Firefighter Hood Safety: NJFMBA's Research Initiative with NC State

The New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (NJFMBA) is taking the lead on a critical safety issue affecting firefighters nationwide - the potential link between newer firefighting hood designs and an increase in burn injuries.

During the March 2025 meeting, President Ed Donnelly provided an update on the organization's research partnership with North Carolina State University and Barnabas Health to investigate this concerning trend. The initiative began when FMBA EMS Chair Steve Spurr identified a potential problem with certain hood styles, prompting a survey distributed to FMBA members and other firefighting personnel.

"There is a concern with new style hoods could be contributing to increased burn injuries," Donnelly explained. The survey results revealed enough consistency in reports to warrant deeper scientific investigation.

The NJFMBA partnered with NC State University, which houses a state-of-the-art testing facility for firefighting equipment, and Barnabas Health's burn specialists to conduct preliminary tests. These tests have provided valuable data, but more comprehensive research is needed to fully understand the issue.

NC State has proposed continuing this vital research at an estimated cost of $50,000-75,000 - an investment the NJFMBA is committed to funding. "We are committed to funding this," Donnelly stated, emphasizing the potential national impact of the findings.

While the research was initially planned as a collaborative effort with multiple firefighter organizations, President Donnelly noted that some partners had withdrawn from the project. Despite this setback, the NJFMBA remains determined to proceed with this important safety research.

"We believe this research will help firefighters across the country," Donnelly affirmed.

The hood safety initiative aligns with other NJFMBA health and safety efforts, including Steve Spurr's emphasis on burn care protocols. Spurr reminded members that departments should have specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for burn injuries and that firefighters have the right to choose their hospital, including specialized facilities like the Barnabas Burn Center.

This research exemplifies the NJFMBA's commitment to firefighter safety beyond just workplace conditions and benefits. By investing in scientific investigation of equipment that may be causing harm, the organization is taking a proactive approach to protecting its members from preventable injuries.

As the research continues, the NJFMBA plans to share findings with the firefighting community nationwide, potentially influencing future equipment standards and design. For firefighters who rely on their protective gear daily, this initiative could result in significant improvements to their safety and well-being on the job.