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Firefighters are responding to a broader range of incidents than ever before, changing what frontline PPE needs to deliver. Ahead of The Emergency Services Show 2026, Premier Partner Vimpex explains why specialist helmets, more effective decontamination and wearable technology are becoming increasingly important for firefighter safety.
The role of the modern firefighter has expanded well beyond structural firefighting. Wildfires, road traffic collisions, technical rescues and other specialist incidents all place different demands on crews, and increasingly, on the safety equipment issued to them.
As operational risks become more varied, fire and rescue services are beginning to rethink the idea that one set of PPE is suitable for all scenarios. Vimpex says it is seeing rapidly growing interest in dedicated PPE designed specifically for non-structural operations; offering firefighters protection that is better matched to the job while improving comfort and wearability during prolonged non-structural fire deployments.
That shift is already being reflected in procurement decisions. Vimpex has supported the rollout of dedicated ‘second helmets’ with West Yorkshire & Essex County Fire and Rescue Services; providing helmets designed for rescue, wildfire and other non-structural activities rather giving every firefighter a safe, leightweight and comfortable option for non-structural work.
The company believes this is the start of a wider trend as services look to equip firefighters with PPE that is both operationally appropriate and more comfortable to wear.
Designing PPE for today’s operational environment
Comfort has become a much bigger consideration in PPE design, particularly as firefighters spend longer periods wearing equipment across a wider variety of incidents.
Vimpex’s recently launched Fire 05 BE PRO structural fire helmet and MP1 Professional rescue helmets were both trialled as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s recent procurement exercise. Feedback from wearer trials highlighted several priorities that continue to shape PPE purchasing decisions: comfort, durability, ease of decontamination and value for money.
Those same priorities are driving adoption beyond the fire service. The MP1 Professional is now used by more than half of UK NHS ambulance services – reflecting the increasing number of incidents where ambulance clinicians require the same level of head protection as their fire and rescue colleagues.
Appearance and comfort are often overlooked factors in PPE compliance. Equipment that feels lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods is more likely to be used consistently, particularly during incidents such as road traffic collisions, confined space rescues and other hazardous environments where clinicians may remain on scene for long periods.
The MP1 combines the design of a modern rescue helmet with a compact, lightweight construction while meeting all of the relevant protection standards (EN 16471:2014, EN 12492:2012, EN 16473:2014, EN 1385:2012, EN 166: 2001, EN 14458: 2004) for emergency rescue operations.
Simplifying procurement through the NFCC framework
With both helmets now available through the NFCC framework, fire and rescue services can procure structural and rescue helmets from a single supplier – one that is dedicated to fast delivery times, excellent aftersales service and a long-term view on supporting the UK’s Emergency Services.
Vimpex says that creates practical benefits beyond the initial purchase, including simplified supply chains, easier access to spare parts and replacement components, and opportunities for package pricing across multiple products.
For services managing increasingly complex equipment estates, the ability to standardise procurement can also help improve long-term availability and maintenance.
Decontamination is about more than washing PPE
Alongside new PPE, contamination remains one of the most significant firefighter safety issues facing the sector. As awareness of occupational cancer continues to grow, Vimpex believes services should focus less on whether PPE has been cleaned and more on how effectively hazardous contaminants have been removed.
The company argues that removal rates of at least 75-80% should be expected when decontaminating firefighting PPE, describing lower standards such as NFPA as insufficient for protecting firefighters from exposure to carcinogens and other harmful substances.
It also says effective decontamination depends on much more than the washing equipment itself. Water temperature, detergent chemistry and the overall cleaning process all influence how successfully contaminants are removed while ensuring PPE remains fit for operational use.
Vimpex points to evidence showing that washing PPE at 60°C with specialist detergents can achieve removal rates of over 95% for some of the most dangerous carcinogens, smoke and vapours from EV fires and other dangerous poisons.
From its perspective, improving decontamination processes should not be viewed as a significant additional cost. The company argues that the slight increase in cost of effective cleaning is relatively small when compared with the ongoing cost of replacing kit lost, damaged or unable to be properly cleaned by existing processes.
Thermal imaging is becoming more accessible
Vimpex has also expanded its thermal imaging camera range, reflecting how the technology has become increasingly accessible across the fire sector.
The company says the handheld thermal imaging market has matured considerably over the past decade. Increased competition has given fire and rescue services access to a wider choice of high-quality products, while prices have fallen and manufacturer support has improved.
That means more services can equip firefighters with thermal imaging technology to support search and rescue, monitor fire development and improve situational awareness during incidents including the monitoring of hotspots during wildland fires.
Looking ahead to the next generation of firefighter safety
Looking beyond PPE itself, Vimpex expects wearable technology to become one of the biggest developments in firefighter safety over the next five years.
The company believes the next step is equipment that not only protects firefighters but also monitors their health and wellbeing while they are operating, helping crews identify risks before they become critical.
Its view is that firefighter safety increasingly depends on having equipment designed for the specific task, supported by robust decontamination processes and emerging technologies that help keep responders safe throughout an incident.
Visitors to The Emergency Services Show 2026 will be able to speak with Vimpex about its latest PPE, decontamination solutions and thermal imaging technology, and explore how equipment is evolving to meet the changing demands of frontline emergency response.
Vimpex is a founding partner and premier partner at The Emergency Services Show 2026, taking place from 16-17 September at the NEC in Birmingham. You can find them on Stand M1. Register for your free ticket here.
