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Firefighter Dodgeball: Not Just Playing a Game

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Tony Maples Photography

 

When it comes to training with your SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), you just have to do it. Nothing can take the place of training. According to Safety Partners, anyone who needs to use an SCBA device needs to be comfortable and familiar with operating SCBA devices while performing duties such as fire attack, victim search, rescue, ventilation, salvage, or overhaul.

Firefighters and other rescue personnel should also be trained in regular preventive maintenance procedures. These are usually daily inspections, cleaning, disinfecting, and cylinder changes. Performing regular drills will help firefighters and other workers become more familiar with their SCBA, which will naturally make them more comfortable with using it in situations of duress.

Nothing in the rule book, however, says training must be boring. In this video, firefighters play an energizing game of dodgeball while wearing their SCBA gear. It teaches them efficient ways to conserve their oxygen.

While this looks like fun and games, and to a point it is, SCBA training is not something to take lightly. Fire Engineering reminds firefighters and others who need to use SCBA to go back to the basics.

This quick drill takes less than five minutes to conduct, but it pays countless dividends. Start with an SCBA that is in alarm mode with all straps fastened and waist strap buckled.

  • Have the firefighter don his SCBA mask and cover his mask with his hood.
  • Next, have him silence the alarm with a gloved hand.
  • After silencing, have the firefighter verbally report a Mayday for himself, after completion the firefighter can loosen the straps and don the SCBA.
  • Finally, the firefighter attaches the regulator and takes a breath.

The drill is now complete. It took all of five minutes after an alarm where you already had your gear. So, take five minutes after your next tour to practice with your SCBA and gain confidence and competence in its operation.