Are you a fire department worker? Oh y’aah, If you are a fireman, you guys are brave heroes for saving our ass, from wildfires. If you are not one of the firemen, don;t worry. You don’t necessarily need to be a fireman before you own even the best firefighter watches. Still, if you are one of those brave firemen looking for a tough timepiece that can lead your way into safety while battling a forest wildfire, then, you are about to pick your best smartwatch for firefighters – one that do more than just tell time.
With the hazardous conditions under which a firefighter works, there is definitely a very good reason for firefighters to keep away the more regular watches and pick up smartwatch. If you are looking for more traditional fire department watches, check these best watches for firefighters. If you want a smartwatch, keep reading.
You have recently observed firefighters in California work through sweltering heat to battling wildfires and keep the public safe. These firemen don’t just spray quenchers like on a burning car, they are tactically battling the wildfires in a rugged, steep terrain and during a record-breaking heat waves.
While these brave men and women firefighters and support personnel are assigned to contain and possibly quench the wildfires, they are well equipped with boots and tools. One of such great tools includes firefighter tactical watches, not just a regular tool watch, but a smartwatch that can monitor, track and ensure the fireman’s safety than traditional watches.
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Best Smartwatch for firefighters – Top selected
There are many most rugged smartwatches with tactical designs for firemen. If you are in a hurry, here is a list of top suggested watches for firefighters and first responders to fire incidents. Our hope is you get home with the best smartwatch for first responders and firemen today.
How to choose a smartwatch for a fireman and first responders
Here are some points to consider when shopping for a a smart firefighter watch –ruggedized smart watches for firefighter and first responders. While some of these features are very general for smartwatches, some are very unique for a firemen watches.
Smartphone Compatibility
A fireman who is a user of apple products would want to have a smartwatch with iPhone compatibility. On the other hand, Android users love smartwatches that support wearOS by google products -Google Assistant, Play-Store apps. Whatever user a fire department worker is, the most important thing is having a good compatibility between his smartwatch and his smartphone for easy notification and syncing.
If your favorite smartwatch for firefighters is Apple, you must carry an iPhone with you, else things aren’t going to work well. Though you can use an Apple Smartwatch with Windows, it won’t have the best fit or work well as it could with Apple devices.
Battery life
A battery life that lasts over 24 hours might not be suitable for someone working for a fire department and currently has a 24 hour shift. It is more preferable that a firefighter working 24 hour shifts for an ambulance service should go for a watch with a battery life that last, at least 48 hours and support wireless charging. Though expensive, wireless charging options for many smartwatches are quite super convenient for outdoor use.
display interface
Interface Options is a personal preference feature. If you love touch screens for your outdoor firefighting smartwatch , you’ll need frequent tapping with fingers which may be wet or dirty from wildfire fighting operation. Some wildfire fighters would go for rugged outdoor smartwatches with buttons press navigation. Even with dirty wet hand and gloves, you can hard press or push the button.
Shockproof, Fire resistant
The best durable firefighter’s smartwatch should be able to support flame resistance. The best material for the watch construction should be stainless steel watch – a high grade steel alloy. In that case, that watch an endure shocks, extreme temperature and fire. If you pick a smartwatch with a band different from a metallic steel, make sure it is swappable or interchangeable into stainless steel strap.
If you watch lacks all these firefighter fire resistant features, many firefighters choose to remove their firefighter watches when going to rescue victims of fire incidents or when going into a burning room. This is the best practice.
Waterproof
You can get also a smartwatch which is not only be shock-resistant but also water proof, so that water used to quench fire can splash and have null effect on it. A watch that can support water splash should be at least 30m water resistance rated .
Smart notifications
There is often needs for field workers and outdoorsmen to see who’s calling, what text just got in, and email notifications.
Standalone – smartwatch that receive make call without phone
A standalone smartwatch can help fire department crew members work phonelessly. A smartwatch with cellular connectivity, that can work standalone without need for phone, are more convenient firefighter tactical watches, than carrying smartphone into wildfires.
A standalone smartwatch with SIM card slot can make and receive calls through cellular connectivity networks, without need for phone, in addition to text, email and social media notifications. For a firefighter that loves dealing with Android device, here is a stand alone smart watch for android users – to make calls without phone.
Rugged terrain navigation
While working to contain a forest fire threatening many homes, a rough burning fire can make it difficult-to-access terrain. Smartwatches with navigation GPS features could be a necessary help.
Durable construction.
Having durable watches for work in the fire department is very important when going into unsupportable high temperature fire burning areas. Smartwatches with stainless steel bands and cases can withstand extreme heat more than silicone, aluminium and plastic watch cases. Again a smartwatch that passes the U.S. military standard 810G certification for thermal, shock and water resistance (up to 100 meters), is a better choice to pick.
