| On March 8, nine members of the Cherryhill Fire Company completed training and practical skills application on the use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Firefighters began with a pre-test covering the various components of the SCBA, with special attention to self checks, leak tests, gauges and mask indicator lights, low-level alarms, backpack length adjusters, PASS alarm activation, by-pass valve and the buddy breather rescue device.
Following the pre-test, firefighters donned SCBA packs and practiced basic operations, focusing on the functionality of each component and reviewing the information provided by each indicator. Primary users then donned full turnout gear with SCBA and entered a dark room to practice deploying the buddy breather in different scenarios. This exercise significantly improved confidence in deploying the equipment and helped firefighters learn tactics for handling a range of situations they may face in the field.
The training concluded with a review of the steps necessary to return an SCBA unit to service. This included disassembly, using the cascade system, breathable air compressor, and frack stations. Each firefighter refilled an SCBA cylinder, reassembled the unit, completed prechecks and leak tests, and returned all units to service-ready status. Secondary SCBA users spent extra time gaining greater proficiency in changing out empty cylinders with full cylinders, their primary function on the fireground. All firefighters present, completed a post-test demonstrating knowledge and skills learned during our training/practice session.
Firefighters who participated in the practice included JFF Eric Dixon, FF Bre Dixon, FF Dan Silvis, FF Bill Cochran, Captain Vinny Mutz, 1st Assistant Chief Dan Zack, Captain John Rainey, FF Allie Ringler, and Fire Chief Jody Rainey. |
