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SCBA Emergency Procedures

SCBA, or self-contained breathing apparatus, is worn by rescue workers in some emergency operations. This accessory is necessary when fighting fires or rescuing a drowning person or object. The "self-contained" part of its name means no additional equipment or parts are needed. The kit is made up of a compressed air cylinder, and it helps a person breathe in situations in which normal breathing is not possible.

  1. Use of SCBA

    • A standard SCBA device can supply air for between 20 and 60 minutes. This is the crucial time in which an operation has to be carried out. The apparatus also has accessories such as a cylinder valve and gauge, a safety plug, a harness, a low-pressure warning device and a high-pressure hose that must accompany the unit when being used.

      Each emergency situation is different, and the way a rescue worker worker tackles the emergency depends on the given situation, the worker's presence of mind and his skill in understanding and negotiating the difficulty of the given situation. In all situations, however, the first and most important requirement is for the emergency worker to be fully aware of the SCBA and its proper handling.

    Placement

    • The SBCA should be located on your body and accessible through the release of a shoulder strap in case of an emergency. The type of strap or location that an SBCA should be worn varies by manufacturer. When using the device, you must clasp the waist strip that carries the SBCA so it is centered in front of you with the air canister directly in front of your mouth, supported by the carrying strap. The air canister must be rotated at the base toward and under the left arm. This provides space for maneuvering in tight openings while ensuring the device remains securely in place.

    Problems

    • SCBAs can at times become damaged. This commonly occurs when the apparatus' accessories, such as the strap, get entangled with objects at the scene of the emergency. This has resulted in deaths occurring. When an SCBA becomes entangled, it often becomes necessary for the rescue worker's colleague to help. This can divert the purpose of the operation. The first thing you should do in such a situation is to give an emergency call, "Mayday." Those who respond to your distress call will have to disentangle the strap in a procedure called a quick-release escape. The shoulder straps have to be extended to their maximum length. Once the SCBA is removed at the waist, you can see what caused the problem and ideally free the SCBA.

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