The demands on public safety officers are immense. With only split seconds to make a decision that could potentially save a life, police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel must be ready for whatever happens next.

That’s why it’s important to equip your team with uniforms and tactical gear that provides the highest level of safety, utility, and durability. It’s equally important to have a dependable, trustworthy supplier, such as American Uniform Sales, Inc., to ensure you have prompt access to the top-quality apparel and tools your team needs to tackle any task.

Select the Right Fabric and Styling for the Job

First responders need rugged fabrics, multiple pockets, and user-friendly styling to be prepared to respond quickly no matter the situation.

5.11 Tactical, an American apparel brand serving a variety of public safety personnel, manufactures attractive yet rugged apparel that is comfortable to wear and stands up to the test of time. To ensure the 5.11 uniform products meet the needs of first responders, the company performs extensive surveys of the public safety market and uses that information to improve its products.

For instance, 5.11’s new Flex-Tac™ Stryke Pant is a comfortable and fade-resistant trouser made with a proprietary breathable poly/cotton fabric with built-in stretch. The Stryke Pant features include a self-adjusting tunnel waistband for comfort, discrete reinforced knee with interior knee pad pocket, and genuine YKK zippers and Prym snaps that withstand wear and tear. The Stryke Pant also offers the benefit of quick-access, low-profile angled cargo pockets on the thigh, two off-seam side pockets, two accessory pockets on each side, and two back flap secured wallet pockets. 

The 5.11 wind-resistant microfiber Response Jacket is a great accompaniment to the Stryke Pant. Featuring hidden chest document pockets and hidden ID panels on the chest and back, the Response Jacket stows easily in a gear bag and comes out ready to wear. Made to last like all 5.11 products, the Response Jacket is equipped with YKK zippered hand pockets and elastic cuffs and waistband to defend against the elements. 

Customization and Fit Are Key

Another important consideration when outfitting your team is ensuring the uniforms are available in sizes and styling that suit all of your team members. With approximately 20 percent of public safety officers consisting of females, selecting well-fitting uniforms is an essential part of making sure the team is well prepared to run, climb, squat, and do whatever else their job entails.

The 5.11 Tactical Series includes options tailored for a variety of jobs and body types. For instance, the EMS pant, available in both women’s and men’s sizes, is made of a rugged and fade-resistant poly-cotton twill with a longer rise in the back to ensure a professional appearance. Designed for comfort, the EMS pant has a self-adjusting tunnel waistband with an inside grip to keep the shirt tucked in, and a gusseted crotch that allows a full range of motion while virtually eliminating the possibility of ripped seams.

The 5.11 EMS pant also offers plenty of room for personnel to organize their gear, including full-size cargo pockets with internal dividers, rear slash pockets, welted wallet pockets, and extra-deep EMS-specific pockets with reinforced bottoms to defend against wear. For added durability, the EMS pant features two layers of fabric in the seat and knees and a Teflon treatment to resist stains and soiling. 

Being informed about the features of public safety uniforms is a good first step, but agencies also need to connect with a supplier that can customize the apparel to your department’s specifications and deliver them promptly. American Uniform Sales, based in Fayetteville, can meet the custom alteration, screening, and printing needs of any public safety department with fast and reliable service.