BA End Index Flashcards
Define the term ventilation?
The removal of heated air, smoke or other airborne contaminates and their replacement with a supply of cooler, cleaner air.
Benefits of tactical ventilation
Replenishing oxygen and reducing carbon monoxide levels.
Controlling temperature/ humidity
Removing dust and other airborne contaminates.
Improving visibility and aiding navigation.
You are at a large single story building fire and the IC has given you the task to locate an outlet vent on the leeward side of the building. How would you go about this task and why might you have been asked to perform this task?
Leeward is downwind
Wind strength will affect direction in which fire gases move within the building and the effectiveness of ventilation.
Post fire -I would create a flow path
From the inlet location to the outlet, constantly monitor.
Have a covering jet at outlet to prevent reignition and to cool gases.
Why? Benefits and tactical ventilation As the fire is out and the IC wants to improve the conditions fit for the survivability of building occupant’s.
Improving conditions for fire fighters to enter and search.
Reduce smoke damage to the property.
Recall the actions to be taken when hearing a distress signal?
- Infirm the eco that a dsu alarm is audible.
- Carry out a gauge check.
- Inform eco of your intentions
- Follow revised brief from eco
You are inside premises as part of a BA team, there are other teams in the same building and you can hear an adsu distress signal sounding.
What are the actions of your team and what does the team leader need to consider?
Go to assist the Ba team in distress as this takes priority over brief unless the tasks are risk critical and could compromise the safety of other BA wearers if not carried out.
E.G putting out a fire
Understand BA Emergency arrangements
BA Emergency team call sign should identify the BA Entry control point they are deployed from, their emergency status e.g. EMERGENCY BA TEAM ALPHA 1.
You are a BA EMERGENCY TEAM on standby at ECP Alpha when the ECO recieves a ‘BA EMERGENCY’ message on the radio.
What additional equipment requirements should be considered prior to deploying?
What call sign would you have?
Radio, EASE, Breaking in gear.
Emergency BA TEAM ALPHA 1
Recall the correct use of the Emergency Air Supply Equipment (EASE)
EASE is intended to be used to rescue firefighters in distress and is not intended for the public.
When deployed as an emergency team to assist a distressed wearer, what are the actions to be taken when reaching the distress team/wearer?
- Carry put a gauge check
- Inform ECO that the team have been located and state exact location.
- identify BA member in distress that requires assistance.
- silence ADSU using drop out red key.
- check casualty cylinder and assess if they have sufficient to withdraw to safe air.
- Connect EASE if required - purge system.
- now can turn off original cylinder if required leaving wearer breathing from the EASE cylinder, place EASE over casualtys head, bag rests on chest, withdraw ASAP.
Understand the hazards and risks associated with compartment fires
Working in hot conditions restricts the body’s ability to regulate body temperature.
Manual handling tasks increase body temperature and fluid loss.
The ability of BA wearers to make critical decisions and sound judgement is compromised by heat related conditions.
- Physical Hazards
Heat and Burns: Extreme temperatures can cause severe burns and heat exhaustion for occupants and firefighters.
Flashover: A sudden ignition of all combustible materials within the compartment due to intense heat.
Backdraft: The explosive ignition of gases when oxygen is introduced to a smoldering, oxygen-starved fire.
Structural Collapse: Prolonged exposure to heat weakens building materials, increasing the risk of roof or wall collapse.
Falling Debris: Ceilings, walls, or fixtures may collapse, posing a threat to people inside. - Chemical Hazards
Toxic Smoke and Gases: Fires release hazardous gases like carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which are lethal when inhaled.
Oxygen Depletion: Fire consumes oxygen, leading to an environment unsuitable for human life.
Explosion Risk: Combustible gases or flammable materials stored within the compartment can ignite or explode. - Environmental Hazards
Reduced Visibility: Dense smoke can obscure exits and hinder rescue efforts.
Rapid Fire Spread: Fires can grow quickly due to fuel loads and ventilation patterns.
Effects of raised body temperature
Normal body temperature is approximately 37°c.
Anxiety - decrease cognitive skills - mental confusion - over estimate personal capabilities.
Work rate increases - performance drops fatigue.
Increased sweat production to cool the body leading to dehydration.
If the blood cannot be cooled the body and brain temperatures rise to potentially critical, possibly fatal levels.
