By Forest Reeder
Viewing and listening to fireground video and audio traffic often reveals numerous activations of SCBA PASS devices during the operation. In some situations, these may signal a firefighter in distress, but in many others, it may be a simple matter of a device not being silenced after use and motion stops. NO MATTER THE REASON, AN ACTIVATED PASS MUST BE IDENTIFIED AND THE REASON FOR ACTIVATION DETERMINED as soon as possible. All members in the proximity must respond quickly to the activation and reset the device while alerting the appropriate safety systems (RIC, ISO, IC, Sector Officers) of the situation being secured.
Because there are many manufacturers that design and operation of PASS equipment, you should become familiar with all of the types of SCBA devices you will find on your fireground, including mutual aid and assist agencies. Consult manufacturer instructions as part of this training session and your department training procedures.
Download this firefighter training drill as a PDF HERE.
Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1979. He is a past recipient of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) prestigious George D. Post Instructor of the Year award and has been responsible for the design, implementation and coordination of in-service firefighter training activities as well as a full-service fire training academy program. Forest holds numerous Illinois fire service certifications and holds a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.
