Texas A&M University Jan 24 2026 When firefighters respond to an emergency, the gear they wear to protect themselves can also create challenges that could jeopardize their performance and safety. Their gear is bulky, and it may not fit perfectly. Those challenges can include restricted movement, added weight and increased heat stress that raise the risk of injury and health problems down the road. Nearly 40% of the non-fatal injuries firefighters report involve their muscles and bones, and