NVFC Webinar - Right Gear, Right Response: The Case for Alternative PPE in the Volunteer Fire Service
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Firefighters are trained to use the right tool for every job, but that principle doesn't always carry over to PPE. Structural turnout gear is routinely used for EMS calls, MVAs, and technical rescues, leading to increased health risks, unnecessary wear on expensive equipment, and higher long-term costs. This webinar explores why alternative PPE – including wildland, technical rescue, and EMS-specific gear – is a critical strategy for today's volunteer fire service, and how matching the right gear to the right response can improve safety, reduce PFAS exposure, and lower costs for your department.
This webinar is sponsored by Ricochet
David Eskew
David Eskew is a seasoned textile executive with nearly 25 years of experience in the US textile industry. More than half of his career has focused on serving the specialized needs of firefighters and first responders, leading sales and marketing strategies and driving growth for fabric and garment manufacturers. David has played key roles in the transition to non-PFAS product portfolios, helping customers navigate this pivotal change while maintaining the highest standards of protection and performance. Earlier in his career, David gained extensive experience in various textile manufacturing technologies (fiber, yarn, and fabric formation) and spent eight years in the government and defense sector, further broadening his industry expertise. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Textile Management from Clemson University and a Master’s degree in Textile Technology and Apparel Management from North Carolina State University, in partnership with the Institute of Textile Technology. In 2023, he further enhanced his leadership capabilities by completing the Darden Leadership Program at the Darden School of Business.
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