Airpack Donning time

[Catch22]

We recently tested out on our department for our annual airpack donning times. Our training chief wants us to be under 40, preferably closer to 30. Here's my questions though, anyone ever experience an under 20 second time?

I managed to hit 19 seconds, but the other firefighter on my truck did it in 16 (it took several times and a lot of competitiveness). We started with coat and hood on, pack on the ground and turned off. Time didn't stop until until pack was on with mask and place and on air, gloves and helmet on as well.

[t13one12]

Is this just donning the pack and face-piece?

[SAFD46Truck]

Ok, I guess I don't really see the point of the timed donning competition. I mean, it's great to be familiar and comfortable with your equipment, but as long as your geared up by the time that apparattus stops and it's time to work...what difference does it make? This is not a slam, I'm just curious I guess.

[SpartanGuy]

SAFD:

Back in the day(before my time, mind you), when airpacks used to be in compartments on the sides of trucks and you were hopping down off the back and donning them on scene, I guess it mattered. You know, grandma runs over and is flipping out about little johny, etc.

It's just a carry over from those days, I guess. It doesn't really matter, unless the fire's across the street now a days.

[npfd801]

I'm pretty confident that the state here requires donning while in gear, to be ready to go, helmet on, no exposed skin, gloves on and breathing air in 60 seconds to pass all the FFII practicals.

We had to do it as part of the changeover to our new packs, and our recruits all have to do it. We've had times in the 30's, but I guarantee that the guys doing that would be re-adjusting everything before seeing any real fire.

Last time we did it was in the rain at a burn tower. 35 seconds to get the pack on and the rest of the minute struggling to get the darned soaking wet gloves on...

[Co11FireGal]

Originally posted by SpartanGuy
SAFD:

Back in the day(before my time, mind you), when airpacks used to be in compartments on the sides of trucks and you were hopping down off the back and donning them on scene, I guess it mattered. You know, grandma runs over and is flipping out about little johny, etc.

It's just a carry over from those days, I guess. It doesn't really matter, unless the fire's across the street now a days.

Back in the day, huh? LOL...we still have air packs in compartments of every vehicle we have equipped with them...that's right, NO jump seats in my dept.:eek: We do timed drills in Firefighter 1 training (all gear under 60 sec. to pass practicals), and occasionally at the station for in-house refresher/re-cert training. Timing it for us does two things...ensures everyone can do it quickly on scene, and also makes training more fun when there is a little competitive edge to it.

I've never SEEN an under 20 time, but supposedly we have a couple who have done it, but I'd have to see them do it to believe it. Under 30, yes.

[bigwavedave]

Unfortunatly, we have our SCBA's in the side compartments in Phoenix also. We get timed on donning in the academy. We throw the bottle, get on air, put on our gloves under 35 seconds I believe. It is commonly done in low 20's, some 19's but probably not done perfectly.

[fightn15]

Well apparently they already have their mask on, etc in order to get these quick times. State of Florida requires that you do it in 1:45, mask, helmet, hood, gloves, airpack on and hooked in on air. I do it in about 50 seconds.

[npfd801]

Illinois standard for the minute has been in full gear, typically with your helmet and gloves off, hood aroud your neck, bunkers and coat on and properly closed up. You have to strap the pack on, mask up, put the hood on around the mask with no skin showing, turn the bottle on, check your pressure, put on your helmet WITH strap under the chin, glove up and go on air. Probably not in that order.

I've heard of the two minute standard used for going from no gear on at all to breathing on air, fully dressed, ready to go. I've never seen that done around here though.

All I know is you're one twitchy mutha if you can get your bunkers AND pack on in under 20 seconds... I think I may be misunderstanding.

[mcaldwell]

He said bunkers were already on for the 20 second times.

We also do timing for our probationary ff's. They must beat 60 seconds with bunker gear already on. We find it not only ensures we aren't waiting for them on a scene, but it encourages them to go in on thier own time and practice with the gear.

Best time on record is about 30 seconds right now.

[Bones42]

We find it not only ensures we aren't waiting for them on a scene, but it encourages them to go in on thier own time and practice with the gear. Good advice.


1 big thing, having it on correctly is just as important as quickly.

