06/30/2026
🏁 Track Rescue Tuesday
PPE: Do you have it and is it rated?
When a track rescue team responds to a crash, we’re running toward the danger while everyone else is moving away. That’s why Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the most important pieces of equipment we have.
Your PPE is your last line of defense against fire, heat, sharp metal, debris, and the unpredictable hazards that come with motorsports.
A properly equipped track rescue responder should have:
• 🔥 Fire-resistant suit
• 🪖 Helmet with eye protection
• 🧤 Fire-resistant extrication gloves
• 👢 Leather or fire-resistant boots with good ankle support
• 🧣 Flame-resistant hood (Nomex)
• 👓 Eye protection
• 👂 Hearing protection when needed
Why Fire Ratings Matter
Not all fire suits offer the same level of protection.
Two of the most common standards you’ll see in motorsports are SFI and FIA certifications.
🇺🇸 SFI Foundation
SFI certifications (such as SFI 3.2A/5, 3.2A/10, and higher) are commonly used throughout North American motorsports. The higher the rating, the greater the thermal protection and the more time the suit can help protect the wearer during a fire before heat transfer reaches the skin. Higher-rated suits generally include additional layers of fire-resistant material.
🌍 FIA
FIA-certified suits are widely used in international racing. Rather than using the SFI numbering system, FIA certification requires suits to meet strict performance requirements for flame resistance, heat transfer, and overall construction. FIA standards are common in series sanctioned by international governing bodies.
One Is Not Necessarily Better Than the Other
Neither SFI nor FIA certification is inherently “better.” They’re simply different certification systems with different testing protocols. The important thing is wearing PPE that meets the requirements of the series you’re working and that is appropriate for the risks you’ll face.
PPE Is More Than Just a Suit
Your fire suit is only one part of the equation. Your helmet, gloves, hood, boots, and other protective equipment all work together as a complete system. A high-quality fire suit can lose much of its effectiveness if the rest of your PPE leaves exposed areas or doesn’t provide comparable protection.
The best rescue teams inspect their PPE regularly, replace damaged or worn equipment, and train in the same gear they’ll wear on race day. When the call comes over the radio, there won’t be time to wonder if your gear is up to the task.
The driver is counting on you. Make sure your PPE is something you can count on, too.
Question for this week’s discussion:
How often does your team inspect or replace its PPE? Share your department or track’s policy in the comments.
