as I was watching an episode of Modern Marvels, it was an episode on underwear, and towards the end they were showing moisture wicking undershirts that are now being issued to military personel. I recognized them, as my husband has several, they were issued with his new Digital uniforms, but then they mentioned that they are made of polyester and one surgeon noticed that he was having to remove burnt and melted shirts from wounds before he could treat the injury, because polyester burns and melts and drips, causeing more wounds to the wearer. This is a phenomenon I was already familiar with after my father was burned in an explosion while wearing a police uniform, which included polyester dress pants. They burned, and melted and dripped into his boots, makeing his injuries even worse.
Anyway, they went on to say they have devloped a flame retardant version, which still wicks, but does not burn or melt. Unfortunately, this is not yet standard issue for the military. I have decided when and if hubby is deployed again, he will be taking these with him. Since these shirts are $58 each I need to start saving now… and as long as I am considering things this far ahead I might as well start thinking about socks too… wouldn’t it be great if I could send him off with a bunch of pair of hand knit socks? I have ordered the yarn for one pair, and hopefully i can have more here by the time I get those knit.
I would like to know the name of the company that makes these shirts? I also seen the video. Just don’t remember the name?
I want to get the company name that was on the History Channel Please!!!
By: Jonathan on July 19, 2008
at 19:49
The name of the company is Wickers. you can find them online at Wickers.com just do a search for fire retardant.
By: theboardbitch on July 19, 2008
at 20:13
i am a burn suvivor 2005 from an accident involving a diesel engine. a polyester uniform melted and stuck to my body causing 3rd degree burns over 50 % of my body. my question is do you have any information i might can use from your father’s accident i might can use to educate others from this horrible experience.
By: ashes to ashes on August 12, 2008
at 20:16
I was about 9 when he was burned, but I remember that the cotton shirt he was wearing stiffened. while the polyester dress style pants, that are so commonly part of uniforms, just melted, there were little left but strings from where the seams were. I do know that some where I have the article in the local (small town) newspaper and I may have pictures of the pants he was wearing at the time.
I am not exact, as I am working from 20 year old memories, but I want to say he was burned over 65% of his body in second and third degree burns. I recently did an entry on my memories of it, that is here http://theboardbitch.wordpress.com/2008/03/06/the-odd-things-we-remember/
I would be more than willing to give you any information I have, and my father would probably be willing to share as much as he can, in effort to further the education on this issue.
By: theboardbitch on August 12, 2008
at 20:50