GORE-TEX Professional (Gore) raises protection for technical rescue teams to a new level with the introduction of a unique fabric that enhances comfort while protecting from blood-borne and viral pathogens as well as flash fire.
The new GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric pushes the envelope for high-performance rescue garments, combining four of Gore’s proven technologies in technical rescue activities. This achieves unprecedented freedom of movement and mobility, while also protecting from the many risks encountered in rescue incidents.
fire and rescue services
Research shows that over 80% of callouts for fire and rescue services across Europe concern road traffic accidents, water, or other technical rescue activities and these incidents are completely different from fire interventions.
Until now, protection for rescue work has always involved compromise either working in more insulated and robust structural gear that overprotects for technical rescue situations or operating in lightweight suits that offer minimum protection and quickly become uncomfortable in cold, wet, or very hot weather.
CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric
CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric is designed specifically to meet their needs, protecting them from pathogens
Firefighters need the confidence that their garments will protect them from all the risks that they face in a rescue incident. GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric is designed specifically to meet their needs, protecting from pathogens found in blood and body fluid as well as common chemicals such as petrol, battery acid, and hydraulic fluid. The fabric is inherently flame retardant, shielding the wearer from incidental flame and flash fire.
The new specialized fabric for technical rescue is incredibly light and stretches four ways to achieve the exceptional freedom of movement required for working in confined spaces and unusual situations.
waterproof and water-resistant
The fabric moves with the wearer like a high-performance sports garment and the elasticity delivers optimum fit, expanding and contracting with any layers worn underneath.
Rescue teams no longer have to endure becoming wet and cold in bad weather at protracted incidents. GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric is waterproof and resistant to water pickup so that it does not become heavy when wet and dries quickly. High breathability ensures that sweat moves out through the garment, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable in hot weather.
New personal protection standard
The new fabric technology eliminates the traditional compromise between comfort and protection for rescue work"
“GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric sets a new standard for personal protection for technical rescue. After detailed research, we have brought together proven Gore technologies to create a solution that delivers previously unheard-of performance, protection, and comfort,” says Christophe Didelot, Product Specialist at GORE-TEX Professional.
“Rescue teams often work for long hours at incidents and in all weathers. They need high levels of comfort and mobility that will also protect them from the threat posed by blood-borne and viral pathogens, chemicals, and flash fire. The new fabric technology eliminates the traditional compromise between comfort and protection for rescue work, delivering a specialized solution that is more advanced than alternatives,” he continues.
Responsible Performance
Gore is committed to continuously improving the environmental impact of its products without compromising on the durability of their performance. This is achieved by using the globally standardized (ISO 14040-14044) Life Cycle Assessment approach to measure and understand the environmental impacts of Gore products.
By keeping products in use for longer, their overall lifecycle impact is reduced. Because most of the resources and energy are consumed during the production and distribution processes, garments with a longer product life significantly reduce the use of these resources. This improves the sustainability of the product.
flame and pathogen protection
The flame and pathogen protection does not degrade over time and the seams and fabric will remain intact
GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric for technical rescue work has a longer than average lifespan while still being made to withstand the operational rigors and frequent decontamination and washing.
The flame and pathogen protection does not degrade over time and the seams and fabric will remain intact to ensure performance throughout the lifetime of the garment. The longer operational lifespan reduces the number of replacements required, which in turn lowers environmental impact.
Facts & Figures
- An independent ISO 13506 burn test on a thermal manikin garment with GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric did not melt, drip, or break open with no significant burns recorded.
- The new product technology maintains its performance standards throughout the operational lifetime of the garment. The fabric has been tested to withstand over 50 industrial washes using the ISO 15797 table1 method.
- Garments made with GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch laminates are compliant with EN ISO 20471 high visibility requirements for professional use. The unique PYRAD® technology allows for a range of hi-visibility colors such as red, orange, and yellow as well as a wider range to match specific requirements of Fire and Rescue Services.