Training Bulletin 139: Air Management Policy

Question 1

What is NFPA 1404?

Answer 1

“Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training”

* Supersedes all previous editions as of February 16, 2006.

Question 2

Note**

Answer 2

NFPA 1404 standard makes specific reference to air management in an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environment, self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) use in training and the frequency and level of training to be maintained.

Question 3

The core topics of training the LAFD is required to establish according to NFPA for training in the use of respiratory equipment include BUT not limited to what?

Answer 3

• Coordinated Administrative Policies/Air Management
• Annual Member Retraining and Certification
• Ability to Act Properly in Simulated Emergencies

Question 4

_ is an integral component of the LAFD emergency operations while working in an IDLH environment.

Answer 4

“Air Management”

Question 5

Note**

Answer 5

Air management is a PRACTICE, a PHILOSOPHY and a MIND-SET to ensure all members are aware of their air supply and collectively as a team.

Question 6

A _ increases a team’s efficiency and defines a relevant margin of safety in different IDLH environments and situations.

Answer 6

Skilled air management practice

Question 7

Note** (1)

- Following 5 slides are considerations that must be measured when using a SCBA in an IDLH.

Answer 7

Varying IDLH environments require different considerations and tactics for air management.

Question 8

Note**(2)

Answer 8

Large commercial buildings, single family dwellings, extensive workloads and long access times while on air all require different approaches for air usage.

Question 9

Exit from an IDLH environment SHOULD be initiated when? (3)

Answer 9

Before the LOW air alarm begins to sound.

Question 10

Careful thought and consideration must be given to what three aspects when on SCBA in an IDLH? (4)

Answer 10

• Personal experience
• Physical conditioning
• Experience of crew

Question 11

Note** (5)

Answer 11

Building layout, access to safe area/non-IDLH environment, amount of air consumed getting to the objective or seat of the fire, changing conditions, obstacles and fatigue all have a direct impact. Factors that could affect a safe retreat must be constantly RE- EVALUATED.

Question 12

What will the air management program assist with?

Answer 12

Help develop the ability of an INDIVIDUAL to manage their air consumption as part of a team during a work period.

Question 13

The INDIVIDUAL air management program includes the following directives(5): (1)
- Next 5 slides

Answer 13

All members SHALL constantly monitor air reserves.

Question 14

Note**(2)

Answer 14

Activation of the LOW air alarm (33% of SCBA air capacity) is an IMMEDIATE action item for the individual/team and according to NFPA is to be treated with the same urgency as a MAYDAY or FIREFIGHTER EMERGENCY. All team members SHALL immediately retreat to a safe area/non-IDLH environment.

Question 15

When the pressure drops to _ of cylinder capacity, the last green LED turns red and begins to flash, giving the user a visual low pressure alarm in addition to the audible alarm located at the upper _ of the backpack on the SCBA. (3)

Answer 15

• 1/3(33%)

- Left

Question 16

SUPERVISORS and MEMBERS share responsibility for and Shall consider time needed for safe exit when objective is reached OR SCBA air reserve is at _ whichever comes first. This SHALL be based on the member with the LEAST amount of remaining air. (4)

Answer 16

50%

Question 17

All members SHALL exit using the _ and not leave a member alone in an IDLH environment. Company Commanders OR responsible members SHALL ensure all members are accounted for. (5)

Answer 17

Buddy System

Question 18

The LAFD annual member retraining and certification SHALL be completed ANNUALLY during the month of _ at the company level.

Answer 18

Janurary

Question 19

The LAFD annual member retraining and certification SHALL be documented where?

Answer 19

• Member’s Personal Record Book (PRB)
• F2 Journal
• Target Solutions

Question 20

The LAFD annual member retraining and certification SHALL include what areas covered?

Answer 20

• SCBA Air Management Procedures
• Firefighter Emergencies in an IDLH environment
• Firefighter Survival Techniques
• Fire ground Emergency Communications
• SCBA uses, limitations, donning, doffing and face piece seal checks
• Pre and after use checks including maintenance and at relief without exception.

Question 21

Company Commanders SHALL ensure all members participate in _, company based drills. Members are encouraged to train more frequently but in no case less than _.

Answer 21

• Quarterly

- Quarterly

Question 22

Quarterly training SHALL be entered where?

Answer 22

• F2 Journal

- Target Solutions

Question 23

The LAFD, specifically _ and _ SHALL provide training that reinforces safety techniques and firefighter survival.

Answer 23

• Battalion Commanders

- Company Commanders

Question 24

Note**

Answer 24

Members under stress will resort to muscle memory and familiarity FIRST.

Question 25

What are some methods for increasing STRESS levels for Air management training?

Answer 25

• Opaque face pieces OR simulated smoke during drills.
• Impromptu drills done without warning.
• Real time OR fire speed drills after basic instruction is completed
• Live instruction where members are expected to apply learned material to new and realistic situations.
• Create firefighter down scenarios where LAFD members have to react and think on their feet.

Question 26

Note**

Answer 26

During emergency situations the importance of REPETITION and REALISTIC TRAINING cannot be over emphasized.

Question 27

Therm alert on SCBA is an alarm for what?

Answer 27

An alarm based on the HEAT and the TIME an individual has spent in a fire environment.

Question 28

The sound of the therm alert is different than that of the Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) how?

Answer 28

Therm alert is NOT a locking alarm, meaning it activates when the user reaches a point on the curve, but it automatically stops sounding once the user leaves the range of the curve.

Question 29

The Therm alert is considered an _ alarm.

Answer 29

Advisory

Question 30

Note**

Answer 30

Activation of a single or multiple alarms of the Therm alert should be considered the appropriate time to identify your current situation. (Situational Awareness)

Question 31

Note**

Answer 31

The activation of the Therm Alert should NOT be interpreted as a reason to immediately evacuate the building.

Question 32

What considerations should be addressed when there is an activation of the Therm alert?

Answer 32

• Is there a single activation or multiple
• Are the activations gradual or immediate with the corresponding rise in heat.
• Consider tactical pause
• Cool the environment using the appropriate nozzle pattern.
• Rotate members (single activation from member out in front can be due to greater heat exposure)
• Communicate with roof ventilation company to see if the conditions inside are in line with what the roof ventilation company is seeing.
• Has the fire been knocked down or near knock down
• Are any members experiencing signs and symptoms of any heat related illnesses or injuries (this may result in immediate rehab). If so notify the IC and be guided by their instructions.