Best smartwatch for firefighters reviewed
Let us look at some tactical firemen watches with smart features for firefighter/EMT workers.
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular, 44mm) – Best durable smartwatch for firefighters
- Case Size 40mm, 44mm
- Display Area 759 sq mm or 977 sq mm display area
- Processor 64-bit dual-core S5 processor; Up to 2x faster than S3 processor
- Electrical heart sensor (ECG app, Optical Heart Sensor
- Navigation: Built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS,
- S5 with 64-bit dual-core processor,
- Outdoor sensor: Barometric altimeter,
- memory capacity 32GB, LT
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi , Bluetooth 5.0, Cellular
- Water resistant: 50 meters,
- Operating system: watchOS 5
Apple watch series 5 is constructed with an Ion-X strengthened glass, Sapphire crystal and ceramic back. To make the watch resistant enough to withstand heat, the Apple Watch Series 5 can effectively and durably work as a smartwatch for firefighters when you place a protective case over the dial.
The downside is, apple watch 5 doesn’t yet have a temperature sensor to measure or register the fireman’s body temperature and sound alert. But this smartwatch has more than a standard watch, hundreds of customization watch faces , straps and supports many apps.
The barometric altimeter is a great sensor to track firefighters elevation when fighting wildfires engulfing the forest. The built-in cellular lets you receive calls, send texts, and check your email – even without your phone.
This is the sort of standalone smartwatch firemen need for field works, the Apple Watch Series 5 has built-in GPS to track path and distance in the jungle.
For the sake of the fireman’s health, this watch supports ECG app – takes ECG with a single lead electrocardiogram and the optical heart sensor that can track his heart rate performance.
You can customize this watch with weather apps. If you live in frequent fire areas like California, a yahoo weather is a clean and simple weather app for your Apple Watch. It provides you with accurate weather conditions and hourly forecasts.
Like apple watch series 4, series 5 is the best Apple firemen watch with Fall detection and SOS call. The fall detection sensor can automatically alert and call emergency when you take a hard fall.
Other features include:
- favorite music control and playing of podcasts, and audiobooks on your watch.
- Improved accelerometer up to 32 g‑forces, Improved gyroscope, Ambient light sensor,
- Durable battery life up to 18 hours from rechargeable lithium-ion battery, ,
Apple Watch Series 3 – Best Apple fireman watch For Small wrist
- Navigation: GPS + Cellular
- Screen: Retina display
- waterproof: Swimproof
- Sensor: Optical heart sensor
- Media: Stores music, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Outdoor features: Elevation
- S3 chip with dual-core processor
- operating system: watchOS
- Special:Activity trends, cycle tracking, hearing health innovations
- Construction: Aluminum case
The alternative to apple watch for wildfire fighters, with a balance functionality and budget value, less expensive, is the Apple Watch Series 3. buying this watch for firefighters makes a better deal than the pricier Apple Watch Series 5.
This watch comes with cellular features- LTE, and an outdoor tracking GPS. These offers all the core functionalities a fireman expects in a field watch.
The heart rate sensor, keeps track of how the hear beats under the heavy pressure of extinguishing the engulfing wildfires. The only missing feature is the sleep tracking but the hope is, it will definitely be available in future.
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Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct, best rugged smartwatch for firefighters
- Brand: Gamin
- multiple navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo)
- Durability: US military standard 810G
- Sensors: Barometer, Compass, Altimeter
- Health: Heart Rate monitoring Sensor
- automatic data uploads to the Garmin Connect™
- Special: TracBack feature, Smartphone compatible
- battery life: 14 days in smartwatch mode
Garmin Instinct is a very tactical smartwatch constructed to U.S. military standard 810G for thermal, shock and water resistance (up to 100 meters).
Well equipped like an outdoor field watch, this fire fighter watch comes with a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo). These outdoor connectivity feature helps track path, directions, altitude in a more challenging environments(rugged terrain) like the California Wildfire that is filled extreme heat.
The TracBack feature help fireman to navigate the same route back to where fire department engines are operating. So the a good firefighter man would go to Garmin Explore website and app to plan his trips in advance.
Garmin is the best watch for firefighters with a battery life up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, up to 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode. This Rugged GPS smartwatch built for fire department workers to help them withstand the toughest environments.
It is acceptable for firefighter men to monitor their estimated heart rate, activity and stress level during such battles against wildfires. were the heart beat go over unacceptable levels, it is advisable to withdraw and take a rest to regain heart health.