[ThNozzleman]

I managed to hit 19 seconds, but the other firefighter on my truck did it in 16 (it took several times and a lot of competitiveness).
To fully don an SCBA, helmet, gloves, and hood properly ready to go into an IDLH environment? Yeah, right. :rolleyes:

[ThNozzleman]

1 big thing, having it on correctly is just as important as quickly.
Exactly. That's why I've never been a big fan of speed races when donning SCBA, or other equipment. I've found that students who get into this habit during training do the same thing when they are on the job (trying to beat each other to the nozzle)...and they are constantly forgetting things like their hoods, checking their air levels, strapping helmets on, waist-belts, fully seating their masks and facepieces, turning their bottles on completely, checking high-pressure lines for tightness...you name it.

[LaFireEducator]

Department standard is 1 minute for SCBA. Not that critical for us that it be done much faster as ride time for 99% of our district is at least 2-3 minutes, with some areas being 10-15 minutes from the central station (which is the only station with "jumpseat packs"). Most guys can do it a in 30-40 seconds when they are donning them from the high-side compartments on all of our other engines at the scene.

[Dalmatian90]

Exactly. That's why I've never been a big fan of speed races when donning SCBA, or other equipment. I've found that students who get into this habit during training do the same thing when they are on the job (trying to beat each other to the nozzle).

While I tend to agree *a bit* on this...

a) There's a difference between "training" -- when you're learning new skills or refreshing something you haven't formally gone over in a long time...and "drilling" which is practicing a skill you know to become more proffecient. (God I just mangled that spelling, didn't I?)

b) I think a bit of friendly competetion is fun and for certain people is a good motivator. I would guess this does work better in medium size groups -- say 20 or 30 guys at an evening training drill, then it does with a three or four man company doing their normal weekly drills.

c) Doing things quickly doesn't mean neccessarily you're cutting corners. If someone hasn't gotten the hydrant dressed right, hasn't donned the SCBA right (including hood, no exposed skin, yadda yadda) they're still on the clock. And they don't get told what they're missing until they finally ask!

What you should be trying for on these timed-drills is unconcious competency -- you know the skill so well, you're not even thinking about it as you do it. If you can get to the point that you're not conciously thinking about how to don gear, how to don an SCBA, how to raise a ladder -- you can spend more time mentally sizing up the incident while gearing up or looking for hazards as you place & raise the ladder.

Part of the key there, of course, is to know the difference between unconcious incompetence -- you don't know you're screwing up -- and unconcious competence -- you do it right and don't even have to think about it.

But if you truly have some of the "manual" skills down cold, it lets you focus your attention on what is more important. And I believe timed-drills like this for the right subjects in the right situations can really help build up that complete competence & confidence.

========
I think my personal best was 24 seconds for donning SCBA, and I was being beat by someone who was doing it in 21 seconds. I still can today go from street clothes to SCBA in operation is less then a minute.

[Maverick9110E]

idk about just the pack and mask, so far ive had to time myself for practice for FF1. they require EVERYTHING on in 2 minutes. basically you go from no gear whatsoever to being fully geared including SCBA. my best was 1:54 after only practicing a few times.

[Weruj1]

I am of the "get it on quickly and prudently" vs "speedy and shotty" .........we do this occassionaly at drill .......but no set standard.

[IrishFire13]

1:45 like they said above for florida.
but that includes a 10 second seal check

I do mine close to 50.

Thats turn on, don, 10 secons seal check, hood up, helmet, gloves on air, everything perfect.

[Squad1LT]

I know you will all think that I am lying but the fastest time that I have done it in was 14 seconds and that was cutting no corners. It was in Smoke Divers class which is a week long course for advanced SCBA training at the Illinois Fire Service Institute. I had the fastest time in the class but there were several others under 20. That was tank on the ground in the ready position, do your check put mask on, hood on, helmet and gloves and by on air. It helps you become more familiar and comfortable with your airpack. I hate when you see people fumble **cking with their masks when you are ready to make entry, so speed WITH correct donning is important on the fireground. Now the toxic bottle changes we had to do in smoke divers class that really sucked, but that is something else.

[CaptainGonzo]

One can be "speedy" when donning their SCBA, but what good is it if it isn't quite right and you go into an IDLH atmosphere and flop?

Can you say RIT?

Timing the donning of SCBA enables a firefighter to realize just how long 60 seconds actually is and it is a confidence builder. In the real world, nobody is standing over you with a stopwatch, and taking a few extra seconds to don the airpack enables you to take a look at what you are coming up against instead of rushing in without a clue.

