Fire & Rescue NSW orders fire helmets with built-in comms

MSA Australia has been selected as the preferred supplier of new structural firefighting helmets and in-built communication systems to Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW). This tender for firefighter helmets is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

In the coming months, MSA Australia will supply the Gallet F1 XF Structural Fire Helmet to more than 6800 fire officers located around New South Wales.

The new equipment features in-built radio technology and lighting, which provides firefighters with greater protection and clearer communications during emergency situations.

The new helmets enable firefighters to clearly communicate with each other, even when wearing self-contained breathing apparatus.

“We are very honoured and humbled to have this opportunity to help protect those who protect us each and every day,” said Victor Vendetti, managing director for MSA Australia.

The new helmets also provide firefighters with greater protection from heat and falling debris. In addition to an integrated communications system, the F1 XF helmet includes other innovative features such as lighting and adjustable eye protection.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that our firefighters have the best equipment available to them and has committed more than $7 million to this project,” said Stuart Ayres, Minister for Police and Emergency Services.

“An extensive process was undertaken to identify the best product on the market and we know that we’ve achieved a great result,” Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said. “Fire officers have to deal with life-threatening situations on a daily basis, and they deserve the best protection money can buy.

“What’s more, the new ‘jet style’ helmets look quite different, and the level of protection they provide is a generation above the current style of helmet, first adopted in 1993.”

The in-built radio communications equipment means that it will be easier for officers to hear each other at emergency scenes and to communicate about complex firefighting and rescue operations - this can quite literally mean the difference between life and death.

The rollout of the new helmets will begin in March, with the majority of FRNSW’s 6800 fire officers scheduled to receive their new helmets by the end of June