Research Symposium

BIO

Hi, I'm Robert Wilson. I'm From Bradenton, Florida and I am currently a freshman. I am interested in research that will improve people's lives and help to create safer communities. I am currently a premed student majoring in IMS - Clinical Professions with a goal of going to medical school to become a physician.

Turnout Gear Affect On Fire Fighters Range of Motion

Abstract

Ergonomics is an important field of study to consider when researching the efficiency of firefighter’s turnout gear. Firefighter gear consists of three main layers: the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner(Luo, Constance, Jin, 2012). Firefighter gear tends to be extremely heavy and can decrease firefighter range of motion, resulting in many work-related injuries (Campbell, Richard, et al, 2019). This study involved developing a new turnout suit design for potential ergonomic improvement compared to suits currently on the market. The main areas altered on the prototype were the collar, tailcoat, underarm, elbow shape, knee contour, and shape of the crotch gusset. This study was conducted using three different turnout suits that were made by a leading turnout gear manufacturer in the U.S. Two of the turnout suits are currently available for purchase on the market and the third was the novel prototype design. The purpose of the wear study was to assess differences between the three suits for range of motion and ease of movement in the neck, shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip areas.

Keywords: Firefighter Safety McQuerry Ergonomics