How to Remove Superheated Gear What is the proper way to assist a firefighter encapsulated in superheated turnout gear?
My discussions with turnout gear representatives have led me to this conclusion: Don’t hose down the firefighter! Don’t pat him down and don’t roll him on the ground! The most important thing to do is to get the superheated turnout gear off of the firefighter. If you are the firefighter trapped within this superheated gear and there is no assistance available, you must economize your movements while trying to prevent compression of your turnout gear as you doff your gear. With gloved hands, loosen the shoulder straps of your SCBA (photos 1). (1) Photos by author. Click to enlarge Next start to open the storm flap from the top down while unzipping or unclasping the turnout coat (photos 2, 3). (2) Click to enlarge (3) Click to enlarge On the way down, unbuckle the SCBA waist belt (photo 4), then unclasp and open your turnout pants (photo 5). (4) Click to enlarge (5) Click to enlarge Open the coat wide (photo 6) and roll it and the SCBA off of your shoulders and down your arms (photo 7).
