How aramid fibers help protect rescue workers every day

Rescue workers are confronted with extremely demanding influences every day, which they rarely encounter in their normal day-to-day lives. Hectic, demanding, confusing and sometimes dangerous situations are part of this professional group's everyday life and allow very few mistakes. Only those who can perform to their full potential within a very short space of time are able to survive when the clock is running against them and it may even be a matter of life and death.

To ensure that the years of essential professional experience of a rescue worker are not the only guarantee for a successful operation, various items of equipment and clothing are used every day that have been specially made for such situations. Aramids , as the protective and mostly fiber-formed all-rounders are officially called, have become indispensable for many rescue workers and ensure that the high demands can always be met.

Many Names, One Use

As early as the 1960s, companies had already embraced the protective and unique properties of aramids. The DuPont company in particular was able to impress the world with the aramid fiber "Kevlar" and make a name for itself within the clothing industry. The main beneficiaries of this then-innovative achievement were outdoor goods manufacturers and rescue equipment producers. The use of Kevlar led to an enormous increase in the quality of clothing , meaning that it was easier to face demanding operations. From then on, outdoor enthusiasts and rescue workers were equipped with a quality that had never been seen before and that has continued to this day.

Over the years and decades, many other manufacturers naturally wanted a piece of the protective clothing pie, so aramid has become known under many other names. Nomex, Twaron, Technora and others are used in the clothing of firefighters and astronauts, among others. The high-performance fiber can even be used for military purposes.

Impressive features

Aramids can counteract almost all possible scenarios. Rescue workers are aware of the high level of safety that they offer, so they would not want to do without these inimitable properties. Regardless of whether it is a matter of high heat or violent impact, the aramids incorporated into the clothing can withstand long distances and have become an indispensable aid for rescuers.

The tear resistance of aramids is roughly five times higher than that of steel. When you consider how enormously strong steel already is, you can imagine why rescue workers have been relying on this quick-witted tool for decades. The robust design can be found in various pieces of equipment, but also in vehicles. From protective helmets and bulletproof vests to cut-resistant gloves and armor - the versatile uses further enhance the already breathtaking character of aramids and reflect their importance in the respective areas.

Firefighters also rely on the properties of aramids every day. Surrounded by smoke, flames and high heat, firefighters need reliable fire protection clothing to be able to safely rescue injured people without risking their own lives. Aramids can easily cope with temperatures above 370 degrees . Aramids only start to carbonize when temperatures reach around 400 degrees.

Even when they come into contact with fuels, lubricants, fungi, bacteria or even salt water, aramids can survive and prevail for a long time. This clearly shows that one can even look far beyond the usual application scenarios when it comes to the many possible uses of aramids.

Alternative paths thanks to aramids

The violence, which is becoming increasingly harsh and brutal and is occurring worldwide, means that many paramedics are discussing the use of protective vests, or have even already implemented this measure. Since rescue workers and paramedics are usually the first on the scene, especially in the case of accidents, they are often confronted with violent people. Traumatized people and people under the influence of drugs and alcohol can also pose a danger to rescuers.

Wearers of a protective vest made of aramid fibers can enjoy the security of having sufficient protection at the scene of an emergency. This point, which is also very important mentally, helps ensure that injured people can be treated quickly when time is ticking against you.

Despite their tear- and impact-resistant construction, the aramid protective vests are incredibly light. This lightness means that movements during a rescue operation can continue to take place without complications. The protective properties therefore do not have a negative effect on the quality of treatment. In addition, the protective vests are usually not visible under clothing. The concern that people at the scene of the incident could react aggressively to the protective vests because they feel threatened can therefore be ruled out.