Bullard UST Helmet Saves Firefighter’s Life
During Routine Drill

On April 24, 2008, firefighters were performing a routine drill in a structure they had recently obtained for training. Firefighter Campbell Holinger and his colleagues had performed this routine exercise of breaching interior walls many times. This time, however, Holinger walked away from this experience with an obvious, but often forgotten lesson: Fire helmets save lives.

“There were approximately fifteen of us participating in a series of drills inside a recently acquired structure. These drills mainly consisted of wall and door breaching exercises. During the third and final evolution, my company was assigned to breach and pass through three consecutive drywall partitions. While I was advancing through the second level, most of the drywall above me (a piece approximately 10 feet by 7 feet) fell and landed not only on me but also the rest of my company. Fortunately we were already crawling rather than being struck while standing. It was quite a blow. At that point, I noticed my helmet was very loose, but it remained in place so I completed the evolution. Upon exiting the structure, I examined my helmet and found one of the posts holding the rear grey piece had broken off along with a hairline fracture in the front brim. If I had not of been wearing my helmet, the outcome would not have been good. I and the other members of my company would have been greatly injured.” -Firefighter Campbell Holinger

The Bullard UST Fire Helmet is built on toughness and durability, helping to ensure firefighters stay safe. Made of a fiberglass outer shell, the Bullard UST includes the highest level of chemical resistance and stability at extreme temperatures. The Bullard Sure-Lock ratchet headband adjusts to the wearer’s head with a quick turn of the knob. Additional adjustment points permit custom fit and personalized balance for the ultimate protection while fighting fires. Thanks for being Bullard Tough!

If you would like to tell us about an incident in which a Bullard Thermal Imager or Fire Helmet has made a difference in your work, send an e-mail to ashley_smith@bullard.com or visit our web site to submit your story online. Selected stories will be featured in an upcoming issue of this newsletter.