[Squad1LT]

I understand your point in that you dont want to rush putting on your pack and mask just to make time. I dont think that is wise either. But having said that, although there isn't an actual person with a stopwatch hovering over you timing you while you are masking up the situation acts as your timer. When you are getting ready to enter to search a building with victims needing rescue that is the stopwatch. I completely agree that you should take time to size-up the building, the fire, etc.. on your way up to the structure (I have never understood the rational of donning your mask in the truck in route) You should also wait and let the fire room blow once you force the door and watch the smoke to see what it tells you, but then you need to be able to mask up quickly and correctly. We shouldn't be fumbling with mask straps or taking our sweet time because the stop watch is in fact ticking based on fire conditions and victims in need of rescue etc....

We shouldn't try and go faster in masking up than what we are capable of, but we should in training become proficient enough in masking up when the situation dictates the need for quick entry into a structure we have the capabilities of doing so quickly and safely. And repeated drilling for time in correctly donning your SCBA will help in doing that IMHO.

[enginehouse2]

As with all equipment the firefighter should be well versed in the use of scba. Speed along with efficiency is neccessry in donning scba. 20 seconds on with a bad seal isn't as time saving as 35 seconds and a proper donnng. I tell my firefighters to take time to look around at the scene while donning and pulling hose or setting up operations. A few seconds to see what your dealing with and to curb tunnel vision could save your life and contribute to a more efficient job done. I'm against hurrying in an emergency situation.

[firepimp]

Here in florida we have a minute and forty five seconds to don the pack , mask , hood , gloves , helmet and be on air for the state test . My quickest was 65 seconds to put it all on oh and also you would have to do a 10 second seal check. No skin showing and clap your hands once you stand up. I don't really understand how you could don all this so fast quicker than 65 seconds I was one of the fastest in my class. Just asking.

[Rescue101]

To get your Scba card in the State of Maine,you must go from street clothes to fully geared and on air in UNDER 2min 5 sec.THIS is PROPERLY geared,valve fully on,low air alarm checks,gauges match,proper seal,all snaps and hooks fastened,no skin,collar up,gloves on etc.These are checked by senior instructors that miss NOTHING.The crews must quality check each other too.Safd asks why?When the call comes for FF down or emergency line relocation to protect another crew,you'll be damn glad to have personnel who can PROPERLY gear up and get in operation in under a minute and forty five.All of my interior people are trained and retrained on this constantly.As Dal says,it's a confidence builder along with friendly competition. T.C.

[Bones42]

Ok, from all the posts I see here, I have a big question. Who actually practices putting the SCBA on as you would during a fire call? I see a lot of people talking about it being on the ground, fully spread out, etc. Is that how you store your SCBA's? Being able to get it from the ground all laid out and on your back is different than sitting in the seat fumbling for straps, or backing up to it on a wall mount, or pulling out of a compartment.

How many people spend the time practicing real world?

[Rescue101]

Bones,We do. They get it nice and neat during the original training.After that if I "call"a crew it's anything goes.Get the pack from the seat,the compartment,the staging/air area and get it on,get it on right and report for assignment. Try it sometime it actually makes a pretty neat drill. For the more experienced,I like to disassemble the packs(take the bottle out)blindfold the crew and have them assemble and don the pack.Another confidence builder.Not much in the way of practical application but it helps give an edge in panic reduction.Plus it challenges those that think they know it all. T.C.

[chainsaw]

As a volunteer, the local academy has started to test being fully dressed in under 2 minutes. To help the members of our company the entire company did the test with a average time of 1 minut 50 seconds from street close to on air.
Now I don't agree with racing to put the only thing that you have contol over. Why would you risk your safety by rushing in putting your PPE on?

[ThNozzleman]

I know you will all think that I am lying but the fastest time that I have done it in was 14 seconds and that was cutting no corners.
I'm sorry, but I don't believe you. As someone who has watched firefighters do this for years, I believe I can safely say that this is impossible.

[Squad1LT]

You need to really check yourself if you are going to call me a liar. Just becuase you are unable to do something doesn't mean someone else cant. I did that time during a very intensive 40 hour class that was all about SCBA. That was all we did was SCBA drills, training, etc.. 8 hours a day for 5 days straight. So why dont you try putting your pack on 100 times in a weeks time and i bet you too might be able to get it on under 20 seconds and maybe even 14 seconds also. And get it on correctly in that time also. So until you do it that much dont call me a liar.

[tyler101]

For a twist on things try timing putting on a SCBA in the jump seat. Makes things a little harder being in a cramped space versus out on an open floor.

