THE most advanced firefighting helmets in Australia are being rolled out to the state’s 6800 ­firefighters.

Reminiscent of jet fighter ­pilot helmets, the revolutionary headgear allows firefighters to keep hands free by providing light and radio communication and by protecting the face from heat and falling debris.

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media_camera The new high-tech fire fighting helmets at the City of Sydney Fire Station, Castlereagh St, Sydney, today. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said the jet-style design and features had been developed based on the frontline experience of their personnel.

“Firefighters deal with life-threatening situations on a daily basis and know exactly what equipment they need to battle complex firefighting and rescue operations,” Mr Mullins said.

“We considered what we needed in our ideal firefighting helmet and then took it to industry so they could work with us on developing a solution.”

They will replace the fibreglass helmets rolled out in 1993, of which the only change in design had come with a shift to carbon fibre in recent years.

Superintendent Tom Cooper said the helmets would help firefighters feel more confident performing their duties.

The helmets cover the head, and provide better balance than earlier designs, which sat on top of the head and could move about.

“The way they differ from the existing helmets is they offer side protection to a firefighter’s head, face and neck whereas the old ones don’t do that, they only have a neck flap,’’ he said. “They have two plastic visors, one is for your eyes so if you use a power tool at a rescue you pull it down and you can get double protection from pulling the face shield down.”

An earpiece and microphone, which plugs into a walkie-talkie, will allow firefighters to communicate with their commanders while wearing a breathing apparatus.

The helmets cover the head, and provide better balance than earlier designs, which sat on top of the head and could move about.

Emergency Services Minister David Elliott ­presented the first of the helmets to fireys in Sydney yesterday.