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WISHLIST
When every second counts in emergency response, the last thing EMS professionals should worry about is whether their equipment might be exposing them to harmful chemicals.
Yet that's exactly the concern many first responders face with the widespread presence of PFAS—or "forever chemicals"—in emergency medical gear.
As an EMS professional or those in sales of EMS material, you trust your equipment to perform under pressure. But what if the very materials designed to make that equipment durable and water-resistant are posing long-term health risks to you and your team?
At Kemp USA, we've heard these concerns from our front-line partners. That's why we're taking a bold step forward in 2024, becoming one of the first—if not the only—U.S. manufacturers to offer PFAS-free EMS bags without compromising on the durability and performance you depend on.
For us, this isn't just about removing harmful chemicals from our shelves – it's about setting a new standard for emergency medical equipment that puts the health and safety of first responders first.
To explain why we are making these moves – and what they mean for you – let’s explore what PFAS chemicals are, why they matter to EMS professionals, and how moving to PFAS-free gear is actually creating stronger, more reliable equipment.
As an EMS professional or equipment provider, you have the power to make informed choices that protect both first responders and the communities they serve. Explore Kemp USA's new line of PFAS-free EMS bags and join us in setting higher standards for emergency medical equipment. Shop Now
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) represent a class of over 12,000 human-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.
What makes these chemicals so prevalent – and concerning – is their extraordinary stability. The carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS are one of the strongest chemical bonds in nature, which means these substances don't break down naturally in the environment or in our bodies.
In emergency medical equipment, PFAS have traditionally been used to create water-resistant and durable surfaces – particularly in bags, clothing, and other gear that needs to resist fluids and stand up to heavy use.
While these properties made PFAS seem ideal for medical equipment, mounting scientific evidence has revealed significant concerns:
Bioaccumulation: PFAS build up in the human body over time, with some compounds taking years to leave the system
Environmental Persistence: These chemicals can contaminate water supplies and soil, spreading far beyond their point of origin
Health Risks: Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to several health issues, including:
Increased risk of certain cancers
Liver damage
Decreased immune system function
Interference with hormonal systems
Developmental effects
In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the first-ever national drinking water standards for six PFAS compound, marking a turning point in how these chemicals are regulated. This move reflects a growing consensus in the scientific community about the risks these substances pose, even at very low levels of exposure.
For emergency medical professionals, the PFAS issue presents a unique challenge. The very features that make PFAS-treated equipment resistant to bodily fluids and other contaminants also mean that these chemicals can be absorbed through skin contact and inhaled through dust particles from worn equipment. The potential for cumulative exposure is significant because EMS professionals work with their equipment daily, often in confined spaces like ambulances.
The medical and emergency response industries are experiencing a significant transformation in how they approach equipment safety. This shift isn't just about regulatory compliance – it's about responding to mounting evidence and growing concerns from healthcare professionals themselves.
Many traditional EMS bags and medical equipment still contain PFAS compounds, primarily because these chemicals have been the go-to solution for creating fluid-resistant, durable gear.
However, major players in the medical supply chain are beginning to recognize that the risks outweigh the benefits. Notable healthcare systems and first responder departments across the country are already updating their purchasing policies to prioritize PFAS-free alternatives.
Here are a few key market trends that are driving the move away from PFAS:
Major medical equipment manufacturers are investing big in PFAS free solutions. This isn’t just about replacing one chemical with another – it’s about rethinking how medical equipment is designed and built from the ground up.
Research teams are exploring advanced textile technologies, including new polymer blends and innovative coating methods that provide the same level of protection without the environmental and health risks of PFAS.
Healthcare organizations are demanding more information about the chemicals in their medical supplies.
This transparency is creating a domino effect throughout the supply chain with manufacturers being asked to provide detailed documentation of their materials and manufacturing process.
Many hospital systems now include chemical safety in their purchasing decisions, so PFAS content is a key factor in equipment selection.
Perhaps the most exciting development is that new PFAS-free technologies demonstrate performance capabilities that match or exceed their PFAS-containing predecessors.
Innovations in material science have led to new water-resistant coatings and durable fabrics that maintain their protective properties without relying on harmful forever chemicals – advancements such as bio-based water repellents and advanced synthetic materials.
Manufacturers are adopting a holistic approach to sustainability that considers the entire lifecycle of their products – from raw material selection to end-of-life disposal.
This shift is driving the development of medical equipment that's not only PFAS-free but also made with recyclable materials and designed for longevity, reducing both environmental impact and long-term costs for healthcare providers.
