Perceptions of turnout gear fit and movement restrictions among firefighters of different gender, service type, and measurement status

Abstract

To understand the factors contributing to ill-fitting gear, this study investigated user perceptions across firefighters of different gender, service type, and pre-sizing measurement status. A total of 345 firefighters (19.8% women, 34.8% volunteer firefighters, and 18.0% not measured) completed an online survey collecting their perceptions on general and task-specific gear fit and movement limitations. The results indicated that women firefighters and firefighters without pre-sizing measurement reported significantly higher risk of ill-fitting gear. Firefighters of different gender, service type, and measurement status reported similar risks of mobility and range-of-motion limitations in gear. Task-specific questions further emphasized the challenges faced by women firefighters and the importance of pre-sizing measurement. The unique patterns from task-specific inquiries highlighted the need of occupational context when investigating turnout gear fit and movement limitations. Participants suggested several solutions to improve gear fit, including better accessibility of gender-specific patterns, improved sizing procedures, and more frequent gear fit checks.