Apologies for the late post! We are already on our way to Day 2 of IFO.
Other than introducing myself to the 2024 Spring IFO Cohort, and re-connecting with my amazing instructors, Day 1 was pretty uneventful.... said no one ever coming from the person whose SCBA malfunctioned and depleted the full tank that we swapped out on Wednesday night. Hard lesson learned here, (especially from the expression on my instructors faces) never assume ANYTHING always check, check and recheck everything. This is a matter of life and death, and not just mine but my partner, (two in two out) and a search and rescue team. Many thanks to the CFFD ex-chief who spent Sunday afternoon with me at the North Salem Station swapping out SCBA's and running through some skills. We tagged the pack out of service and secured a new one, even changed the batteries on the alarm. THEN, checked the tank.... AGAIN, before class today and GUESS WHAT? I will check that tank again before the two-minute drill.
Quick SCBA Check List:
Check the Air Cylinder and Value for damage. Is it functioning properly?
Check the Regulator for leaks and malfunctions, verify it provides a consistent flow of air.
Check hoses and connectors, harness and belts for cracks wear, and damage.
Make sure these fit correctly. All PPE should fit correctly.
Check the hydrostatic test date, is the tank full?
Check the SCBA's low air alarm. Do you need to replace the batteries?
3 hours down. 47 to go.
Working with Legends.... #A-Team!~