By HUGH STOTT
Several years ago, the fire service made efforts to get "back to basics." For years, we were exhorted to think outside the box and to be innovative. Structural fires were dropping off in terms of numbers, and the command of solid firefighting skills and experience was diminishing. Unfortunately, numerous firefighters weren't even learning where "the box" was. Then, the pendulum started swinging back, and the basic skills of structural firefighting once again became a focus. Hose handling, ventilation techniques, rapid intervention team (RIT) skills, leadership qualities, and breathing apparatus capabilities were reinforced.
Developing a respiratory protection program is one of those acts that straddles the lines between administration, training, and equipment maintenance. Air supply competence is absolutely critical to the safety of firefighters on the fireground and is an imperative skill for those moments when rapid intervention is put into motion. And, if a department experiences the tragedy of a fireground death or injury, the program's thoroughness will likely come under close scrutiny. One of the critical considerations in creating a respiratory protection program is that its presence is a requirement of federal law! It is not a suggestion. It is not a standard. It is mandated by law.
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