The fiber-reinforced polymer case adds more toughness, strength and durability, and the chemically-strengthened, scratch-resistant display is high-contrast enough to read in bright sunlight. A fireman can take it into the extremes without worry.
For more options, you may look through these other article on the best rugged smart firefighter tactical watches
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Samsung Gear S3 – Frontier SmartWatch(Bluetooth) – best firefighter watch with second hand
- Distinctive steel bezel: rotable
- Navigation: built-in GPS
- Connectivity: LTE, WIFI, Bluetooth
- Special: High temperature resistant
- Construction: military-grade performance
- Apps: built-in S Health app,
- Sensors: monitor heart rate,
- customizable watch face and swappable standard 22mm band.
- compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones.
Samsung is another best smartwatch for firefighters and first responders to consider. It is built with a distinctive corrosion resistant stainless steel bezel and engineered for rugged outdoor adventure.
We know samsung occupies a chunky market share in the consumer electronics, and it is not surprised that samsung produces not only tough rugged watches, they make tough smartwatches for outdoor activities.
The samsung gear 3 smartwatch for firefighters, come with 3 days of its 380mAH Li ion battery life. The smart bluetooth frontier watch is designed with tactical military grade in mind, so that it is alway ready for outdoor combat.
The samsung rugged smart watch is great for field workers since it can withstand extreme temperature, resist water, mud and dust. An outdoor smart watch with such a durable construction is of great help when battling ravaging wildfires under extreme heats.
This samsung is the best smoke jumper watch with red sweeping second hand that can aid fighter EMT personnel to track vital signs, respiratory and pulse rate of victims who suffered injuries from fire accident.
The samsung gear 3 is seamlessly compatible with Android and IOS devices. There you can receive and respond to calls, texts, and smart notifications. As a firefighter, you get variety of choice for different watch faces as well as chance to switch straps as you see it.
Like other galaxy smart watches, this smartwatch for firemen comes with built-in GPS to track activities during fire extinguishing works. No one will expect an engineman to go quench wildfire without a good outdoor gps tracking device – a gps watch is more convenient.
With this firefighters smartwatch, a fireman can text, call, and get notifications directly from the Bluetooth connected watch. Additionally, it is easy to make payments with Samsung Pay almost anywhere with a credit card.
Designed with military-grade performance, the Gear S3 smart watch can resists water, dust, extreme temperatures, and the occasional drop. It is pretty a very good durable firefighter tactical watch with important built-in outdoor tools.
The only exception is that Samsung Pay on Gear S3 requires network connection through LTE, Wi-Fi or via Bluetooth pairing with compatible smartphone.
It makes a good smart watch for first responders with second hand, but it does not have military time face
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Suunto Travers Alpha -best tactical military smartwatch for firefighters and first responders
A durable smartwatch for firefighters with premium scratch resistant sapphire glass crystal for durability. Battery life can last up to 14 days before the next recharge.
Rated at 100 meters, this rugged smart watch is water resistant but cannot survive deep marine search and rescue operations. The water repellent nylon straps are durable, insulating and dry faster when cleaned.
Suunto Traverse Alpha is a great rugged smartwatch for firefighting with altimeter, barometer and gps (GLONASS) for tracking your where-about during fire incidents.
Not only is this, the best smartwatch for first responders and firemen, but it is one best smartwatch for hiking too.
If you need a very long lasting outdoor smartwatch that remains durable, unbeaten, indestructible, tough and rugged under all extreme circumstances in the challenging territory, check these most durable tough smartwatches.
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Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Touchscreen Smartwatch – best Stainless Steel fire resistant watch
- Case diameter 44 millimeters and thickness 12 mm
- Band Material Stainless Steel, length Men’s Standard, width 22 mm
- Movement Touchscreen
- Water resistant depth 30 Meters
- features : Heart Rate Tracking
- Media: Microphone, Speaker
- Support : Bluetooth calling, smart Notifications
- Battery Life: Multi-day modes
- memory storage: 8GB (1G RAM)
This grey fossil brand smartwatch is one that comes with fire resistant material construction style. Like some durable smartwatches, this fossil gen 5 smart watch comes with a 22mm stainless steel band and a 44mm watch case.
This metallic construction makes it one of the best fire resistant smart watches for firefighters. It can withstand high temperatures unlike Apple watches which most firemen are advised not to carry them near extreme heats.
Like other smartwatches, gen 5 touchscreen smartwatch is powered with Wear OS by Google work with both iPhone and Android Phones.
While the battery supports 24 Hr in multi day extended mode, the build in GPS for tracking distance and the 30m water resistance makes it durable against water splashes from quenching fire or extinguishers.
For outdoor style, this smart fossil stainless steel smartwatch has always-on display with thousands of watch faces to personalize a fireman’s outdoor look.
