Women have been forgotten in data and design for centuries when developments have been made in health and protection. Seat belts in cars have been tested on dummies with male proportions for years and medical data analyses have been and to a large degree still are being based on only male bodies and the male experience. Just to name a couple (out of many) instances..
When looking towards my own industry, professional firefighting gear has up until now been designed with the male body as a focus point when creating gear with the highest level of safety possible. Overlooking specific requirements relevant to only women can be dangerous and detrimental to women firefighters' health and safety. Designers and developers may believe they are making products for everyone, but in reality, they are mainly making them for men. It’s time to also start designing for women.
VIKING Fire PPE has taken a large step to bridge that gap between the female contour and standard firefighting gear to provide an overall better solution for women with the new VIKING Valkyrie. A firefighter suit with the female body in mind to increase comfort and safety for women when they risk their lives in the line of duty. #VIKINGVALKYRIE
![View organization page for VIKING Fire PPE, graphic]()
Firefighting knows no gender, but the right equipment does. That’s why VIKING has engineered the new VIKING VALKYRIE firefighter protection for women. It’s been completely redesigned to meet the unique requirements of the female contour.
Our chief designer and product manager were recently interviewed about what makes the VIKING VALKYRIE different from traditional NFPA gear and its impact on firefighter safety and performance. Two American female firefighters who have tested the gear explain how the design enhances their mobility and protection.
"I need a small size, but I have broad shoulders and a bigger hip area compared to many men. Previously, the gear was often too tight in the wrong places. With the new gear, everything fits perfectly and I can move much better." - Kendall
Many thanks to active firefighters Kendall and Alexa for their valuable insights
#RightBesideYou #VIKINGTurnoutGear #WomenInFirefighting #FemaleFirefighters #FirefighterSafety #GoInStrongWithVIKING #FDIC2024
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