| Helmets
& Head Gear
Introduction
It should be no surprise that injury or unconsciousness
through concussions to the head can debilitate or endanger
the rescuer and victim alike.
Search & Rescue helmets and head gear are an
important part of the SAR/EMT/CERT operator's kit. Whether
in MSAR or USAR scenarios, head protection is essential for
the safety of the rescuer. In addition, civilians can add
an important measure of protection to their kits by owning
at least a basic helmet. Helmets are specialized to the specific
scenario in question-with the most shock and fire protection
being afforded by Fire Rescue grade products .Flame proof
hoods or head socks as they are sometimes called, are accessory
garments that are intended to protect the face and neck from
burns that may occur as a result of flames or sparks occuring
in close proximity to the rescuer or escapee.
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Bullard®
USRX Search and Rescue Helmet -
Highly Recommended |
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Bullard®
Advent® Helmet-
Recommended |
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Petzl Vertex
Vent Helmet-
Highly Recommended |
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PGI Ultimate
Carbon Shield™ NFPA Fire Hood-
Higly Recommended |

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Bullard®
USRX Search and Rescue Helmet
Source- http://www.chiefsupply.com
Cost: $139.99
Recommended Use- The helmet of choice for Fire
Rescue,Urban & Industrial Rescues
Comments-
Outer shell is made of the same high heat thermoplastic
engineered in Bullard? fire helmets. USRX also comes
standard with the all-new Quick-Blade Attach System.
Quick-Attach Blade System allows wearer to simply press
on or off for quick placement of face shield or goggles.
Sure-Lock® ratchet headband and 3-position height
adjuster for added comfort
• Dual certification: meets N.F.P.A. 1951-2001
and N.F.P.A. 1971-2000 standards
• Sure-Lock ratcheting headband
• Fast, comfortable fit – even when you’re
wearing gloves
• Three-point chin strap
• Ear/neck protector
• Nomex® construction
• Helmet comes standard with A.N.S.I.-compliant
ESS XTO goggles, which utilize reflective panels for
increased visibility
• Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz's.
• One-size-fits-all
• Helmets are available in your choice of White,
Yellow, Black, Blue, Red or Orange.
• Complies with NFPA 1951 for Urban Search
& Rescue and NFPA 1971 for Structural Firefighting. |
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Bullard®
Advent® Helmet
Source- http://www.chiefsupply.com
Cost: $74.99
Recommended Use- The helmet of choice for Urban,
Industrial, Confined-Space Rescues and EMS.
Comments-
Offers impact and penetration protection
similar to fire helmets and is essential in meeting
the hazards faced daily by emergency response professionals.The
lightweight Bullard® Advent® A2 Helmet is so
easy to adjust and incredibly comfortable that it's
the popular choice for high-angle rescues and wilderness
operations. The choice of F.E.M.A. and U.S.A.R. teams.
• Outer shell of polycarbonate alloy, inner shell
of ABS
• Distributes impact over a wide area
• Comfortable, secure and stable fit
• Sure-Lock ratchet headband
• One size fits all
• Weight: 27 oz.
• Meets ANSI and OSHA standards |

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Petzl
Vertex Vent Helmet
Source- http://www.rescuedirect.com
Cost:$85.00
Recommended Use- Search & Rescue over land
or water/Rope Rescue
Note: provides no protection from electrical hazards.
Comments-
Comfortable and durable helmet with
ventilation, meets requirements for working at height
• Adjustable ventilation: 5 holes on each side,
can be closed with 2 sliding shutters
• Chin strap designed to decrease the risk of
losing the helmet in case of impact during a fall (breaking
strength of more than 50 daN, EN 12492 mountaineering
helmet standard).
• Polycarbonate shell, resistant to impact and
wear (meets EN 397 industrial helmet standard and EN
12492 standard).
• Meets optional requirements of the EN 397 standard:
lateral deformation, use at low temperatures (down to
- 30 °C).
• Does not meet optional requirements of the EN
397 standard regarding: electrical insulation, molten
metal splash (due to the ventilation holes).
• Customizable: side slots for mounting a face
shield and/or standard hearing protection, shell designed
with clearance over the ears to accommodate hearing
protection, integral headlamp clips
• Simple, complete adjustability: a single adjustment
wheel with 2 height positions adjusts the headband size,
chin strap position can be adjusted forward or backward,
position of straps around the ears can be adjusted (rear
clip with 2 positions), adjustable chin strap.
• Comfortable: polyester strap suspension, thick
foam headband (replaceable).
• Technical specifications : Head band adjustable
from 53 to 63 cm, Available in white and red
• Weight: 465 g |

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PGI
Ultimate Carbon Shield™ NFPA Fire Hood
Source- http://www.chiefsupply.com
Cost: $35.95
Recommended Use-
Fire and Safety Apparel, Industrial Safety
Apparel, Motor Sports, Police / Military and Industrial
Non-Apparel
Comments-
Highest Flame Resistance-CarbonX is the brand name behind
the products produced by Chapman Thermal Products. CarbonX®
yarns and fabrics will not burn when exposed to intense
heat or flame, because the actual fibers will carbonize
and then expand, eliminating any oxygen content within
the fabric. CarbonX® goes beyond the norm in regards
to thermal barrier shielding, radiant heat deflection,
minimum heat conductivity and it's incredible ability
to not ignite, burn, char, shrink or decompose. CarbonX®
also has excellent moisture regain along with minimal
moisture retention .Meets latest specs N.F.P.A. 1971
(current ed.). The Ultimate Carbon Shield N.F.P.A. Fire
Hood is composed of two layers throughout. It covers
the chest, shoulders and shoulder blades. Elastic in
the face opening is serged and reinforced with a bottom
cover-stitch. All seams sewn with 100% Nomex® thread.
• Carbon Shield has
an L.O.I. over 50% higher than Nomex® and 33% higher
than P.B.I./Rayon blends
• Carbon Shield is a flame-resistant fabric based
on carbon fire CarbonX® technology
• Non-flammable & melt-proof: will glow, but
not burn in extreme heat or flame
• Deposits no tar
• Retains a certain tenacity at temperatures exceeding
2300°F for 90 seconds
• Low heat conductivity
• Over 20% lighter than most N.F.P.A.-compliant
hoods, yet has an excellent T.P.P. rating of 28
• Remain supple and soft after exposure to fire,
as well as repeated washing and drying
• Allows 200% stretch and recovery
• Will not fade or weaken when exposed to UV rays
• Excellent moisture regain
• Can neutralize unpleasant odors due to the carbon
fibers
• Wicks moisture away from the skin to the outer
shell, enabling rapid evaporation for increased comfort
and protection
• Size: One size fits all
NOTE: About L.O.I.: Flame resistance is commonly measured
by the highest L.O.I., the amount of oxygen needed to
support combustion. The higher the L.O.I. value, the
more flame-resistant the material |
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