with minimal limitations and maximum safety. This research explored the issues firefighters experience when wearing their gear to identify areas needing improvement. Researchers conducted focus groups of male firefighters throughout the country to identify areas of concern for firefighters regarding their gear. Data were analyzed using an interpretive thematic analysis method that revealed three main problem areas: gear function, wearer comfort, and protection provided. Specific issues related to these problem areas are discussed, and suggestions are made for ways to improve firefighter gear to enhance the experience of the end user. Findings from this study serve as a guide for future researchers and manufacturers creating new gear, as well as developing enhanced education and training of firefighters regarding their gear.

Author Biographies

  • Jessica Barker, Iowa State University
    Department of Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management, Assistant Professor
  • Lynn M Boorady, State University of New York - Buffalo State
    Fashion and Textile Technology Department; Associate Professor
  • Young-A Lee, Iowa State University
    Department of Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management, Assistant Professor
  • Shu-Hwa Lin, University of Hawaii at Manoa
    Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Associate Professor
  • Eunjoo Cho, Iowa State University
    Department of Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management, Lecturer
  • Susan P. Ashdown, Cornell University
    Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design, Professor

Downloads

Published

2013-04-02

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2013): Soy Protein Electrospinning,Cryogenics, Firefighter Gear, Counterfeit Fashion, and Apparel Systems

Section

Peer Reviewed Article

License

By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of all materials published in Journal of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management (JTATM) is transferred to the publisher if and when their manuscript is accepted for publication. Please note the following details as an understanding for submitting a manuscript to JTATM for publication.
Authors grant rights to JTATM to disseminate the paper and its contents as a file on the Internet when the paper is accepted. JTATM owns an exclusive right for the paper until it is either rejected or published. The authors cannot submit the same paper in part or in its entirety to another journal during the review.
Authors retain rights to be identified as the authors when the paper is published, and the patent right or rights relating to products or processes described in the paper. The authors retain rights to the educational and research uses of the paper, such as teaching and exchange of the published or pre-publication version of the paper with colleagues, for non-commercial purposes. The authors may obtain permission from the journal for a non-exclusive use of the contents in the paper, such as tables, figures and texts, with a proper acknowledgement to the journal.
Authors must warrant the originality of the paper in that the contents of the paper in part or in full have not been published or submitted elsewhere while the paper is under review.
Effective date for the above policies is December 1, 2010. The authors of the papers published before this date will be contacted via email for copyright transfer agreements.