Ballistic Protective Equipment (Hard)

Ballistic Protective Equipment

• Ballistic Protective Equipment (BPE) is a vital safety measure for firefighters responding to violent incidents.
• BPE consists of a Level IIIA Ballistic Helmet and a Universal Plate Carrier with Soft Armor Inserts and a Level III Ballistic plate.
• BPE is designed to protect firefighters from ballistic threats, stabbing, fragmentation, and blunt force trauma.
• BPE should be worn in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations only when responding to potentially violent incidents.
• BPE is not to be worn during fire suppression activities.
• BPE is assigned to each fire apparatus for easy accessibility and to prevent damage.
• The officer or acting officer of the apparatus is responsible for ensuring BPE is worn and maintained.
• BPE should be donned prior to departing from the station if there is a potential threat of violence.
• BPE should be donned in staging if dispatched while out of the station.
• If advised to stage for law enforcement, firefighters should stage well away from the scene.
• The OIC has the discretion to determine the use of BPE for any other type of incident
• BPE should be worn, but not limited to, the following incidents: Shootings, Stabbings, Assaults, Other potential violent incidents, Incidents involving entry into a residence or building with the potential of startling the occupant.
• Helmets and Vests (Full BPE) shall be worn on Active Shooter incidents unless in the cold zone or at the officer’s discretion.
• The helmet shall be worn in the warm and hot zone of an active shooter incident or at the officer’s discretion.
• Inspection and maintenance of BPE is crucial to ensuring its effectiveness.
• BPE should be inspected for cleanliness, signs of damage, abuse, wear or tear, during apparatus equipment checks.
• If damage is found, BPE should be removed from service and reported to the Logistics Department.
• Soft Body Armor Inserts should be cleaned by gentle wiping with a damp sponge and mild soap.
• Soft Body Armor Inserts should be laid flat and air dried.
• Soft Body Armor Inserts should not be hung, line dried, or exposed to direct sunlight.
• Body Armor Carriers should be washed on the gentle cycle in cold water with a very mild laundry detergent.
• Body Armor Carriers should be laid flat or hung to dry.
• Body Armor Carriers should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Important warnings regarding the use and care of body armor systems:
  • Do not abuse the body armor system.
  • Inspect the body armor system regularly for breakage, damage, or wear and tear.
  • Store the body armor system in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
  • The use of body armor is crucial in scenarios involving potential violence.
  • Proper use and care are essential for maximizing its effectiveness and ensuring the safety of firefighters.

Proper use of Body Armor System

• Do not abuse the body armor system: Heavily worn body armor systems can be compromised and should be replaced.
• Inspect the body armor system: Inspect soft body armor inserts and carriers regularly for breaks, cracks, or damages to ensure optimal ballistic performance.
• Store the body armor system properly: Avoid storing the system in high heat or humidity.
• Insert the body armor inserts correctly: Ensure the soft body armor inserts face the threat by placing them in the carrier marked "strike side" towards the front.
• Be aware of the limitations of body armor: Body armor coverage is limited and does not protect adjacent areas. Physical movements or impacts might cause shifts that reduce protection.