Plastics for Safer Firer-Fightin The "New Look" curve gives leading fireman J. Love extra neck protection. He is stationed at Maidstone, Kent. Latest idea to make the fireman's lot an easier and safer one is the use of helmets made from specially treated plastic. Light and comfortable, they will withstand dangers of contact with high-voltage cables and still protect the fire-fighter from falling debris and sharp objects. March 8, 1949. (Photo by Reuterphoto).