Fire-Dex has announced their donation of protective garments to Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions instructors at the 2023 FDIC International Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. H.O.T. Evolutions is a training program that helps firefighters develop the competencies required for the modern fireground.

The donation from Fire-Dex enables instructors to train firefighters on essential skills comfortably and stay protected during practical exercises.

Annual donation

Fire-Dex has been supporting the H.O.T. program since 2016, and this year they are providing 32 sets of TECGEN51 Fatigues personalized with the H.O.T. Evolutions logo. In total, Fire-Dex has donated over 400 sets of garments to instructors over the last seven years.

TECGEN51 Fatigues are specially designed for calls that do not require interior structural firefighting gear. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2021, there were over 1.3 million “fire” calls compared to more than 35 million “non-fire” calls that included EMS, false alarms, hazardous material, and other emergency conditions. Using alternative PPE for non-fire calls can increase the service life of structural gear and reduce the risk of cross-contamination among crew members potentially exposed to carcinogens.

Dual-certified to NFPA 1951 (technical rescue) and 1977 (wildland firefighting), TECGEN51 Fatigues provide high levels of thermal protection and breathability to reduce physical strain and heat stress on the wearer. This combination of benefits allows H.O.T. instructors to leave their turnout gear at home when traveling to the FDIC conference.

David Rhodes, the education director for FDIC, said, “TECGEN51 Fatigues provide our instructors with a great option in lightweight PPE. The heavy-duty, rugged, fatigue-style gear provides great protection and flexibility, reduces heat stress, and is very easy to pack and transport.”

H.O.T. Evolutions

H.O.T. Evolutions courses cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service. Instructors who use Fire-Dex gear have found the right fit to help participants become better firefighters. The program is instructed by key industry players who bridge the gap between hands-on skills and those developed in the classroom.

Jenny Surovey, the vice president of marketing for Fire-Dex, said, “We have a long-standing history of partnering with FDIC International to support and protect the brave men and women in service around the world. The H.O.T. Evolutions group can rest assured that they have the best gear to safely and confidently lead their demonstrations.”

Fire-Dex is committed to creating the most advanced designs that achieve the highest standards of flame resistance, the most comfortable fit, and the best value. Attendees at FDIC International can see the same gear that H.O.T. instructors use in the Fire-Dex booth (#1945).