Emergency service clothing
The rescue service clothing serves both for self-protection and the visibility of the employees in the rescue service .
Due to the large number of rescue service organizations, there is a large variety of operational clothing. The shape and appearance of the rescue service clothing are prescribed in various standards.
The material quality of the rescue service clothing must be designed for frequent cleaning and disinfection, as aggressive chemicals are sometimes used. There are various washing processes that have been developed by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) or the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM).
Outerwear
The outer clothing to be worn by the employee is usually stipulated in the service instructions of the local associations of the respective organization. In the past, white combat clothing consisting of trousers and kasak , polo shirt or sweater was very common. This white clothing is boil-proof, does not fade and makes it easier to spot stains. The practical suitability of the white turnout gear is controversial, however, since the rescue service worker usually does not work in a clean environment, but a lot outdoors or in sometimes very dirty apartments. This can lead to heavy soiling of the operational clothing within a short time, especially if it is made of simple cotton. For this reason, many emergency services have switched to clothing, especially trousers, in blue or red and made of dirt and moisture-repellent materials. Usually the trousers are also provided with additional pockets on the leg in order to achieve a better functional benefit.
Jackets
The jackets of the rescue service are intended to protect the wearer from the weather and have a warning effect in the traffic area.
They are made of weatherproof functional materials, as they have to offer protection from rain according to DIN EN 343 . DIN EN 340 “Protective clothing, general requirements” also applies . The jackets should have a warning effect in accordance with DIN EN 471 class 2. This warning effect can also be achieved with a safety vest that is also put on when working in traffic. The jackets must meet at least the fire class Se of DIN 66083.
Approved colors of the textile background material according to DIN EN 471 Table 2 are only fluorescent colors :
- Fluorescent orange-red
- Fluorescent red
- Fluorescent yellow
Rescue service jackets have many pockets to stow material on the body. They are usually provided with Velcro surfaces for organizational purposes, for example for attaching name tags or functional descriptions. Often epaulets for attaching badges of rank are also available. In some cases, the organization's own logos are already sewn on during manufacture or even integrated into the warning effect of the jacket by reproducing them from reflective material.
Shoes
Safety shoes must be worn in the rescue service . The execution can be carried out according to the regulations of DIN EN 345 "Safety shoes for commercial use" or DIN EN 347 "Occupational shoes for commercial use".
helmet
The head is usually protected, especially against bumps, by a fire helmet in accordance with DIN EN 443 with a chin strap, face and neck protection. An industrial safety helmet in accordance with DIN EN 397 with the appropriate equipment would also be permitted.
Gloves
To protect the hands from infections are disposable gloves according to DIN EN provided 455th Cut and puncture resistant protective gloves are often available.
Web links
- DGUV rule 105-003: Use of personal protective equipment in the rescue service. German Social Accident Insurance, May 2016, accessed on July 15, 2016 .