Abstract

As more females integrate into fire service, it is essential to provide them with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly firefighting turnout coat and pants. Previous research has highlighted the challenges firewomen face regarding the fit and comfort of their gear; however, no efforts have been made to comprehensively examine the designs, materials, and sizing systems of female-specific firefighting turnout coat and pants. Thus, this research aims to understand the concerns of female firefighters regarding existing turnout coats and pants, including but not limited to size and fit. This study is distinctive because it provides a comprehensive exploration of female firefighters’ concerns about the design and fit of their turnout ensembles. To achieve this goal, the researchers conducted a systematic literature review and analysis. The study reviews the challenges firewomen face when working in their turnout gear, identifies the gaps in the fire service’s PPE market, and propose potential solutions to address the concerns of female firefighters.

Keywords:Firewomen; Female firefighters; Turnout gear; Personal Protective Equipment; Fit

Abbreviations:PPE: Personal Protective Equipment; NFPA: National Fire Protection Association; SCBA: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus