Additional Post One: S.C.B.A.

Since I have joined the fire explorers program this summer I have learned many new things. Our post tends to focus on a different topic of firefighting each month (sometimes week). For the month of September the other explorer and I focused the majority of our time learning about SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatuses).

The image above shows a firefighter wearing a SCBA.

The purpose of a SCBA is to provide compressed air to firefighters in an IDLH (immediately danger to life or health) atmosphere. I have learned the 8 major components of a SCBA, how to properly care for and inspect a SCBA, and the 3 most common ways of donning a SCBA.

There are 8 major components that make up a SCBA. These components include:

The image above shows a SCBA.

1. Air Cylinder
2. Facepiece
3. Voice Projection Unit
4. Backpack Harness and Frame
5. Integrated PASS Device
6. Air Gauge/Alarm
7. 1st Stage Regulator and hose
8. 2nd Stage Regulator 

*Firefighters are expected to inspect their SCBAs daily at the start of each shift and after each use.

• They also have to test their SCBA at least once a week to make sure that every component is properly functioning. 

Aside from learning the parts of a SCBA and when to care for it, we also had to learn how to don a SCBA. There are 3 proper methods of donning a SCBA.

1. The first method is known as the Overhead Method.
1. This method of donning the SCBA is called the overhead method because when you are initially putting the SCBA on you have to throw the bottle over your head in order for the backpack harness/frame to slide down your back. 

1. The second method is known as the Sling Method.
1. This method of donning the SCBA is called the sling method because when you are initially putting the SCBA on you have to grab a strap with one hand and sling it onto the opposite shoulder.

1. The third method is known as the Crosshand Method.
1. This method of donning the SCBA is called the crosshand method because when you are initially putting the SCBA your hands are cross over one another. 

*After learning the three methods of donning a SCBA we had to practice putting them on so that it takes no longer than 1 minute. 

Overall, an SCBA is an extremely useful piece of equipment that is used often by firefighters, which is why it is so important that firefighters know every part of it.