VIKING SHIELD is recognized by UL as achieving NFPA compliance across wildland firefighting (NFPA 1977), technical rescue/extrication, including bloodborne pathogen protection option (NFPA 1951) and Emergency Medical Services (NFPA 1999) certifications.
While most people associate firefighters with the heavy gear needed for structural fires, fewer than one in five call outs arise from such emergencies. Over 60 percent of all cases* in the United States are for medical aid; including rescue response or as support for emergency medical services and vehicle extrication.
For the first time, emergency responders have a purpose-built garment that has been designed for the majority of their call outs. The VIKING SHIELD is specifically developed for the most common calls departments currently face.
Grant Grinstead, Fire Segment Key Account and Product Manager for North America, VIKING, said securing full bloodborne pathogen protection certification would further drive uptake of VIKING SHIELD for technical rescue usage across North America, where its ‘three-in-one’ capabilities had “impressed everyone who has had a suit in their hands”.
“When every second counts, first responders need protection against every eventuality and they often don’t know what they will be dealing with until they arrive on-scene,” said Grinstead. “Crews responding to auto accidents, for example, need to be especially confident that they are protected against bloodborne pathogens.”
The ‘modular’ VIKING SHIELD suit features a ‘snap-in’ Gore® SR breathable moisture barrier. This liner protects against water infiltration, bloodborne pathogens and NFPA testing requirement common chemicals for crews responding to vehicle extrications and emergency medical operations. Simply removing the inner moisture barrier turns the VIKING SHIELD’s outer shell into a fully NFPA-compliant wildland fire suit.
The VIKING SHIELD is based heavily on user input at the design stage “It just fits better and feels better…that’s the feedback we’re getting” said Grinstead. “We’ve paid attention to the details: on the hook and loop, water resistant zippers, and lay-flat pockets. Plus we sized the VIKING SHIELD just like our structural gear, making it easy for the department to transition into it” he continued.
About VIKING
VIKING’s state of the art turnout gear is developed in close co-operation with demanding international customers. Founded in 1960, VIKING is a privately held market leader in maritime and fire safety with group headquarters in Denmark. The company provides essential safety and firefighting equipment for structural firefighting, passenger and cargo ships, offshore installations, offshore wind turbines, navies, helicopter services, fishing vessels and leisure yachts
around the world. www.VIKING-fireusa.com
