What is the weight of the gear a firefighter wears?
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Hey bro,
i've been in the "firefighting" business for quite a while now (about 4 years), and i still don't know what the weight of the gear is:)
i mean, i'm with the civil defense in lebanon (you know, that overseas country that's always on riots and fire ans war:) so our training is limited to this: "here's the situation, DEAL WITH IT!" :)
all right maybe you won't be THAT lucky, but here's the deal:
you do realize that firefighting is way beyond just "fighting fire", so i suggest you keep in mind some of the challenging stuff you'd have to go through, you know, in order to get the best training possible:
- carrying heavy equipment up multi storey blocks
- lifting or dragging heavy unconscious people (that should add "some" extra weight to the gear:)
- being able to work in confined spaces where flexibility is almost impossible
- running out lines of hose (maybe it's coz i'm a chick, but man those things get heavy on the long run!)
- lifting and pitching heavy ladders;
- practicing your cardio endurance, oxygen tanks don't last forever, you'll need to practice controlled breathing
and last but not least
Breaking through hefty doors with heavy breaking in gear (that does NOT mean to ravage every door in the neighborhood!)
aand much much more i'm afraid
i'm really sorry i couldn't give you a number, just keep in mind that what you're training for is far beyond physical: i'm a 25 year old female, i may not be the "strongest" physical-wise, but when i'm on the field, i'm one of the best (and that's not just MY opinion:)) it's about dealing with crisis, one cold (and i mean "frozen-cold") step at a time
so good luck with your call, i sincerely hope you make it.
60-80 pounds
I believe the average weight of turn out gear is around 60 lbs or more. While in training...doing anything involving getting into the water, the gear will increase in weight by at least 40lbs.
Good luck to you.
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