Ricochet Technical Information

Manufacturing and Testing

NFPA 1999 & 1951 certification is only where we start!

To meet NFPA 1951 & 1999 standards (2007 and 2008 ed.), Ricochet garments undergo numerous tests to guarantee durability under hard use and effectiveness as barriers to liquid-borne pathogens. We manufacture all our EMS clothing in our ISO 9001 certified plant in the U.S. As tough as NFPA standards are, creating garments that are just "good enough" to meet NFPA certification is not good enough for us. That’s why, at Ricochet, we engineer clothing that goes above and beyond the requirements of NFPA 1999 and 1951.

Using specially designed equipment, all seams are heat-welded under highly controlled conditions to ensure that no possibility for seal compromise exists. Every Ricochet suit then receives eleven additional heat welds at high stress points - welds that are carefully hand-applied by skilled technicians. No Ricochet garment is shipped until it passes a specially developed, highly-demanding inspection program. We use GORE-SEAM® tape, the most durably waterproof seam tape available, to seal all the tiny sewing holes in CROSSTECH® EMT clothing. At Ricochet, we put in the extra effort to give you the extra security and confidence you deserve.



Proudly Made in the USA




NFPA 1999 Bacteriophage Test

Elbow Lean Test

CROSSTECH Fabric

In our quest to produce the finest protective gear, Ricochet evaluated many different fabrics. Our research showed that CROSSTECH® fabric from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is the best choice. Since then, we've used it exclusively in all Ricochet protective EMT clothing.

CROSSTECH® fabric offers protection that has not been previously available. It is certified to meet the garment material requirements of the NFPA 1999 Standard for Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations. This standard ensures that EMT clothing offers protection against blood and body fluids, as well as liquid chemicals such as battery acid, gasoline, and hydraulic fluid. CROSSTECH® fabric is fully waterproof and highly breathable, ensuring comfort in everyday use. It is highly vapor-permeable, allowing evaporated perspiration to escape at much greater rates than other films and coated fabrics. CROSSTECH® fabric keeps wearers drier, alleviating the potential for severe discomfort and heat stress problems. Like GORE-TEX® fabric, CROSSTECH® EMS fabric remains durably waterproof after exposure to flexure and abrasion in cold and wet conditions, and after exposure to contaminants such as oils, fuels, insect repellents and other common chemicals. Gore’s manufacturing plant is ISO 9000 quality certified, ensuring the consistently high quality you expect from the inventors of GORE-TEX® fabric. At Ricochet, we know that the CROSSTECH® fabric membrane offers superior protection against blood, body fluids and chemical liquid dangers.

The safety and comfort of your team is why we chose CROSSTECH® fabric as a critical component of Ricochet gear.