Firefighter Safety Beyond the Call – Protect What Matters Most - Responder Health Part 2 — Firefighter Safety Beyond the Call – Protect What Matters Most
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Protecting Firefighters from Hidden Hazards

Protecting your crew goes beyond the fireground. The dangers firefighters face don’t end when the flames are out—carcinogens and toxic residues linger on gear, posing serious long-term health risks, particularly to the respiratory system. Continuous exposure to these harmful substances, found in soot and in ambient air, can lead to severe health complications, even when the damage isn’t immediately visible.

At Dräger, we provide the solutions and expertise to help you safeguard your team—ensuring their health and safety long after the emergency response has ended.

Firefighter Safety Beyond the Call – Protect What Matters Most - Responder Health - Contamination and hygiene in the fire department

Responder Health: Enhancing Firefighter Safety

Discover the ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of firefighters in this compelling video. David, a fire protection engineer from Sweden, investigates how fire services in Germany and beyond are addressing the invisible threats posed by smoke contaminants. Through expert interviews and practical insights, the video showcases innovative strategies and collaborations aimed at reducing health risks for those on the frontline.

"Since implementing Dräger’s decontamination solutions, our team feels safer knowing they’re reducing toxic exposure risk after every call."

Fire Station Essen, Germany

Expert Insights on Responder Health

Cleaning equipment after every call is vital to reduce cancer risks and exposure to toxic gases. Experts Stefan Magnusson, David Hultman, and Simon Vogt emphasize the importance of effective cleaning methods to safeguard firefighter health.

Expert Report: Decontamination & Health Protection for First Responders

No time to watch the full Expert Insights video? Discover our expert report for a concise summary.

Read Summary (3 MB)

Experts for Cleaning and Drying Solutions

With tested and approved cleaning processes, Dräger offers expertly tailored detergent and workshop solutions for Dräger’s PPE portfolio. Whether for small fire stations or large service centers, their processes ensure optimal cleaning results and extend the longevity of critical protective gear. Rely on our extensive knowledge and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in PPE care and hygiene.

Download this Brochure (1,7 MB)

Solutions for your Cleaning Requirements in your Workshop

Harstra Wash 6 HP

Ideal for SCBA cleaning with high-pressure systems (HP). It offers the largest capacity, with the ability to clean 6 SCBAs at once. Energy-efficient and mobile for ease of use.

Harstra Wash 9 HP

Compact but powerful, this machine can clean 9 breathing masks or one SCBA. Perfect for small spaces, especially when paired with the M18 drying machine.

Harstra drying cabinet F12

Capable of drying up to 12 SCBAs at once, this cabinet offers easy loading and unloading, making it efficient and safe for your team.

Harstra drying cabinet M45

This high-capacity drying cabinet is designed to efficiently dry up to 45 breathing masks simultaneously, utilizing 5 durable stainless steel baskets. The inclusion of a trolley ensures easy loading and unloading of masks, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Detergents

A selection of tested and approved detergents, validated for Dräger PPE equipment, allows for efficient cleaning of contaminated PPE either with manual cleaning or machine cleaning methods without a high impact on the material and function of the PPE.

Customized Solutions for Manual Cleaning

Dräger offers customized solutions for manual cleaning, tailored to your specific needs to ensure both efficiency and safety.

Personal Protective Equipment for Responders and Workshop Technicians

Need help choosing the right solutions? Let's talk!

Essential Resources for Firefighter Health & Safety

Safe Handling of Contaminated PPE

After a fire is extinguished, toxic soot particles settle in the surroundings – and also on the clothing and equipment of the responders. A few rules should be followed when on site and also when cleaning the equipment in the workshop, in order to minimize the danger from contact with these particles. Get more insights in the following infographic.

Download the Infographic (300 KB)

Key Factors for Effective Cleaning

The 'Sinners Sircle' model defines four essential factors that influence cleaning success. Learn how to adjust these parameters based on contamination levels and available resources.

Download the Guide (106 KB)

Safe Handling of Contaminated PPE on the Fireground

Fire residues, such as toxic soot particles, can linger on equipment and pose serious health risks. Explore best practices to minimize exposure right after an incident.

Download the Safety Guide (950 KB)

Safe Handling of Contaminated PPE in the Workshop

Proper decontamination in the workshop is critical to firefighter safety. Follow these essential steps to reduce exposure risks when handling contaminated PPE.

Download Best Practices (800 KB)

Workshop Solutions

Emergency response doesn’t end after the call. Our tailored services and workshop solutions help you streamline maintenance, reduce costs, and maximize your budget.

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