[ThNozzleman]

I know you will all think that I am lying but the fastest time that I have done it in was 14 seconds and that was cutting no corners.
Your quote, pal. And guess what?
I did that time during a very intensive 40 hour class that was all about SCBA.
Wow...smokedivers. You truly are an elite.
So until you do it that much dont call me a liar.
Obviously, you don't know much about me, do you? :rolleyes:

[ThNozzleman]

For a twist on things try timing putting on a SCBA in the jump seat. Makes things a little harder being in a cramped space versus out on an open floor.
I agree. And you can never get it adjusted just right while you're sitting there.

[Squad1LT]

Nozzleman,

Dude you need to chill out. I am not trying to impress anyone on here and anywhere for that matter. I was just stating facts, you were calling me a liar so I was just responding to that. Just because you havent seen something done from where you are from doesn't mean it doesnt exist. I am done talking with you about this. Let's have some constructive conversation on here.

[oldmangus]

the most important thing is to have it on right. Practice for when you breach walls, confined space, or swapping off packs in the blind. the assurance is not timing , it is having the thing working and suit properly so you don't get screwed.

[ranahan]

Originally posted by ThNozzleman

I agree. And you can never get it adjusted just right while you're sitting there.

No kidding. I've only seen a few SCBAs and seat mounts configured so that I could tighten up the shoulder straps while in the seat. That's because, in most seats, I can't get out of the dang seat if I have the straps cinched down!
And people say there aren't issues with being tall...

===

If some of you can pack up quicker than most folks can sneeze, good for you. As long as you have it on right, that's what counts. Me -- I'm quick enough, and I'll take my time if I need to. It gives me a better opportunity to survey the scene when I'm not rushing around anyway.

[ThNozzleman]

Dude you need to chill out. I am not trying to impress anyone on here and anywhere for that matter. I was just stating facts, you were calling me a liar so I was just responding to that. Just because you havent seen something done from where you are from doesn't mean it doesnt exist. I am done talking with you about this. Let's have some constructive conversation on here.
I've seen some of the best, and some of the worst...and in my years of doing this, NOBODY has EVER turned a time like that with the gear on properly, and properly checked. In fact, your time is less than HALF the quickest time I've ever seen for a proper donning. I've never seen a unicorne, either...but I'm pretty damn sure they are non-existant, too.

[ThNozzleman]

No kidding. I've only seen a few SCBAs and seat mounts configured so that I could tighten up the shoulder straps while in the seat. That's because, in most seats, I can't get out of the dang seat if I have the straps cinched down!
And the rip-cord for the straps that secure the SCBA to the seat...trying to dig that thing out (if you forget to pull it getting in) is a real pain.

[mcaldwell]

Originally posted by ThNozzleman
I've never seen a unicorne, either...but I'm pretty damn sure they are non-existant, too.

ROFLMAO!!!:D :D

That's Classic! I have to agree I'm skeptical too, but hey, anything's possible. :)

[Weruj1]

And the rip-cord for the straps that secure the SCBA to the seat...trying to dig that thing out (if you forget to pull it getting in) is a real pain. .....LMAO ! truer words have never been spoken ........

[ThNozzleman]

...or when the darn thing refuses to release and you're left sitting there, jerking like someone in the electric chair, and your crew wondering why the heck you aren't getting out!

[fightn15]

Originally posted by firepimp
Here in florida we have a minute and forty five seconds to don the pack , mask , hood , gloves , helmet and be on air for the state test . My quickest was 65 seconds to put it all on oh and also you would have to do a 10 second seal check. No skin showing and clap your hands once you stand up. I don't really understand how you could don all this so fast quicker than 65 seconds I was one of the fastest in my class. Just asking.

That is what I said in the forum if you looked up. It is the same way for an entry test into Marion County. I got mine in the 50s

[Dave1983]

When I went through state fire acadamy, we had to do it in 45 seconds or less ( I did it in 19)with the old MSA's. We had to put on the pack, helmet and gloves. We didnt have to be "on air" and this was the pre hood & PASS days:D

[ranahan]

Originally posted by ThNozzleman

And the rip-cord for the straps that secure the SCBA to the seat...trying to dig that thing out (if you forget to pull it getting in) is a real pain.

