SOG Air Management Flashcards
Introduction to the air management guidelines:
Historically, firefighters have worked until their low air alarm on their STBA has activated. This alarm has served as the indicator for firefighters to leave the IDL H environment. Initiating egress after the activation of the low air alarm requires the individual to utilize the reserve air supply to exit the I DLH area. This has had tragic consequences. Evidence shows that firefighters do not call for help until they have consumed their reserve air supply. This practice puts the rapid intervention team at a severe disadvantage and lessons the likelihood of a successful rescue.
– In addition, the sounding of multiple alarms is commonplace, and therefore not seen as an indicator of a firefighter in trouble. Many firefighter testimonials have documented that individuals in trouble, with alarm bells ringing, went unnoticed by crews working in the same area. This situation is not acceptable.
– Therefore, it shall be the policy of IMFD that members exit the ID LH environment prior to the activation of their low air alarm.
– IMFD adopted the number one rule of air management or ROAM, Which states:
All members utilizing and S CBA in the hazards own of an incident shell monitor the amount of air in there S CBA cylinder as well as a fair rate of air consumption in order to exit the hazards prior to the low air alarm activation of the S CBA.
– The individual shall exit from and IDL H atmosphere before consumption of reserve air supply begins.
– The individual shell recognize that the low air alarm notification indicates that the member is consuming the reserve air supply.
– The individual and the team shall take immediate action upon activation of the reserve air alarm and shall follow their departments SOP/S OG.
Purpose of the air management guidelines:
The intent of this guideline is to implement a policy that requires members to exit the immediately dangerous to life and health IDL H environment prior to the activation of the S CBA low air alarm. This is accomplished by requiring members to maintain an awareness of their air pressure at all times and provide an early notification of low air situations. In the event of an alarm activation, members are required to provide immediate notification to command. This policy also defines actions to be carried out in the low air emergencies.
Objective of the air management supply guideline:
To actively monitor and manage air consumption while performing firefighting functions, and to calculate air usage so that members exit the ID LH environment prior to the activation of the low air alarm. This is an indication that the user is consuming their reserve air supply. The objective will assist IMFD in meeting the intent of NFPA 1404 regarding the individual air management program.
Procedures for air management guidelines:
– Individuals shall check their S CBA upon arrival for duty.– Individuals shall check air pressure with their team or crew prior to entry into the ID LH environment
*Air pressure upon initial entry shall be 4000 PSI or greater
– Continually monitor air consumption and pressure as an individual and/or team. Below are some examples:
– Check at regular time intervals. Approximately every five minutes.
– Change of work area. Example: floor level change, area searched.
– Passing major landmarks within the structure
– Completion of assignments and prior to accepting another assignment
– As the situation dictates…
– Crew/team members to give an automatic air status report to team leader/company officer when the first member of the crew reaches an air pressure of 2000 PSI, or if the remote pressure gauge RPG is in accessible, the heads up display HUD blinks yellow.
– Manage air level and request a release so that egress from the I DLH area occurs prior to activation of the low air alarm.
Note: the 2000 PSI benchmark does not necessarily dictate that it is time to exit the IDL H. Multiple factors must be evaluated such as:
– Size of the structure
– How far into the structure members are operating
– Location of exits
– How long it took to get to where the crew is operating and how long it will take to exit the IDL H.
– The 2000 PSI benchmark, is a critical reminder of remaining air and crewmembers in the IDL H must be aware at all times of remaining air and how long it may take two exit. The key is to maintain awareness so that members exit the IDL H prior to the low air alarm sounding
– If a low air alarm activates in the IDL H environment. It calls for an immediate radio transmission to command specifying who you are, where you are, and what your status is.
Example: “command, a tech team one, this is firefighter Nelson, I’m on the first floor in the bravo – Charlie corner. My low air alarm has activated, I have 1100 psi and I am in sight of the door on the bravo wall and exiting.”
