Stay Warm and Dry, No Matter the Conditions

Sometimes having the right equipment for the job means making sure EMS providers are comfortable and at their best, no matter the conditions they have to work in.

Gerber Outerwear has for years provided jackets that keep providers warm and dry, so they can focus on the patient and not the weather. Recently, Gerber supplied 485 Response Parkas for the Providence (RI) Fire Department. The jackets included a custom-designed pocket flap with antennae access, as well as other extensive customizations, and the order was completed in less than six weeks – just in time to beat the polar vortex that slammed most of the country this winter.

Lt. Anthony Toro says the department was drawn to the Gerber jackets because they were able to customize some features to suit their specific needs. They were also looking for jackets that would provide a uniform appearance throughout the department and met the NFPA 1999 bloodborne pathogen requirements in order to qualify for grant funding.

“We were less concerned with the high visibility option,” Toro says, “and Gerber was able to tailor the coat to our specific needs. Also, we required a coat that was able to stand up to New England winters, and Gerber was able to offer us all these options.”

The Response Parka is made in the USA and backed by Gerber’s exclusive five year factory warranty. It also features a removable Polar Fleece thermal liner that can be worn as a standalone station jacket. Providence’s jackets came striped with 3M Scotchlite reflective striping and custom graphics. The parka also has numerous pockets and adjustable cuffs.

Toro was particularly impressed with Gerber’s commitment to ensuring the department was satisfied. “Mr. Gerber himself went the extra mile to make sure our radio pocket was exactly what we required, from calling himself to sending a sample to test. That displayed his personal involvement with our satisfaction in this coat.”

Visit www.gerberouterwear.com.