Other features include app support for fitness, payments, music, social, news, games, stop watches and notifications for calls, texts, apps and automatic time, time zone and calendar syncing.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 – Best Smart Watch for firemen with Advanced Health monitoring,
- Operating System: Tizen OS 5.5
- Processor- chipset: Exynos 9110, 1.15GHz CA53 Dual
- memory capacity :1GB+8GB
- Display Screen : 360 x 360 Super AMOLED
- battery : 340mAh (56H)
- water resistance: 5ATM + IP68
- Durable construction: US MIL-STD-810G
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is another US military certified durable smartwatch – This military-grade durability is what makes Galaxy Watch3 a trusted partner in fire.
This watch is a nice timepiece for firemen to leave their phones behind and work phonelessly. A standalone smartwatch like this one offers less distraction for a ladderman working at the heart of emergency fires.
The Galaxy firefighter watch 3 gives every opportunity for the able men and women in fire department to call, text, stream music and get notifications via Bluetooth connectivity.
Although you may need a compatible Galaxy smartphone, galaxy watch is a great health ECG watch. The standalone watch can record ECG for 30 seconds similar to a standard single-lead ECG. This offers a great health check for firefighters in the field, for signs of Atrial Fibrillation – a common form of irregular heart rhythm.
For outdoor firemen, this watch comes with a good battery endurance – it supports wireless charging and the battery life can last up to 5 days after one charge
After a long day in the bush, fighting to extinguish wildfire, the watch can help a ladderman with its automatic sleep(and stress, fatigue) tracker to provide insights on how to get a better night’s sleep.
The best part is the smartwatch for firefighters can support extreme temperatures, dust, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude, without breaking. It quite a good fire resistant watch.
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TicWatch Pro 2020 Fitness Smartwatch – Best smartwatch for firemen with long battery life
- Navigation: GPS(GPS + GLONASS + Beidou + Galileo)
- Tracker:Steps and Calories Counter, sleep
- Construction: US Military Standard 810G
- memory capacity :1GB RAM / 4GB ROM
- battery: 415mAh, Smart Mode: 2-5 days; Essential Mode: 30 days
- waterproof: IP68
- Support: NFC, Microphone + Speaker
- Band: Hybrid Leather / 22mm
- Personalisation: Change Watch Face + Interchangeable Watch Bands
TicWatch Pro 2020 Fitness Smartwatch is an upgraded watch model – an upgraded version from TicWatch Pro, 1GB of RAM. With a built in GPS Layered Display, this upgrade comes with a better drop and shock resistance and a processor that helps the watch run fast and smooth.
The onboard GPS is layered with two modes ( smart mode and Essential mode) to let firemen switch to a lower quality output as a way to conserve battery life.
You may select the top quality output when when there’s need for it and if the auto switch to Essential Mode is turned on, 5-days of battery life will be achieved. A firefighter working 24 hours shift practically needs the watch to last, 48 hours but this timepiece can last upto 5 days.
The material composition of this watch makes it look solid and robust, for firefighters. Android users in the fire department would like this Wear OS by Google, since the Android OS makes it easier to install a variety of apps easily. Again, Google Assistant is well supported for android watches.
Other features include heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, calories burnt counter, speed and cadence tracker, topo mapping(runs google maps). I like the support for topo mapping – its a great survey, exploration tool for a firefighter dealing with wildfire in unfamiliar environments.
The TicMotion Technology enables the watch to auto-detect running, fast walking , making it a good watch for hikers and maraton sports.
If you intend use the Ticwatch with your Android SmartPhone, you would require both the manufacturer’s app and the Wear OS app installed.
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Can Firefighters Wear Apple Watches?
Yes, firefighters can wear apple watches just like any other smartwatches. However, Apple watch makers has advised not exposing an apple watch to extreme temperatures, especially above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Experienced firefighters that have used apple watches while fighting wildfires recommend protecting the apple watch with a tough, durable watch case.
Some people with rugged jobs while wearing apple watches – basically turns the Apple Watch into a G-Shock with a watch face protector like the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro. You can take an apple watch protected with a supercase, into hell and back and it still remains flawless and indestructible.
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Except you want to ruin such a pricey smartwatch, firefighters should ideally remove the apple watch(if there’s no protective case) before going into a fire. Otherwise, they should make sure it is protected under firefighter safety gear.
I found fun in watches especially when I started having difficult time select wearables for my skinny 5.5 inch wrists.
Because of the amazing toolds embedded inside trackers and smartwatches, I fell in love with fitness.
Today I love to go out for gym workouts with my friends. Now am part of a sizable fitness community and I feel lucky.