FGS - Chapter 3

Question 1

Shield Airway

Answer 1

• When air in SCBA is exhausted, disconnect second stage regulator.
• Cover air intake port on face-piece with hood or glove.
• Shielding the intake prevents debris from entering the mask.

Question 2

Fire Fighter Self-Survival Actions (TAGRAT)

Answer 2

• Transmit distress signal.
• Activate PASS device.
• Get bearings/look for escape routes.
• Remain in one place if not in immediate danger.
• Attract attention:
– Maximize PASS sound.
– Move light around.
– Use tools to make noises.
• Try to conserve air by staying calm/reducing activity.

Question 3

Reasons Fire Fighters don’t call Mayday

Answer 3

1. Fear of calling attention to mistake and discipline.
2. Fear of being perceived as weak or not knowing job well enough to keep out of Mayday situation.
3. Don’t know how.

Question 4

Suppressing the Panic Response (BOA)

Answer 4

Breathe:
• Controlled, steady breathing.

Organize:
• Follow a plan with logical steps.

Act:
• Take action and perform steps in order.

Question 5

Volume

Answer 5

• Use a hand tool to make noise.

* Generate sound on an exterior wall if possible.

Question 6

Gauge

Answer 6

• Routinely check SCBA air gauge.
• Quantity of air indicates time available to find a more tenable atmosphere.
• When in distress, advise IC of quantity of air.

Question 7

PASS Actions During Mayday

Answer 7

• Activate PASS
• Position device’s alarm/light so best heard/seen by rescuers.
• Silence device to talk on radio and to listen for rescuers.

Question 8

Illuminate

Answer 8

• Keep flashlight on while working.
• Shine flashlight at 45 degree angle.
• Momentarily turn off flashlight to locate rescuer’s light.

Question 9

Exit (MUF)

Answer 9

• Move along exterior walls to locate windows.
• Use expansion joints to mark path of travel.
• Follow hose line using couplings as guides.
-The first coupling felt should be the smooth end of the female, followed by short lugs, then the long lugs of the male coupling.

Question 10

Mayday Situations (SLAMM)

Answer 10

• SCBA malfunction/large loss of air
• Lost/missing member
• Any life threatening condition that cannot be resolved within 30 seconds
• Member seriously injured/incapacitated
• Member trapped/entangled

Question 11

GRAB LIVES

Answer 11

Gauge
Radio
Activate PASS
Breathing

Low
Illuminate
Volume
Exit
Shield airway

Question 12

Breath Control (BCUT)

Answer 12

• Breathe through low air alarm and beyond.
• Control anxiety, breathe slowly, and minimize exertion as much as possible, even before a Mayday.
• Use TALK TEST to stay in aerobic zone – physical effort where short sentences can be spoken.
• To conserve air, make exhalation period twice as long as inspiration periods.

Question 13

Radio (PIRDU)

Answer 13

• Pause after each message.
• Initial message should be brief.
• Repeat until IC replies.
• Do not wait.
• Use the EAB if available

Question 14

GRLIE

Answer 14

Gauge (check air periodically)
Radio (advise command of conditions/location)
Low (stay below the heat)
Illuminate (use light to cut through smoke)
Exit (identify exits)

Question 15

Stay Low

Answer 15

• Stay near floor to avoid super-heated toxic air.

* Stay low to help visualize hose line and locating an exit.

Question 16

GRAIS

Answer 16

Gauge (check the air in the SCBA)
Radio (check battery and frequency)
Activate PASS 
Illuminate flashlight (ensure working and has batteries)
Shield airway (check hood/gloves)

Question 17

Physiological response to Panic

Answer 17

Cortisol and other hormones interfere with perceptions and decision making. This results in:
• Seeing less.
• Hearing less.
• Missing cues from the environment.
• Making mistakes.