Manufacturer's Corner: Radio Strap Contaminants - An Overlooked Piece of Gear

Manufacturers’ Corner content is sponsored by manufacturers and suppliers serving the fire service industry.

Firefighter radio straps are the most overlooked piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as it relates to cleaning and decontamination. Every day, firefighters and emergency responders are exposed to silent killers such as carcinogens from airborne particulates in fires, fentanyl and blood borne pathogens like hepatitis B & C as well as HIV. The emergence of another silent killer - COVID-19 - presents an added layer of complexity when it comes to keeping our first responders safe.

For decades and for lack of a better option, a leather radio strap has been the traditional go-to strap among firefighters and EMS personnel. Developed by 23-year veteran Firefighter & CEO of Homeland-Six, Captain Sean Duncan’s mission after years of development was to offer the most rugged, comfortable and versatile radio strap on the market. Through Captain Duncan’s efforts, H6 developed the world’s first custom radio strap made from military grade nylon used in ballistic vests. Designed to prevent dry rotting common in leather radio straps, the H6 Radio Strap has left its mark on the fire service by serving as a more comfortable strap during extended use.

Homeland-Six (H6)’s CFO, Donny Campbell stated, “It’s surprising the amount of conversations we have with Chiefs who never thought of or realized the radio strap is the most contaminated piece of gear worn by firefighters throughout the day and every day.” To this point, leather straps are nearly impossible to clean; the cancer-causing particulates from fires can never be removed effectively to help prevent throat and groin cancers. The same is true when it comes to COVID-19 and other blood borne pathogens.

The ability to decon and sterilize a radio strap is paramount when considering the exposure frequency of first responders to pathogens. The H6 Nylon Radio Straps are washable with PPE gear in commercial extractors or even normal washers for eliminating sweat, dirt and bacteria/viruses. Leather straps are porous and act like a sponge retaining contaminants for the life of the strap. Once leather is exposed to heat, water or cleaning chemicals, the leather starts to degrade while remaining contaminated; rendering them useless for long term wear.

About Homeland-Six

Homeland-Six radio straps are extractor washable and backed by the industry’s only 5-year warranty. H6 has developed the world’s first Custom Radio Strap made from military grade nylon used in ballistic vests. The firefighter- and veteran-owned company offers a variety of premium radio straps with accessories all 100% Made in USA, boasting features like their reflective and glow in the dark tabs for enhanced safety in reduced visibility conditions, customized embroidery and fire resistant radio holsters. The Homeland-Six mission consists of five pillars, designed to support and protect firefighters, first responders and their equipment with high quality radio straps that are accountable, versatile, safe and ready for action!

QUALITY

• 100% Made in USA • Military Grade • Berry Compliant

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Loss Stop • Drop Prevention • Equipment Accountability

VERSATILITY

• Adjustable • Many Attachment Points • Supports & Protects Radio Holster

SAFETY

• Decontamination - Extractor Washable • Cancer Prevention - Leather Retains Carcinogens • Reflective & Glowing Straps Available

FUNCTIONALITY

• Lightweight • Comfortable • Durable

For more information about Homeland-Six Firefighter Radio Straps, Radio Holsters, Accessories and more visit www.HomelandSix.com.