DUBBO firefighters were the recipients of new state-of-the-art helmets rolled out to the city this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The "jet-style" helmets had lights and built-in radio technology to enable firefighters to clearly communicate with each other while wearing breathing apparatus, according to Sydney-based Fire and Rescue NSW hazardous materials and breathing apparatus specialist Ben Chan.
The helmets were also expected to provide greater protection from heat and falling debris.
Senior firefighter Chan spent Friday in Dubbo training local firefighters in how to use their new equipment.
"First of all the firefighters are fitted with the helmets, then I show them how to pull the helmets apart, service them and put them back together," he said.
"There are several parts, including the ocular and full-face visor. They also have proximity lights rather than a regular beam light.
"Then we'll do a practical drill to demonstrate their features and to make sure everyone's comfortable using them."
Senior firefighter Chan said traditionally, it had been difficult for firefighters to communicate while wearing breathing apparatus.
"But the way these new helmets enable us to use communications in conjunction with breathing apparatus, being able to having a speaker right near your ear, and a microphone here, the guys are loving them," he said.
Senior firefighter Chan said the helmets had already been put through their paces in Sydney.
"There have been a couple of big factory fires west of Sydney and from all accounts they have worked well," he said.
Thousands of firefighters across the state would receive the helmets, worth $750 each, as part of a $7 million investment by the NSW government.
Following Dubbo, the helmets would be rolled out to Trangie, Warren, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, Bourke, Peak Hill, Coolah and Dunedoo, Senior Firefighter Chan said.
Earlier this year Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins said the new helmets provided a level of protection "a generation above" the current style of helmet first adopted in 1993.
Safety company MSA Australia was selected to supply more than 6800 of the Gallet F1 XF structural fire helmets and in-built communications systems to Fire and Rescue NSW.
"An extensive process was undertaken to identify the best product on the market and we know that we've achieved a great result," Commissioner Mullins said.