[MFD594]

I posted this in the "drilling" section a while ago, but, I think its worth bringing up here....

The typical Scott 4.5 can last you 7 mins or 20 mins....

..It all depends on the individual, weight, physical condition, etc... and most importantly, BREATHING!

Many depts are throwing paks on probies and sending them into situations...

..Part of knowing your tools is knowing how to use them properly, i.e. SCBA.

CONTROL BREATHING is a subject I dont think anyone is teaching. Why not?

Its a difficult thing to try and control your breathing in a stressful situation- but its pretty much a necessity in our trade.

The extra 2 mins outta a bottle can mean life & death- for you, for the people we're going in for, for a fellow brother, etc....

No matter if your engine, truck, rescue, etc...the most important tool in your arsenal is your SCBA.... know it verbatim. And before you throw one on someone, see how they are gonna react....

..And TEACH them the proper way to "calm down" if they get jammed up.

Food for thought- we gotta lotta good guys out there. 20 Mins of guidance and or "panic" training may save someone's life.

[Navy076996]

And the best way to learn proper breath control? Cardio

Running and cycling is very good, but swimmers have the best breath control. It's not like running when you can take a breath whenever your body needs it---you have to consciously control when and how often you breathe. When I was doing a butt-ton of swimming, I felt the difference in training evolutions. It was much easier for me to consciously slow my breathing rate down while doing heavy work on air.

Hypoxic swim workouts (taking as few breaths as possible) will give you incredible breath control.

[EXTREMETRUCKIE]

Speak to the GURU of SCBA training (OB) The sick bastard runs around the power lines with full PPE including SCBA Donned. I dont know maybe the power lines made him the way he is! LOL