Indeed. You'd think they make some sort of pull cord suspended above, or maybe some kind of lever with mechanical linkage mounted underneath the seat with which you could release the catch.
[hint, hint, SCBA seat designers...if any of you are listening]

[maximumflow]

Originally posted by ThNozzleman
...or when the darn thing refuses to release and you're left sitting there, jerking like someone in the electric chair, and your crew wondering why the heck you aren't getting out!


nozzleman,

this brings to mind an embarassing momment steping out of the officers seat not realizing the right strap intertwined with the seat belt shoulder strap and when i stepped down and went to walk away from the truck i didn't, go very far!

the fire academy should spend more time teaching "FIREFIGHTER SAFETY" instead of the 2 min.drill in FF1, what good are you rescueing yourself because it was'nt on right! as chainsaw stated, the only piece of equipmemt that keeps us alive on the inside and we are trying to find out how fast we can put it on!! the next time you log on take a good look at some of the firefighters in the pictures, "SCAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRYYYYYYY"!

"there is no greater famiy outside our own than the brotherhood of firefighters"

helping people,
it's what we do!
capt.Dennis

[coldfront]

A good donning time is before 10:00 PM or right after lunch!

Anytime is great for doffing, however after 10:00 PM and right before lunch makes me a happy camper!

[coldfront]

Originally posted by coldfront
A good donning time is before 10:00 PM or right after lunch!

Anytime is great for doffing, however after 10:00 PM and just before lunch helps me rest better! :) :) :) :) :)

[ThNozzleman]

this brings to mind an embarassing momment steping out of the officers seat not realizing the right strap intertwined with the seat belt shoulder strap and when i stepped down and went to walk away from the truck i didn't, go very far!
I saw a similar situation happen to a certain person on a structure fire about two years ago...the cord from the headset got tangled in the straps as he disembarked. What a riot!

[Rescue101]

What some here don't seem to fathom is that with PRACTICE(training) you CAN put it on FAST and RIGHT.Repetition makes perfect.I want it RIGHT (safe)but I also want it QUICK (I might be the guy needing help).What's so hard to figure out? 2 Min is PLENTY of time to do it RIGHT. T.C.

[Bones42]

Seeing these problems mentioned with the seat straps makes me glad mine are wall mounted and on my back before I set foot on the truck. :cool:

[stillPSFB]

Does anyone else have in their donning SOP's that once you have the air and mask on, that you close down the cylinder, breath the lines down and check that the bell goes off at the correct pressure, and then when the lines are empty that you have a good negative pressure seal? Then you reopen your cylinder valve and go to work. Gives us something to do to replace the "pull your hood up and make sure no skin is showing", as we don't wear hoods.

I've never heard of anywhere else doing the negative pressure checks but here.

[Stick533]

Gives us something to do to replace the "pull your hood up and make sure no skin is showing", as we don't wear hoods.
Please don't tell me you're refering to the nomex hoods!?! If you don't wear hoods, what do you use to protect from the coat collar up?

[Sleuth]

AZ state requires a leasurly 90 sec. from bunkers, hood and helmet on (but no gloves) to on air, hood and helmet (but no gloves).

Our Assistant Chief, who is mid 40's, short, stocky, and very muscular, hit 16 sec. once, so after a week of nothing but SCBA I can see 14 sec. as do-able.

Not for me - I'm an old(er) slower guy. Took me 1 min 15 sec for the State test, which required the over the head method (which I don't care for).

That being said, I too say correct & smooth is far more important than fast. We must be the solution, not become part of the problem. In our real world, we may be 40 miles or more from the fire. No need to mask up until we get there, and see what we have. Too many "fully involved" turn out to be a trash can fire. Still need air, but no need to rush.

And I disagree with the "blindfold, must assemble the unit" tests. If everyone is perfect on everything else we must do, and you just want to play, fine, go ahead. There is no case I can see in reality for needing to re-assemble your SCBA in the dark - unless you rushed so much to put it on, you did not notice that the unit was not assembled. We have better, more 'street' realistic things we need to practice. If your department wants to do this, by all means, enjoy.

[wlrfa2907]

In my county (Ontario county, NY)
In the smoke divers class we have to don gear and pack, and breathing air under 60secs.

[Catch22]

Our state actually requires 60 seconds for this drill to pass Fire Fighter I. The department wants under 40. We started with coat on and hood around the neck, airpack on the ground with our mask, helmet, and gloves on the ground. We do the seal check prior to putting the pack on. If anything's not done properly, such as air leaking or mask not covering everything, the time doesn't count.

