12/07/2019
GREAT INFO!
IF YOU ARE THE ONE THAT REQUIRES HELP...
Calling a MAYDAY should be viewed as a request for help in saving ourselves. There are no rules in saving ourselves but here are some guidelines:
ACTIVATE PASS- be sure PASS alarm is not muffled.
LOCATE a hoseline and remember the male coupling is toward the water source and the female toward the nozzle. Smooth Bump Bump to the Pump.
TURN on hand light and point it upward if the smoke is light or along the floor if the smoke is heavier.
STAY with your crew. It becomes much more difficult to find many individuals then one group.
MAKE tapping noises with your tool against the floor, wall, etc. Anything to help draw attention to yourself and allow rescuers to find you quicker.
AVOID the fire for as long as possible. If you can't find an exit, find safe refuge.
BREACH floors to get below fire if necessary.
KEEP rescuers aware of your potential location.
INCREASE radio volume to full. Turn PASS alarm off when transmitting on the radio.
STAY calm, this way you will be able to commit to actions that will help save your life.
CONSERVE air with the proper breathing technique.
LOGICALLY retrace your thoughts, steps, proccesses and actions.
FIND an exterior wall. Move along it and describe it. Expansion joints in a cement floor will always lead to a wall. This way you are not moving in circles in the middle of a large floor.
UTILIZE windows for escape.
FOCUS on what you KNOW and not on what you SENSE.
SELF-TALK in a positive attitude.
STAY low, move slowly, minimizing mistakes and air usage.
FOCUS on what is important to know, not what would be "nice" to know. For example, losing the sense of time is disturbing but not vital if you can trust your SCBA gauges.
TALK to IC and RIT command until you are located.
MAKE SURE TO INFORM COMMAND IF YOU ARE ABLE TO SELF RESCUE AND HAVE EXITED THE BUILDING!