While PFAS-free medical equipment often comes with a higher initial price tag, forward-thinking organizations recognize that this represents an investment in safety and fiscal responsibility. Sure, there may be initial upfront costs:
Research and development costs for new materials are currently reflected in product pricing
Premium manufacturing processes required for PFAS-free alternatives
Initial investment in updating equipment inventories
But what’s important is to consider the long-term impacts of making this shift:
Reduced potential liability from PFAS-related health claims
Lower environmental remediation costs compared to PFAS-contaminated equipment disposal
Decreased risk of future regulatory compliance costs as PFAS restrictions tighten
Potential reduction in worker's compensation and health insurance costs related to chemical exposure
As a wholesaler deeply connected to both manufacturers and retailers, our team at Kemp USA understands the pricing concerns our dealers and distributors face. The transition to PFAS-free technologies represents a shift in the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to retail shelves.
Initial manufacturing costs for PFAS-free equipment are being offset by increasing production scale and improved manufacturing processes. This means more stable wholesale pricing for our retail partners.
We're already seeing this pattern emerge: as more manufacturers adopt these safer technologies, production efficiencies are increasing and costs are beginning to normalize. Here’s what this means for our partners:
More competitive wholesale pricing as production scales up
Ability to offer customers products that meet emerging safety demands
Early market advantage as regulations and consumer awareness increase
Opportunity to position your retail business as a leader in safety innovation
For dealers and distributors, timing is crucial. Early adoption of PFAS-free inventory positions you ahead of both regulatory changes and growing consumer demand.
This allows you to build expertise in these products and establish your business as a trusted source of safer emergency medical equipment before the broader market catches up.
As a leading wholesaler in the EMS, Lifeguard, and Swim industries, Kemp USA recognizes our responsibility to drive positive change in emergency medical equipment. Our transition to PFAS-free EMS bags represents more than just removing harmful chemicals – it's about reimagining how emergency medical equipment can be both safer and more effective.
Our new PFAS-free bags feature significant improvements in both materials and construction:
Higher denier nylon fabric for superior durability
Reinforced stitching in high-wear areas
Advanced water-resistant treatments that are both safe and effective
Strengthened stress points for longer service life
These enhancements mean that our PFAS-free bags aren't just safer – they're actually more durable than their predecessors.
We've worked closely with our manufacturers to ensure that eliminating PFAS doesn't mean compromising on the performance features that emergency medical professionals depend on.
Every new PFAS-free bag in our lineup has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it meets or exceeds the demanding requirements of emergency medical use:
Fluid resistance testing
Load-bearing capacity verification
Durability stress testing
Real-world performance validation
These moves are just the start. Kemp USA is expanding our commitment to safer, more effective emergency medical equipment with over 100 new products in our 2025 catalog – just part of our ongoing investment in product development and our response to the changing needs of emergency medical professionals.
For our dealers and distributors, this means:
First to market with PFAS-free products
More products to meet growing demand
Education support for customers on safer alternatives
Partnership to lead the industry to safer standards
The move away from PFAS in emergency medical equipment isn’t just a trend – it’s a fundamental change in how we think about safety in the EMS industry.
As we’ve seen, the risks of PFAS exposure require action, and the technology is now available to make better products without these harmful “forever chemicals.”
At Kemp USA, we’re not just meeting current standards. By being one of the first major wholesalers to offer PFAS-free EMS bags, we’re setting a new standard for what emergency medical equipment can be. Our new materials and construction prove eliminating PFAS doesn’t mean sacrificing quality – it’s driving us to make better products.
The addition of over 100 new products to our 2025 catalog demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovation and conscious business practices. As your trusted partner in emergency medical equipment, we'll continue to:
Invest in safer, more effective product solutions
Support our dealers and distributors with education and resources
Lead the industry in adopting environmentally responsible practices
Maintain our focus on quality and durability
We invite our partners to join us in this important transition. Visit our website at kempusa.com to explore our new PFAS-free EMS bags, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming product innovations. Together, we can create a safer future for emergency medical professionals and the communities they serve.
Want to stay informed about our latest innovations and product releases? Subscribe to our newsletter at kempusa.com for exclusive updates and early access to new product information.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in EMS bags and medical equipment to create water-resistant and durable surfaces. These “forever chemicals” stay in the environment and human body and are a health risk.
Kemp USA is removing PFAS from EMS bags to protect the health of emergency medical professionals and provide better durability. Scientific research has linked PFAS to health issues, including cancer risk, liver damage, and immune system effects.
Yes, Kemp USA’s PFAS-free EMS bags have better durability with higher denier nylon fabric, reinforced stitching in high-wear areas, and improved construction. They meet or exceed traditional PFAS-containing bags.
Look for product descriptions that say “PFAS free.” Terms like “water resistant,” “stain resistant,” or “durable water repellent (DWR)” on older products often mean PFAS. Kemp USA labels all our PFAS-free products.
While the initial cost may be slightly higher due to new materials and construction, the long-term benefits of PFAS-free equipment make it a smart investment. As production scales up, prices will become more competitive.
Kemp USA’s PFAS-free EMS bags are available now through our dealers and distributors. Visit kempusa.com/ems/ems-bags.html to see our new products.
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