The components of a structural fire fighting protective coat are designed to:

The protective coat worn by structural firefighters is specifically designed to absorb heat and trap insulating air. This is crucial for maintaining the firefighter's safety and comfort while operating in an extreme environment.

The outer layer of the coat is often made from materials that resist heat and flames, effectively absorbing heat from the environment rather than allowing it to transfer directly to the firefighter's skin. Beneath this outer layer, the coat includes insulation that captures and retains air, which serves as an effective barrier against the intense heat often encountered during firefighting operations.

This combination allows firefighters to stay protected while working in dangerous conditions, minimizing the risk of heat-related injuries such as burns or heat exhaustion. While reflecting heat away is a function of some materials, the primary role of the protective coat is more focused on absorbing heat and maintaining an insulating layer through the trapped air.

The other aspects of allowing airflow for ventilation or preventing water damage, while important in other contexts of firefighting gear, do not address the main protective function of the coat during thermal exposure situations.