The Firefighters Podcast
The Firefighters Podcast is a global podcast seeking to develop, inspire, connect, motivate, represent & celebrate the world of our emergency services operators through a series of wide-ranging conversations celebrating those within our emergency services family and encouraging the support of this incredible group of people.
Operational UK firefighter Pete Wakefield speaks with individuals from all walks of life who share a connection with, can add value to, or can develop those who choose this life path.
Our driving purpose is to create a legacy resource for the current and future generations of firefighters & first responders
The Firefighters Podcast
#343 Beyond the Flames: The Lifespan of Firefighters Gear, PPE & Fabrics
In today’s episode, Beyond the Flames: The Lifespan of Firefighter Fabrics, we’re turning up the heat on groundbreaking research from the University of Alberta. Joining us are two incredible experts: Saiful, a PhD candidate who’s spent the past four years uncovering why firefighter gear doesn’t always stand the test of time, and Dr. Patricia Dolez, an Associate Professor and leader in textile science.
We’ll take you behind the scenes of their cutting-edge work, uncovering the hidden factors that can weaken your protective clothing. We’re talking moisture, heat, and even the chemicals that linger after a tough call. You’ll hear about:
- The science of fabric degradation—tensile strength, sulphur content, and water repellency breakdown.
- The unseen dangers of chemical leaching and how outdated testing standards put safety at risk.
- And exciting new advancements, like sensors that can monitor gear aging in real time and revolutionary cleaning methods that outshine the old-school wash.
This episode is packed with critical insights for firefighters, researchers, and anyone passionate about innovation in safety. Together, Saiful and Dr. Dolez will help us understand how we can better protect those who protect us.
So, grab your gear, settle in, and get ready to explore the science behind the equipment that keeps our heroes safe on the frontlines.
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A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
PATROL STORE UK
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised
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