By Mark van der Feyst
for FireRescue1.com

Whenever we arrive at a working fire, time is running against us in terms of executing an interior attack and achieving a quick and effective knockdown of the fire.

Certain delays caused by human, mechanical or unknown error can arise, which handicap the efforts of our interior fire attack.

Some of these handicaps are attributed to our personal protective equipment malfunctioning right at the time of our operation.

A basic part of our personal protective equipment is the self contained breathing apparatus. This piece of equipment is an integral part of our personal protection as it provides for protection against heat, smoke, toxic gases and other products of combustion from entering into our respiratory system.

Knowing SCBA inside and out is vital to the survivability of the individual using it. Knowing the limitations, the mechanical operation and being able to troubleshoot problems as they arise will benefit the user and remove any handicaps.

Read the full article on FireRescue1.com.