The Self Contain Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) has for the most part gone through a lot of changes both equipment wise and outlook wise in its uses. Every one of which makes the air pack a better, very valuable, and integrate part of the fire fighter’s PPE set. I can remember joining the local volunteer fire department, as a Junior Fireman way back when, that there was this unofficial F.O.S.E. group within many of the local fire departments at the time. F.O.S.E. stands for “Fraternal Order of Smoke Eaters” and basically what it was, if you wore a SCBA back then you were looked on by a F.O.S.E. fireman as being a wimp of a fireman. They use to call us fireman back then now we’re fire fighters. Well all in the fire service now have an idea where the F.O.S.E. outlook went, right in the trash bucket.
To wear or not to wear, is not an option anymore. If you have the equipment and are train to use it then you use it. Period! The fire ground for fire fighters has become even more dangerous as if it wasn’t that way to begin with. The dynamics to how people live in their own homes and how businesses work with the ever growing increase of different more hazardous combinations that can present a situation of deciding either saving live or saving property. Of course it’ll always going to be the life first. Fire fighters will always take chances, but it’s a measurement if the overriding benefit can be gained. This measurement should NOT be taken at the expense of the fire fighter, though the fire fighter would probably say differently in some cases.
Three basic SCBA Rules a fire fighter or anyone that wears the air pack should apply are:
Rule One: If you’ve got it wear it!
Rule Two: Know the limitations of it!
Rule Three: train, Train, TRAIN with it!
Training with the SCBA should be done monthly, if not on a quarterly basis. Become familiar with the air pack and make sure your partner is up to speed also. Don’t become over complacent to say you know all there is to know about the equipment and its uses to put off training. If I catch myself saying this then I’m looking for the nearest SCBA pack and having a refresher class. Though it may sound or be redundant when you are doing the training it has to become second nature when SCBA is being utilized in the real deal on the emergency scene.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, the SCBA, offers the best respiratory protection when working in environments where there is an oxygen-deficiency, the concentration of air contaminants is unknown or in immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). Train with the SCBA should have the “show me” hands on approach by all who use this indispensable piece of fire fighter equipment.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
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