THIS IS PART OF A PAID AD FROM NETWORK MEMBER BODD
In firefighting and rescue operations, every second counts, and every piece of equipment matters. Among the essential gear, well-fitted garments stand out as paramount for ensuring the safety, comfort, and effectiveness of firefighters and rescue workers.
NAUMD member (and WINNER of the 2023 NAUMD Innovation Award for Best Uniform Sizing Technology) Bodd, explores the critical importance of precisely sized apparel in these high-stakes environments and demonstrates how their cutting-edge 3D body scanning technology is revolutionising the fittings processes for organisations that ‘fit and kit’ frontline workers.
Bodd’s technology delivers incredible accuracy, but also significant efficiency gains for uniform businesses that are sizing large work forces, via a completely self-serve fitting experience. Not only does Bodd get employees into the correct fit faster and in a productive manner, but its operational model saves all stakeholders significant money.
Firefighters and rescue teams regularly face physically demanding tasks, often requiring them to navigate through tight spaces, lift heavy objects, and move swiftly through hazardous environments. Ill-fitted garments can impede movement, cause discomfort and hinder their ability to perform effectively. Well-fitted apparel and clothing allows for unrestricted mobility, enabling firefighters to respond to emergencies with agility and precision while minimizing fatigue.
The protective properties of firefighting gear are critical for shielding individuals from heat, flames, sharp objects, and hazardous materials. Proper fit ensures that protective layers such as turnout coats, pants, and helmets cover vulnerable areas of the body completely, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, well-fitted garments create a seal that prevents water, chemicals, or other harmful substances from infiltrating, thereby enhancing overall safety during firefighting and rescue operations.
Firefighters are frequently exposed to extreme temperatures and challenging environmental conditions. Ill-fitted apparel can exacerbate heat stress by impeding heat dissipation and ventilation, leading to discomfort and fatigue. Properly fitting gear allows for suitable airflow and thermal regulation, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and enabling firefighters to maintain peak performance throughout prolonged operations.
The Role of 3D Body Scanning:
Traditional methods of measuring and fitting firefighting gear rely on manual tape measurements or, oftentimes variable guidance of sales or customer service staff in fitting sessions. These approaches can result in different interpretations of the correct fit, lead to inconsistent fit results across a workforce, or even worse, degrade the functional and performance attributes of garments due to incorrect sizing recommendations.
Bodd’s 3D body scanning technology offers a revolutionary solution by capturing repeatable and precise three-dimensional measurements of each individual's body. By creating digital models of firefighters' unique anatomies, their 3D body scanning enables the correct allocation of sizing along with customization of gear that conforms perfectly to each person's unique contours and proportions.
Bodd’s 3D body scanning not only ensures a superior fit but also streamlines the process, enhancing overall efficiency and decreasing worker downtime for uniform fittings. Firefighters can undergo scanning sessions quickly and conveniently, allowing uniform manufacturers to provide accurately sized or even tailored garments with unprecedented accuracy and speed. Additionally, the measurements generated via Bodd can be utilised in future, enabling seamless reordering and adjustments as needed.
Bodd works with a range of leading Fire Rescue and Firefighting organisations globally and their world-class technology is able to rapidly size and fit front line workers into adequate protective garments via a streamlined fitting experience.
As an example, Bodd works with leading Australian uniform and apparel company Stewart & Heaton, a leader in the space when it comes to fitting firefighters and rescue workers.
In under a one minute Stewart & Heaton scans individuals across its portfolio of fire services and fire rescue customers. Recruits as an example,, are instantly sized across the entire product catalogue - Bodd determines not only the right fit for each individual garment, but also ensures a uniform look across all employees.
Among other customers, Stewart and Heaton uses Bodd for sizing highly technical garments such as structural firefighting which comes in multiple sizes and lengths. Bodd not only gets people into the right sized waist, but can also determine the suitable pant length and then has the capability to go one step further and assess the finish required on the hem length.
Beyond Sizing
In addition to enhancing safety and comfort through well-fitted garments, Bodd’s 3D body scanners have the potential to significantly improve the health and wellbeing of firefighters and fire rescue teams in several ways:
By accurately capturing the unique anatomical features of each firefighter, Bodd’s 3D body scanners can aid in the design and customization of personal protective equipment (PPE) that minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Gear tailored to individual body shapes and sizes can distribute weight more evenly, reduce strain on joints and muscles, and mitigate the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries during prolonged periods of wear.
In addition, firefighters often perform physically demanding tasks that require them to maintain proper posture under challenging conditions. Data derived from 3D body scanners can be used to assess firefighters' postural alignment and identify areas of concern, such as imbalances or asymmetries. With this information, targeted interventions and ergonomic adjustments can be implemented to promote optimal posture and reduce the risk of strain-related injuries over time.
Integrating 3D body scanning technology with health monitoring systems can provide valuable insights into firefighters' overall health and fitness levels. By periodically scanning firefighters' bodies and comparing measurements over time, changes in body composition, muscle mass, and fat distribution can be tracked. This data can inform personalized fitness and wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of individual firefighters, promoting overall health and resilience.
Some firefighters may have unique physical characteristics or medical conditions that require customized gear to accommodate their needs effectively. 3D body scanning enables the precise customization of PPE and equipment, such as orthopedic supports, braces, or breathing apparatus, to ensure optimal fit and functionality. This personalized approach not only enhances safety and comfort but also addresses specific health concerns, allowing firefighters to perform their duties with confidence and peace of mind.
The significance of well-fitted garments for firefighters and rescue workers cannot be overstated. Beyond comfort and aesthetics, properly tailored clothing plays a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals against injuries and enhancing their performance in high-risk environments. With the advent of 3D body scanning technology, the era of one-size-fits-all solutions is giving way to a new standard of personalized gear that prioritizes safety, protection, and comfort. By embracing these innovations, uniform businesses can empower those on the front lines to carry out their critical missions with confidence and resilience, ultimately saving lives and protecting communities.
Furthermore, incorporating 3D body scanning technology into the health and safety protocols of firefighting and rescue teams has the potential to revolutionize how these professionals are supported and cared for. By leveraging the precise data and insights provided by 3D body scanners such as Bodd, fire departments can enhance injury prevention efforts, promote physical health and fitness, and bolster the overall wellbeing of their personnel, ultimately ensuring a safer and more resilient workforce.
Bodd’s scanners are manufactured by global manufacturing titans Bosch, with guaranteed performance & reliability in the field. The technology has been specifically designed and built for sizing large workforces efficiently.
To learn more about how Bodd could be deployed across your uniform business operations, contact the team via www.bodd.io
