Best Smartwatches For Firefighters

Becoming a firefighter needs a lot of guts. In today’s age, it requires a lot of effort. Not only in physical terms but technologically too.

We cannot imagine a firefighter without proper equipment. No one should risk their life like that. Especially when there are many tools and apps to keep you safe.

When picking all the handy tools, a firefighter must also choose a “smartwatch”. But, selecting a “smartwatch for firefighters” is frustrating.

Purchasing a smartwatch for a firefighter is not the regular willy-nilly shopping spree. Just like any professional they also require some necessary features.

And in that regard, a careful need analysis is what they need. Don’t worry if you cannot find time to do it.

Here I have reviewed the 4 smartwatches according to the needs and wants of firefighters.

I am here to help you select the best smartwatch for firefighters. Let us get started!

Comparing the best smartwatches for firefighters

Have a look at this comparison table. It will help you pick the best one.

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Our selection criteria

Before I give you the four best smartwatches for firefighters. I believe it’s your right to know how I ended up with these four.

Let’s start with the basics.

What do you think a firefighter will need?

He will surely need a device that is lightweight and heatproof

On pondering further, I realized that fast communication is also necessary for someone stuck in an emergency. So, that can be another important feature.

 To sum it up, I found that the best smartwatch for a firefighter must have the following features.

• Longer battery life: expecting a firefighter to tackle a huge fire within a few minutes or hours sounds nonsensical. Firefighters are emergency handlers, and all the tech devices they use should have a long battery life.

• Durability: wearing a low-quality smartwatch will be a waste of money and time.

• Oxygen sensor: fire eats oxygen, but sadly a human cannot detect it. For someone working near the fire, it is a necessary feature.

• Navigation: a firefighter is supposed to reach on time. That is why a good navigation feature will be the cherry on top.

• Water resistance: Obviously! To cease fire they will use water. Thus, warning a non-waterproof smartwatch will be a loss.

• Safety and emergency: A smartwatch with an emergency automated notifications feature is crucial for any firefighter’s family.

Now, it’s time to get into reviews.

Garmin fēnix 5, Premium Smartwatch

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Durable rugged watch, perfect for outdoors!

The Fenix series by Garmin is essentially designed for some hard-core bodybuilders and athletes. Therefore, each of them, including the Garmin Fenix 5 is heavier than any Garmin smartwatch.

Offering incredible support for various exercises, it is a suitable option for professional athletes. However, I did notice an issue with the GPS. Further, you need to understand the accuracy of this device before relying on it.

For a firefighter, an altimeter, and GPS are of great importance. I will suggest you wear this watch casually for a few days. This way, you can understand the accuracy issues. Later on, guessing will be the last resort to fix it.

Secondly, it is pre-loaded with exceptionally high-quality maps. Thus, users will find it hard to locate local roads. Probably that is affecting the accuracy.

The most fascinating feature for me was its battery life. Once charged you can keep this smartwatch with you for the next 13 to 14 hours. But, it will depend on the usage.

If you will use it only when required, then covering a 14-hour long time is quite easy. Otherwise, you should think of a backup plan.

My second-most favorite feature was easy customization. You can set different screens with varying features. I will advise you to keep one for regular sports and leisure activities, and one for professional tasks.

For instance, for a regular walk, keep the navigation, heart rate, and sleep cycle features. While, for the professional mode you may have an altimeter, navigation, sunrise, etc.

Now moving to the causal features. These are not so necessary for a firefighter, but you can consider them as added value.

For example, connecting it with your phone’s music gallery is super smooth. Also, the style and design of this fitness watch are simply unique.

Situations its best for

Every tech device comes with some added features that make it unique from others. But for smart buying, learning their uses is imperative.

Here is what Garmin Fenix 5 has to offer.

For longer working hours

With its multiple battery-saving modes, you can rely on it for longer working hours. Imagine a firefighter is stuck somewhere, and the fire is getting out of control. In such situations, wearing a smartwatch that can stay working throughout the tough schedule is a wise decision.

For fireworks working in forests and woods

Forest fires are crazy, and in many countries, fireworks have to stay and work in forests. For such hardworking firefighters keeping a smartwatch with a reliable navigation system is essential.

In this regard, the Garmin Fenix 5 has GPS, GLONASS, and 3 axis compass. It will hopefully make their work easier in dense woods.

Firefighters who need to climb a lot

You cannot wear a lightweight smartwatch and expect it to last while you hop in and out of the buildings.

