European Fire Helmets- Summary
European fire helmet – According to data from the U.S. Fire Administration, over 6,000 firefighters have died while on duty since 1910, and more than 1,300 died in 2016 alone. The presence of a fire helmet can make all the difference when it comes to protecting fire fighter’s heads against injury during an emergency situation. It’s also important for these types of situations where there is a high risk involved with falling debris or other building components. These components may penetrate through your protective clothing or gear, creating potential exposure points for fires. The American fire helmets provide more added protection against falling objects than the European fire helmets.
Introduction
Fire helmets are essential in fire departments/ services, but they come in many different styles- American & European,/Traditional. The biggest difference between European fire helmet and traditional helmet is their weight and durability. Traditional fire helmets were originally derived from leather bucket hats used for protection by French and British firefighters. They were introduced in the mid-1800, with the first one being patented in 1836 by New York fireman Henry Grata Cap.
The most common style of traditional fire helmet is known as the Maltese cross. However, there are other variations, such as pike-type helmets with a lower profile visor made out of polycarbonate (PC) material or polyurethane (PU) material layered together with aramid fiber reinforcement at crucial points where impact occurs during use. Usually around the neck area where no armor protection exists otherwise but still needs additional protection against falling debris etcetera
American fire helmets.
American fire helmets were designed as per the modern need for the health and safety of firefighters. These helmets have the features to mitigate serious potential hazards related to fire safety. Firefighters use these helmets to protect their heads and face in many ways. These can serve as an important part of your physical safety while you are fighting a fire. The head cage American fire helmet is to protect the skull against falling debris. They can even help keep water spraying away from your face during an emergency situation!
What is a European helmet?
A European fire helmet is a lightweight, two-piece helmet that has a face shield that can be raised or lowered as needed. It is made from different materials and offers better visibility than traditional helmets.
European-style helmets are also known for their comfort levels when it comes to wearing them. They’re typically lighter weight than traditional models, which means they feel less restrictive on your head when you’re riding your bike or motorcycle at high speeds on rough terrain.
European Fire Helmet Vs American Fire Helmet
The real designs and features of these two fire helmets can vary significantly depending on the specific country, region, and fire department or service. However, some important features with comparison are as bellow;
| Features | American | European |
|---|---|---|
| Sahpe | Angular/sharp | Round |
| Brim | Shorter | Extended All Around |
| Finishing | Dull | Shining |
| Material | Leather or Metal | Thermoplastic or Composite |
| Visor | No | Available |
| Stripes | No | Available |
| Eye Protection | Not Common | Available |
| Crest | Available | Not Common |
| Collar | Available | Not Common |
| Chin Strap | Available | Available |
| Type | Traditional | Modern |
A European fire helmet is similar to a traditional helmet but. . .
A European helmet is similar to a traditional helmet, but they have a face shield that can be raised or lowered as needed. The face shield is made of polycarbonate or polycarbonate/polycarbonate-aramid layered materials and has a clear or smoke-tinted glass surface. It may also have an anti-fog coating on the inside as well.
The main difference between these two different types of helmets is their construction. European models are built with hard foam padding on the inside, while traditional models do not have any padding at all (only cloth).
Another difference between European fire helmets.
Another difference is that European helmets are lightweight and are made with different materials, such as polyurethane or polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that can be used in many industries, including helmets, bulletproof glass, and other safety equipment.
Their shields are made with polycarbonate or polycarbonate/polycarbonate-aramid layered materials, which offer good impact and heat resistance.
Polycarbonate is a strong, lightweight plastic that’s used in bulletproof glass and riot shields. It’s also found in the construction of helmets, which make up nearly 60% of all helmets sold in the U.S., According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance and low heat insulation properties. It is ideal for use as a protective shell on your head when riding a motorcycle or snowmobile at high speeds on icy roads.
Wearers of the European fire helmet may find them more comfortable to wear due to their lightweight nature compared to traditional helmets. Traditional helmets can be heavier in their metal construction materials and chinstraps.
There are pros and cons to each type of helmet. However, European Helmets seem to be gaining popularity here in America. Because they provide better visibility than traditional types as well as offer additional protection against falling debris.
Hi, I am John Smit a Captain in Fire Department City of Newyork with over years of experience in the field of Firefighting and HSE. My passion for fire safety started when I was a young boy and witnessed a neighbor’s house go up in flames along with precious lives. Since then, I had dedicated my life to ensuring the safety of buildings, properties, and individuals in case of a fire and medical emergencies.