6 minute read
The history of the hood worn underneath the firefighting helmet
The firefighting uniform is a critical piece of equipment for anyone working in dangerous fire environments. While most people are familiar with the bulky protective gear worn by firefighters, few realise the importance of the hood worn beneath the firefighting helmet.
This simple yet vital garment has an interesting history and plays a key role in ensuring the safety of firefighters during hazardous operations. The evolution of the firefighter's hood tells a compelling story of both technological advancement and an increasing understanding of the dangers associated with firefighting.
Early firefighting gear
In the early days of firefighting, protective clothing was minimal and often consisted of simple garments like wool or leather coats and trousers. Firefighters wore helmets primarily for head protection but there was little thought given to how to protect the rest of the body, especially the neck, ears and face.
As firefighting practices evolved and fires became more intense due to urbanisation, the need for more comprehensive protection grew. Firefighting helmets, which began as simple leather or metal structures, were designed to shield firefighters from falling debris but they left other areas of the body vulnerable to heat, smoke and fire exposure.
The development of the firefighting hood
The first true "hood" worn under a firefighter's helmet emerged in the mid-20th Century, although similar items had been used in some capacity before. The early hoods were made from simple cotton or wool fabrics. They were designed to protect the neck and ears from heat and flying debris. These early designs were far from the highly specialised hoods worn by modern firefighters but they served an important function at the time by providing some level of heat resistance and coverage to the exposed skin.
The hoods were often worn with basic helmets and could be fastened under the chin or pulled over the head as a protective layer. However, they didn't provide significant protection from the more dangerous elements of fire such as intense heat, thermal radiation or toxic gases. As such, the initial designs of firefighting hoods were more about comfort and basic coverage rather than advanced protection.
Advancements in materials: the rise of the fire-resistant hood By the 1970s and 1980s, technological advances in material science led to significant improvements in firefighter protective gear. The development of heat-resistant and flameretardant fabrics revolutionised firefighting gear, including hoods.
Materials such as Nomex and Kevlar became widely used due to their ability to withstand high temperatures without degrading. These fabrics are known for their flame resistance, durability and strength, making them ideal for use in environments where firefighters encounter extreme conditions.
Hoods began to be made from these advanced materials, offering firefighters better protection than ever before. They were designed to fit snugly under the helmet, covering the neck, ears and face to reduce the risk of burns and heatrelated injuries. These materials allowed for greater flexibility and comfort, while also improving protection against radiant heat and toxic gases, both of which pose serious dangers during firefighting operations.
The use of flame-retardant materials in the hood coincided with improvements in firefighting suits as a whole. Fire-resistant turnout gear, which consists of jackets and trousers, was paired with these advanced hoods to create an integrated safety system. The combination of these elements drastically improved firefighter safety, allowing them to operate in more dangerous conditions for longer periods of time.
The modern firefighting hood: functionality and design
Today, the modern firefighting hood is a highly specialized piece of protective gear. Typically, it is made from a blend of fireresistant materials such as Nomex, Polybenzimidazole (PBI) and Kevlar, which provide excellent protection against heat, flames and electrical hazards. These hoods are also designed to be lightweight, breathable and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
A contemporary firefighter's hood fits snugly around the neck, ears and lower face, offering protection from both direct flames and thermal radiation. The hood is often made with an extended neck that tucks securely into the turnout coat, ensuring that no gaps are left in the protective layers. The material is designed to wick away moisture, preventing the buildup of sweat and helping to regulate body temperature. In addition, modern hoods are designed to be flame-resistant while still allowing for maximum mobility and flexibility.
Some advanced hoods also come with additional features, such as an integrated mask for respiratory protection, which helps to filter out toxic smoke and gases. This addition has become increasingly important as firefighters are exposed to a wider range of hazardous substances, including carcinogenic chemicals that are released during a fire.
The role of the hood in firefighter safety
The primary function of the firefighting hood is to provide crucial protection to the most vulnerable parts of a firefighter's body. The head, neck and face are areas that are particularly susceptible to burns and the risk is exacerbated by high temperatures, radiant heat and the presence of harmful gases during a fire. Without the hood, a firefighter could face severe burns or even life-threatening injuries.
The hood helps to prevent burns from direct flame contact but it also reduces the effects of thermal radiation. When fighting fires, firefighters are often exposed to intense heat, even from a distance. The hood shields the firefighter’s neck and face from this heat, offering an additional layer of protection against long-term damage. In some cases, the hood can even prevent respiratory injuries by providing a layer of material that filters out some of the toxins and smoke inhaled during firefighting.
From its humble beginnings as a simple cotton or wool garment to its current design as a sophisticated piece of protective equipment, the firefighting hood has undergone significant evolution. Today, it serves as a vital component of a firefighter's protective gear, safeguarding their neck, face and ears from the hazards of extreme heat and toxic environments. Thanks to advancements in materials and technology, firefighters are better equipped than ever to face the dangers of their profession.
The hood, once a simple afterthought, has become an indispensable part of a firefighter’s arsenal, contributing greatly to both their safety and effectiveness on the job. As the field of firefighting continues to evolve, it’s certain that the humble hood will continue to play a crucial role in protecting those who risk their lives to save others.