To avoid any loss, such firefighters can think of getting Garmin fenix 5 as it has a rugged and durable outer body.

Finally, it is an all-rounder type of smartwatch. You can expect it to help you both in your personal and professional tasks.

Wearable4U Garmin Instinct 2S

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A tough unique and reliable outdoor smartwatch

The Garmin instinct series has some thick, solar-powered fitness watches and this is one of them.

Although it is from the solar-powered smartwatch series. Despite this, I did not find it of any use.

In case, you wish to use that solar-powered facility. Then be ready to stay under the sun. One has to literally keep the correct angle to charge it. That is why I don’t consider that feature of much use here.

Plus, logically, with a week-long battery life, solar-powered cells don’t matter much.

Nonetheless, it has a battery life of more than a week if in regular mode.

Though for better performance, it has a dependable battery-saving mode that makes it work for the next 50 days. Isn’t it incredible?

For me, the main exciting feature that any firefighter will love to have is “thermal resistance”. No one wants to see their favorite smartwatch melting when trying to shut off the fire.

Additionally, you get the shock resistance feature. It is ideal for active firefighters involved in running, jumping, or any other form of physical activity.

Furthermore, with 4U Garmin Instinct 2S, you can easily update your family. Thanks to its pre-installed automatic emergency feature. It will automatically inform your loved ones in case of an emergency.

Another excellent and mandatory feature is the pulse Ox. It’s accurate, providing real-time info about oxygen levels. All this makes this watch a must-try for firefighters and outdoorsmen. 

Situations its best for

This piece has several amazing features. That is why some of the firefighters may think of it as a more sports-type type of fitness watch.

Allow me to explain when a firefighter must consider this smartwatch.

Firefighters working with police/bomb disposal teams

It has a couple of features that are of great use when working with the bomb disposal squad. These are the stop-watch and navigation.

Rescuers

Its fiber-reinforced polymer outer cover provides extra support and protection to the internal machinery. Thus, making it a perfect choice for rescue operations.

Firefighters in the communication wing

You cannot save anyone if your team is uninformed. Worry not! This smartwatch has a way to pace up your ability to communicate.

Firefighters in info wings can easily send messages and read emails through this watch. Moreover, you don’t need to stress much when connecting it to your phone.

I found this watch as an incredible device for firefighters working in tough situations. It’s a well-built, reliable smartwatch with almost every feature they need.

Apple Watch Series 7 Smartwatch

A cellular, all-rounder fitness smartwatch

Keeping a smartwatch with small screens is annoying. The apple watch series 7 is not a significant redesign. Still, its size is impressive. They claim it to be 20 percent bigger than the previous versions.

If you are using an Apple watch and want to upgrade to bigger sizes, try this one.

Even though it has a fast charging feature, the battery life is still the same. On average the Apple watch series can go up to 18 hours when used carefully.

Want to hear some cons?

Be ready to search for the step counts when using it. It is shocking to hear, but the Apple series 7 smartwatch will not show the step count on its front display.

If you desperately need it, download a third-party app and run it all day long. Plus, do not expect 18 hours of battery in that case.

 From a firefighter’s point of view, this smartwatch has all the necessary features.

Starting off with the BT 5.0. That is an absolute charm for any emergency fighter. Obviously, keeping your phone in hand while you fight the scary fires is impossible. In some cases, you cannot even keep it anywhere near.

In such situations, the 5.0 BT feature is a great help. It will ensure that you stay connected with your team.

Moreover, its GPS and build quality are also on point. It’s certainly a supporting device for any firefighter.

Situations it is suitable for

Apple watches have never disappointed me. This one here also has numerous incredible features. Let me explain how it will support a firefighter.

For low budget

Not all firefighters are rich, but all of them need a smartwatch. This fitness watch is best for firefighters if they have a limited budget. I can bet that you spend more money on fast food than it will cost.

For active participants

Novice firefighters are expected to lift heavy objects and conduct rescue operations. In all this, they can damage their smart devices.

Fortunately, the Apple Watch Series 7 has a stainless aluminum body. Secondly, the covering glass is also durable. Anyone using it must not worry about any loss.

For busy firefighters

A firefighter’s life is similar to a surgeon’s working in an emergency. You never know when it’s your turn to rush. Naturally, it is hard for them to charge their devices.

Luckily, the Apple Watch Series 7 offers a fast charging factor. Allowing you to charge while you move around enjoying lunch.

