The fire brigade from the Var Fire and Rescue Service They have now opted for a new, state-of-the-art suit. In a striking red colour, it is lighter than the previous model, more durable and offers better thermal and mechanical protection; the ergonomics of this new suit have been designed taking feedback from operational experience (RETEX) into account.
“The main improvement lies in the quality and performance of the lamination, which, compared with the previous model, offers better protection against heat, greater breathability and a slightly lower weight (1.7 kg for a size 96 L jacket).”, explains Captain Laurent Roques, head of the equipment support department.
Blue has been abandoned in favour of red
But that’s not the only new feature. In terms of functionality, improvements have been made to the design to enhance firefighters’ comfort, with the combination of a ‘technical polo shirt and jacket’, through the cut and various accessories or additions to the jacket and trousers.
As regards the choice of colour. "There is no standard or guideline stipulating a particular colour" The fire service explains that operational feedback points to the case for replacing blue with red: reduced heat transfer and, above all, improved visibility across all types of operations.
€610 per agent
On its website, the Var Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) states that it spent €336,000 on 550 firefighters, which works out at €610 per firefighter. This is a relatively manageable cost, but one that is certainly not open to question when it comes to safety.
“All professional and volunteer firefighters in the Var SDIS will be equipped with this gear within a few years” says Captain Roques. For the time being, only staff at the Brignoles fire station have access to this equipment. In the coming weeks, the fire brigades in Toulon Centre and Fréjus will receive this equipment. In 2018, the stations in Toulon West, Saint Maximin, Gonfaron, Cogolin and La Garde Freinet will be kitted out.
The outfit in detail
This outfit was produced by the company Vidal Protection of the group SIOEN -specialising in protective clothing for professionals-.
