SCBA Training Essentials

[lutan1]

After reading and having input into many queries on these forums on SCBA operations- what do you beleive are the "must have" topics in any SCBA class for new recruits and then I guess for more advanced operators?

Let's share our ideas on what you do for theory and practical sessions along with durations....

(Just by way of background- it appears that many departments are training in many different topics, to the point where it concerns me that some essentials may be being missed in such an important topic.... )

[RyanEMVFD]

I just got done teaching a basic class today that included SCBAs. The main thing i focus on is remaining calm and being familar with your dept's scba. Knowing the ins and outs and behing able to put one on in the dark is must know knowledge.

[lutan1]

Thanks Ryan- can you be a bit more specific? What else did you teach? What sort of drills, etc?

[Giffordd]

Here's an idea.

To add to RyanEMVFDs post. With emergency procedures we will design a drill for firefighters to get untangled(sp). After going over SCBA checks, donning, doffing and the basics we have the firefighters go through an "obstacle course". Basicly we take our bays and some furniture and have the FFs follow a hose line to get there way out. We use black out masks and while they go through we'll set it up so they get snagged on a cord/wire or something. It helps to emphasize staying calm and working on the problem of being hanged up on something. Hope this helps.

[RyanEMVFD]

To further expand on my last post. I like to have the firefighters know what every little think on the SCBA is for, not just what they need to know to use it. Everything from the high pressure hose to the little pop off valves. Get them familar with how to put it on in the dark with no flashlights. I also conduct the SCBA consumption tests to see how long they can make a bottle last. I also like to do disorientation drills. Have a firefighter with a blacked out mask start in the middle of a room or firestation and spin them around until they are dizzy. They then have to find a wall and find a way out of the building to safety.

I also like doing the Saving Our Own type training. Being able to take the harness off and squeeze through a hole in a wall and such.

Too often I've seen new firefighters being shown an airpack and showed how to wear it and breath from it but then nothing else. The airpack is the most important tool in my opinion that is used on the fireground.

[FireCritic]

SCBA Confidence

CONFIDENCE is the key. Every member of the department must be confident with their SCBA. This means that the FF must know the SCBA inside and out, what each piece does, how each piece works and what happens when different pieces fail. This can be taught in classroom.
All knowledge builds confidence. The FF must use the SCBA in training scenarios to realize the limits of the SCBA and the FF themselves while using the SCBA. This entails an SCBA maze. Have the FF go through the maze easy so they get a feel for it and progress harder. They will learn lessons all the way. Like pinching off a low pressure hose accidentally or having their helmet knock there mask loose. Or just getting over a little clausterfobia possibly. This is not a one shot deal.
I truly believe that SCBA is the one of the biggest technological advance in Firefighting. However it must be trained on frequently.
The FF must know to keep the mask maintained and clean. The whole unit must be checked daily to insure proper working condition.
These are just a few of the things to hit on to get your FF confident in SCBA operations.