Overall, it is an exceptionally durable fitness watch. Providing an opportunity to enhance the efficiency of every firefighter. They may try it for a regular fitness routine or for professional tasks.

Casio Men’s ‘PRO TREK’ Tough Solar 

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A classic tough old bird with modern features

It’s natural for firefighters to be adventure lovers. Therefore, it is potentially correct that they need smartwatches suitable for expeditions too. Nonetheless, fighting fire is nothing less than an expedition.

Casio is one of the ancient classical watchmakers and here they have something for the modern lot too. It’s solar-powered and great for workaholics.

The first noticeable thing for me was the size. It is not as big as you expect. Also be ready to see a lot of alphabets, abbreviations, and numbers on it. It’s small and full.

Next, it does not have a GPS. Casio has retained the classical smartwatch vibe. You cannot make a call through it, no digitally impressive outlook. Nothing, a regular digital Casio watch with additional features.

On the brighter side. This smartwatch is for the hard, rough work patches. You may use it to dive deep into the water.

For me, it’s a very easy-to-use device. Beginners and older generations will love that style. All of its buttons are accessible. No need to get into complex software instructions etc.

Situations it is suitable for

This one is unique yet classic. Most of you might assume it is an obsolete device. However that is not true. Here is how you can make use of it as a firefighter.

For nighttime duties

It gets really awful when you keep on staring at your smartwatch to get an update at night. A firefighter shall stay focused. Thus, to make it happen Casio Pro-trek comes with a luminous LCD. It feels like a lighted screen even in the dark.

Firefighters working near the sea

It is rare to see a ship on fire, but it happens almost every other day. To rescue such ships firefighters need to swim in deep waters sometimes. With Casi’s pro trek, they can easily overcome deep waters as it can work even below 200m.

When reminders are important

It is common for busy firefighters to forget important events while at work. To handle this, they can set more than five alarms on this watch. It will indeed make their lives easier.

To sum it up, this one is a typical old-school smartwatch. Bearing the simple, easy-to-access features. But, it’s durable, and sturdy just like any modernly designed fitness watch.

Important Things For Firefighters To Keep In Mind:

The Importance of Durability

Smartwatches ideal for firefighters are designed with rugged durability to withstand high temperatures and the physical impact that comes with the job.

The Necessity of Water Resistance

An essential trait for any firefighter’s smartwatch is a high degree of water resistance, enabling the device to function in wet conditions.

Battery Life: A Critical Factor

Considering the long and unpredictable shifts firefighters work, smartwatches with an extended battery life—some lasting up to 14 days—are a critical feature.

Monitoring Health Metrics

High-stress environments necessitate advanced health tracking features such as heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring to ensure firefighters are at their best.

Communication Made Easy

Walkie-talkie features, text capabilities, and LTE support in some models allow firefighters to communicate seamlessly, adding a layer of safety and efficiency.

Accurate GPS for Rescue Operations

Precise GPS functionality is not just a perk but a necessity for tracking locations and facilitating rescue operations.

User-Friendly Interfaces

Considering firefighters may be wearing gloves, user-friendly interfaces with physical buttons are favored over touch-sensitive screens.

Custom Alerts for Different Emergencies

The best smartwatches offer customizable alarms and vibration patterns, allowing firefighters to set unique alerts for various types of emergencies.

Industry Compliance Standards

Look for smartwatches that meet industry-specific regulations, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, to ensure suitability for the rigors of firefighting.

Popular Brands and Pricing

Brands like Garmin, Suunto, and Casio are often top picks for firefighters due to their focus on durability and functionality, albeit with prices ranging from $200 to $700.

The Evolution Through Software Updates

Smartwatch companies continually release software updates to improve device performance, add new functionalities, and tighten security measures.

FAQs

Can firefighters wear Apple watches?

Yes, they can wear some of the Apple watches that are more durable and heat resistant.

Are Garmin watches good for firefighters?

Absolutely. These are some sturdy smartwatches with all the important features any firefighter will need.

Apple or Garmin for firefighters?

Garmin over Apple. Garmin fitness watches are more accurate and durable than Apple smartwatches.

Does smartwatch body construction matter?

Yes, it matters a lot. A well-built smartwatch can stay for a long period. Plus, you cannot rely on a delicate smartwatch for adventures.

Final words

Smartwatches are surely beneficial for firefighters, but they cannot randomly choose any smartwatch.

Just like their unique work, they need special smartwatches. The reviews I shared are designed according to the special needs of any firefighter. Check out these reviews for a better need and product analysis.