When you talk to fire departments today, you hear more and more often about changes in their day-to-day operations. Of course, firefighting remains at the core of their mission. At the same time, technical rescue operations, wildfires, extreme weather conditions, and prolonged operations are shaping the landscape in many places.
Operations have become more diverse. And they often change more quickly than operational planning would suggest.
In the morning, emergency responders help with cleanup efforts after a storm; in the afternoon, a wildfire takes a toll on people and equipment; and by evening, the next call might already be coming in. The demands are constantly changing. Sometimes mobility and light weight are key; other times, it’s weather protection or extra protective reserves. Not every situation calls for the same thing.
Does protective clothing always have to be designed the same way, even though the demands are becoming increasingly varied?
With the HORIZON, we’re taking this very idea to heart. The clothing wasn’t designed for a single type of operation, but for the diversity of modern operational scenarios. Technical rescue, brush fire suppression, wildland operations, or light firefighting all place different demands on both personnel and equipment. The gear can be just as flexible.
Membrane as needed
At the heart of the HORIZON is a modular membrane system. The outer shell and the membrane can be worn together or separately, depending on the weather, the mission, and the required protective properties.
In just a few simple steps, the two layers can be joined or separated. When the membrane is inserted, it provides additional protection and weather resistance and meets further standard requirements. When it is removed, the result is a significantly lighter and highly breathable outer shell that allows for great freedom of movement.
Not every operation involves thick smoke. Often, it is long hours on the job, high physical demands, changing weather conditions, or demanding outdoor work that challenge emergency responders. In such situations, light weight, mobility, and comfort can offer decisive advantages.
Nevertheless
Flexibility doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. When fastened together, the HORIZON feels like a single garment, not like two layers worn one on top of the other.
Our approach to modern protective clothing is therefore not an “either/or” situation, but rather a “depends on the situation” one.
For you, this means clothing that adapts flexibly to changing operational requirements and provides exactly the protection needed in each situation. No more. But also no less.
For more information visit https://www.s-gard.de/en/
