SCBA and Fire Fighter PPE

FFII Training

Hillcrest Station

Oxygen Deficiency

Oxygen deficiency Normal O2 is 21% 17% some muscular impairment and increase

respiration 12% dizzy, headache and fatigued 9% Unconsciousness 6% Death

Elevated Temperatures

120-130 degrees reduced B/P, circulatory failure

Inhalation of hot gasses pulmonary edema (swelling) death from asphyxiation

Smoke

Made up of Tar Carbon Dust

Some particles are irritating, some are lethal

Size of particle determines how deeply it gets into the lungs

Toxic Gasses

Gas combinations will be different at each fire

May cause Disease of lung tissue Impair RBC ability to carry O2

Gasses given off determined by Nature of combustion Rate of heating and temperature O2 concentration at time of combustion

Carbon Monoxide

Found at every fire

Colorless and odorless

Result of incomplete combustion

More deaths occur from this than any other product of combustion

Prevents O2 from attaching to hemoblobin

500ppm dangerous

Carbon Monoxide – Care

Symptoms Flu-like

Need O2 immediately

Hydrogen Chloride

Colorless gas

Pungent

Causes swelling of upper respiratory tract

Comes from burning PVC

Very dangerous during overhaul Latent heat can cause plastics and electrical

cables to decompose after fire is out

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

Interferes with respiration at cellular level and tissue level

Colorless, almond scented gas

Emitted by Wool, nylon, polyurethane foam, rubber, paper

Concentrations above 270 ppm almost immediately fatal

Carbon Dioxide

Nonflamable, Colorless, Odorless

Paralyzes brain’s respiratory center

Watch out for CO2 flooding systems

Nitrogen Oxides

Nitric Oxide NO and Nitrogen Dioxide NO2

Nitrogen Dioxide Reddish brown gas, known as silo gas Released from plastics

Cause pulmonary edema

React with water to form acids

Irritating effect often tolerated while inhaling fatal dose

Phosgene COCL2

Colorless, tasteless gas

Disagreeable odor

Generated when freon comes in contact with flame

Generates Hydrochloric Acid when it comes in contact with water

Dangerous Building Conditions

Fire Spread Combustible furnishing and finishes

Heavy Fire LoadLarge open spaces (hard to vent or stop spread)Weakened support membersWater build-upBuilding Collapse

Electrical Emergencies

Downed power lines

Contact with electric lines

Energized equipment

Handling power emergencies

Notify power company

No solid streams

Treat all lines as live

Avoid working under lines if possible

Keep aerial equipment 10 feet away from lines

Provide one span danger zone around lines

Functions of protective clothing

Helmet with face shield

Protective hood

Protective coat and pants

Gloves

Boots

PASS

Limitations of protective clothing

Depends on material

Direct flame contact

Chemicals

Comfort

Inspection and care of equipment

Fireground Accidents

Trauma

Heat Exhaustion

Chemical exposure

Cardiovascular

Responding and Returning

Hearing

Falls

Slipping

Run over by apparatus

Thrown from apparatus

Training

Same as fireground

Physical discomfort or illness

Nonfire emergencies

Trauma

Chemical Exposure

Electrical contact

Personnel Accountability System

Allows for accounting of all personnel on fire scene

Uses tags or badges

Standard procedure for “handing over ID”

List of who is doing what

What happens when I’m done or when I leave the scene

Procedures for save environment

Redesign tasks to eliminate liftingUse proper lifting techniquesBe aware of unsafe conditions and attempt to fix themEliminate horseplayRequest assistanceStrive for good health/fitnessBe aware of proper disinfecting techniques