Basic Firefighter Written Practice Exam

When donning the SCBA face piece, firefighters should start with which part?

1. The top straps

2. The middle straps

3. The bottom straps

4. The side straps

The correct answer is: The bottom straps

When donning the SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) face piece, starting with the bottom straps is crucial for ensuring a secure and proper fit. The bottom straps help to stabilize the face piece against the wearer’s face, which is essential for creating a tight seal around the perimeter. This is particularly important because a seal prevents contaminated air from leaking into the face piece, thus ensuring that the firefighter is protected from harmful smoke, gases, or other hazardous environments. By securing the bottom straps first, the firefighter can effectively position the face piece in place, allowing for better access to adjust the upper straps afterward. This sequence helps in fine-tuning the overall fit for comfort and safety, as it allows the wearer to adjust the top and side straps to complement the foundational stability created by the bottom straps. Additionally, having the bottom straps secured first can aid in ensuring that the face piece stays properly aligned during operations, especially when performing tasks that involve movement or changes in posture. In contrast, starting with other straps may result in an improper fit or the face piece shifting, which can compromise the effectiveness of the SCBA system.