Advancing Firefighter Health and Safety: What to Expect in 2025

By: Mike Duyck, President

As we move into 2025, the fire service continues to evolve with advancements in technology, updated safety standards, and innovative procedures designed to enhance firefighter protection. From smarter personal protective equipment (PPE) to new decontamination methods, fire departments must stay ahead of emerging trends to ensure the health and safety of their teams. Here are some key developments shaping the future of firefighter safety.

Smarter PPE and Enhanced NFPA Standards

The upcoming NFPA 1850 standard will consolidate previous guidelines for turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), streamlining best practices for selection, care, and maintenance. This ensures departments adopt the latest safety measures, requiring specially trained personnel to manage PPE cleaning and repair effectively.

Additionally, wearable technology is becoming an integral part of firefighting gear. Health-monitoring sensors embedded in PPE provide real-time tracking of firefighters’ vital signs, exposure levels, and environmental conditions, helping reduce risks during operations.

Advanced Decontamination Methods for Turnout Gear

The growing concern over PFAS contamination in turnout gear has driven the industry to explore safer, more effective decontamination methods. Traditional water-based washing struggles to fully remove harmful substances like PAHs, PFAS, and heavy metals, often redistributing contaminants rather than eliminating them.

Liquid CO2+ cleaning has emerged as a superior alternative. Studies have shown that this method removes up to 85% of PFAS compounds, far exceeding the effectiveness of traditional washing. Additionally, the closed-loop system captures contaminants rather than releasing them into wastewater, making it a more environmentally responsible choice.

Legislative Actions on Hazardous Substances & Aid For Cancer Screenings

Growing concerns over harmful chemicals like PFAS in turnout gear drive legislative action and advancements in PPE design. Agencies prioritize the transition to safer, compliant equipment and provide updated training on its use. In addition, new House bills are being proposed to aid in supporting firefighters’ cancer screenings. 

A Renewed Focus on Firefighter Mental Health

Fire departments are increasingly addressing the mental health challenges firefighters face. Programs focused on stress management, peer support, and trauma recovery are becoming essential for improving long-term well-being.

Virtual reality (VR) training simulations are also gaining traction, offering realistic emergency response scenarios in a controlled environment. This immersive approach allows firefighters to refine their skills while reducing the emotional burden of real-life emergencies.

Wearable Technology 

Advancements in wearable technology are transforming firefighter health monitoring, offering real-time insights that can improve safety and longevity in the profession. Smart sensors embedded in PPE, fitness monitors, and specialized health-tracking devices are now capable of detecting early warning signs of cardiac stress, heat exhaustion, and toxic exposure—all leading causes of firefighter injuries and fatalities. 

Wearable tech can identify dangerous levels of carcinogens on gear and in the air, alerting firefighters to potential long-term health risks like cancer-causing PFAS and PAHs. Real-time physiological monitoring allows departments to track individual health data, helping prevent overexertion, improve recovery time, and create personalized wellness programs to reduce the risk of cardiac events. 

How ETD is Staying Ahead of the Curve

At Emergency Technical Decon (ETD), we are committed to staying at the forefront of firefighter safety. Our Liquid CO2+ cleaning technology is designed to meet the latest NFPA standards, ensuring that turnout gear is thoroughly decontaminated, free from carcinogens, and environmentally safe.

As the fire service continues to evolve, we are dedicated to researching, innovating, and providing fire departments with the best solutions for gear maintenance and firefighter health. From our advanced decontamination processes to ongoing collaboration with industry leaders, we remain focused on protecting those who protect us.

Are you ready to embrace the future of firefighter safety? Contact ETD today to learn how our Liquid CO2+ decontamination solutions can help your department stay compliant, protect your team, and reduce long-term health risks.