It's more of a familiarization drill, but some of us do get competitive and keep going at it trying to beat the other. Just to prove to Nozzleman, I'll see if I can't get the video our training chief took on an 18 second time the other guy did and post it.

I do agree that it'd be more realistic to do it out of the jump seats, and a helluva lot harder to boot. I may bring that up to our training chief, thanks for the idea.

[wvfd05]

My time for the SCOTT 2A's that our department had until this past year was about 45 to 50 seconds; I haven't timed yet with our new Pac 50's.

TF

[stillPSFB]

Originally posted by Stick533
Please don't tell me you're refering to the nomex hoods!?!
Our department (is combo) is totally in the Dark Ages when it comes to this sort of thing. Recently they have slightly relaxed things and are allowing a few firefighters who have a very good understanding of how to read fire behaviour to wear hoods, but you have to supply your own. Up until this slight change in philosophy hoods were very strictly banned, and the bans were enforced.

Originally posted by Stick533
If you don't wear hoods, what do you use to protect from the coat collar up?
SPF 15+:D

[KCFireguy]

14 seconds, well I guess it was April Fools yesterday when I read it. Lets break it down.

Turn the bottle on 3 secs
donning tank 1 sec
chest, shoulder, waist staps 3 secs
mask, with hood up and seals right 3 secs
helmet 2 secs

That is the best u could dream of right there (if the stars aligned in the heavens) and doesn't count picking up the gear. That is 12 secs which leaves 2 second for regulator, and the hardest of all gloves.

[ThNozzleman]

14 seconds, well I guess it was April Fools yesterday when I read it. Lets break it down.
Hey, man...I did it in 8 seconds once, blindfolded. Go ahead, prove I didn't. :rolleyes:

[KCFireguy]

Originally posted by Sleuth

And I disagree with the "blindfold, must assemble the unit" tests. If everyone is perfect on everything else we must do, and you just want to play, fine, go ahead. There is no case I can see in reality for needing to re-assemble your SCBA in the dark - unless you rushed so much to put it on, you did not notice that the unit was not assembled. We have better, more 'street' realistic things we need to practice. If your department wants to do this, by all means, enjoy.

I disagree, for rescue operations you should be able to preform this in the dark. If you are in a structure and you need to switch out your air bottle, it most likely won't be in the most visable of conditions. I think they should make pass devices go off during these test to add to the stress and relization of the tests.

[SpartanGuy]

I think you should just buy a RIT Pack(for anyone but MSA), or bring in a spare pack and hook the two together(for MSA) instead of all of this changing bottles out inside stuff:D

[Ltmdepas3280]

We had a house fire the other day and I don't attach the waist strap unitl I exit the truck, I do this so that I can turn the pack on ....well the other day the clip that secures the regulator to the waist strap got caught in the seat belt buckle ...I looked like a fish being reeled into a boat. I still beat all the rookies to the door and was ready to work....I took longer to untangle the belt than did to put the air pack on....morale of the story check your air pack prior to using it :cool:

[Rescue101]

Since I posted that notion,please go back and reread it.I SPECIFICALLY said that it isn't a real applicable drill.However it gives those willing to practice it the ability to become VERY familiar with the pack and the ability to do things(for say a downed ff)in low light/no light conditions that STANDARD training DOES NOT ADDRESS.It also is a eye opener for the BTDT crowd.I personally like to challenge my rank and file at any given training moment.Out of it I get better prepared,smarter firefighters.And all of you are contributors to that cause.Everyday is a learning day,go get some. T.C.

[dmleblanc]

After reading this thread I went back and sprung this drill the other night, making a little competition out of it. 4 at a time, from street clothes to fully geared, who can be dressed first and CORRECTLY. Just for kicks I decided to play too. Even though I seldom have to don an SCBA these days, and I haven't really practiced it in years, I was able to don turnouts and SCBA completely correctly in under 2 minutes (1:58). (Had to show the youngsters that old Chiefie still knows what he's doing :cool: ) Only one guy beat me, my assistant chief, by four seconds.

Later we donned packs only and I got that in 34 seconds. I guess I could still do this if I had to.....:p

[captstanm1]

We used to have a standard of 45 seconds to have PPE on and 45 seconds for SCBA. That was dressed and on air and ready to enter the building...all PPE on appropriately. A lot of folks could do it in under 1 minute.

[Sleuth]

Recsue 101, please reread my response. I said if everyone in my (your) department is perfect in everything else, then this could be a drill to try.

My department is far from perfect - you decide about yours.