1. Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department John Vargas 1/14/2014
Cadet – SCBA Lecture
Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department
John Vargas 1/14/2014

2. Introduction to SCBA Objectives
For each component of the SCBA identify its function, safety feature and limitations.
Demonstrate donning and doffing the SCSBA while wearing protective clothing and ensure that it is ready for safe use.
Demonstrate proper emergency procedures to use in case the SCBA fails.
Demonstrate understanding of the PASS/PALS.

3. Introduction to SCBA What is SCBA? Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
The purpose of a SCBA is to provide personnel with clean breathable air while working in hazardous conditions.

4. Introduction to SCBA General Respiratory Protection
Structural and wildland fires – combustion
Medical responses – airborne pathogens
Confined-space search and rescue/recovery – low O2 or toxic
Repair work that generate fine particles –dust, metal

5. Introduction to SCBA General Respiratory Protection
Structural and wildland fires – combustion
Medical responses – airborne pathogens
Confined-space search and rescue/recovery – low O2 or toxic
Repair work that generate fine particles –dust, metal

6. Physiological Effects of Reduced Oxygen
NFPA and OSHA define oxygen deficit atmosphere as one less than 19.5% oxygen. Room air at sea level is 20.93%
Hypoxia – lack of oxygen leading to which is potentially fatal.
Combustion is the most common cause of an oxygen deficit atmosphere.

7. Introduction to SCBA
Common Respiratory Hazards Related to Firefighting
Elevated temperatures
Superheated gases can damage the respiratory tract
Pulmonary Edema – fluid in the lungs results in asphyxiation (low O2, high CO2)
Tissue damage IS NOT immediately reversible by breathing fresh cool air. Life threatening.

8. Introduction to SCBA Common Respiratory Hazards to Firefighting
Gases and vapors related to combustion
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen cyanide
Hydrogen chloride
Hydrogen sulfide
Nitrous gases
Phosgene
Sulfur dioxide
Ammonia
Formaldehyde

9. Introduction to SCBA
Common Respiratory Hazards Related to Firefighting
Carbon monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) are responsible for the majority of fire-related fatalities.
Carbon Monoxide
Colorless and odorless –present at ALL fires
Attaches to the hemoglobin and prevents the blood from carrying O2
Leads to hypoxia of the brain and tissue
Most common early symptom is headache
CO monitor on E611

10. Introduction to SCBA
Common Respiratory Hazards Related to Firefighting
Carbon monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) are responsible for the majority of fire-related fatalities.
Hydrogen cyanide
Produced by incomplete combustion of natural fibers, synthetics – carpet, furniture, bedding, and insulation
Inhaled, ingested and absorbed into the body targets the brain and body
Prevents the body from using O2, killing the cells
>30 minutes exposure of only 20 to 40 parts per million is lethal

11. Introduction to SCBA
Types of SCBA
Open Circuit
Closed Circuit

12. We use a Open Circuit – 4500 psi bottles
Average weight is about 23 lbs – including pack assembly

13. Introduction to SCBA Parkwood’s Types of SCBA Open Circuit
4500 psi 30 minute high pressure bottles
Vendor: Survivor Air
Omegas – E611 and E631
Black Masks with heads up display (HUD) for remaining air
Will fit Panther air packs
Integrated Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
Panthers on all other trucks
Blue Face Mask – will not fit Omegas and have no HUDs
Manual Personal Alert Locator System (PALS)

14. Introduction to SCBA How long does an SCBA last in a working fire?
A full cylinder rated at 30 minutes will last about 15 to 20 minutes depending on:
Physical Conditioning
Psychological Stability (not panicked)
Ability to control breathing
Training and experience
Work activity

15. Introduction to SCBA Safety Features of SCBA Low pressure Alarm
Activates at approximately 25% of rated working pressure (3 to 5 minutes) of air left in the cylinder. Time depends on working conditions.
Two methods of end of service time (ESTI), low pressure alarms – bell or electronic alarm, and flashing light or physical vibration
Rapid Intervention Crew – Universal Air Coupling (RIC-UAC)
located within 4 inches of the cylinder outlet –required on all new airpacks
Universal- allows refilling of the cylinder during rescue intervention tactics/teams.

16. Introduction to SCBA Safety Features of SCBA
Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
Loud audible alarm (95 decibel) that alerts that a firefighter is in trouble
Alarm Must be able to go continuously for 1 hour
Activated by:
Motionless for 30 seconds
Firefighter activated
Some models have temperature sensor activation
There are both integrated – activated when cylinder is opened and manually turned on
Parkwood has both types.

17. Introduction to SCBA
SCBA PARTS
Review parts of SCBA –Hands on

18. Introduction to SCBA SCBA DONNING AND DOFFING
Review methods to Don and Doff – Hands on

19. Introduction to SCBA EXCHANGE CYLINDER
Review methods to exchange cylinder – hands on
One person
Two person

20. Introduction to SCBA SCBA Maintenance
Review methods to inspect and clean SCBA – hands on

21. Introduction to SCBA Reference
Stowell, F. M., Murnane, L., & International Fire Service Training Association. (2013). Essentials of fire fighting and fire department operations. Upper Saddle River, N.J.; Stillwater, OK: Brady Pub. ; Fire Protection Publications.