F1 helmet

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F1 helmet

Back cover of the F1

The F1 helmet is a modern firefighter's helmet made by the French company Gallet, who also produce the SPECTRA military helmet. In service since 1985, the F1 helment provides protection against impact, fires and electricity, fulfilling the EN 443 European standard.

The F1 was an answer to a requirement of the Paris Fire Brigade for a replacement of the previous helmet which dated back to 1950; these provided insufficient protection for the face and back of the head, and were not heat insulant. The F1 helmet is made of lighter synthetic materials often covered with galvanised nickel. It can include masks, communication systems and other accessories. All F1 helmets are hand made.

The F1 has been used by the Paris Fire Brigade since 1985, and has been widely adopted by most other French fire services, and has gained export success in over 85 countries.