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Control measure

Rapid deployment of breathing apparatus

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Control measure knowledge

This control measure is supported by the:

There may be exceptional circumstances where immediately available resources are unable to deliver the full incident plan, but it may be possible to carry out immediate life-saving actions, or to take actions to prevent an incident escalating. In these circumstances, rapid deployment of BA may be used under strict criteria and control.

Rapid deployment of BA should only be initiated following an appropriate assessment of risks and likely benefits. The fire control room should be informed that rapid deployment procedures are in use and why this decision has been made.

Further resources should be requested to establish the appropriate level of BA entry control, and the appropriate BA entry control procedures should be implemented as soon as resources allow.

Communication should be established between the BA wearers, the person monitoring the BA wearers and the incident commander.

Strategic actions

Fire and rescue services should:

  • Enable communication between the incident ground and the fire control room, to support joint understanding of when rapid deployment of BA has been initiated

Tactical actions

Incident commanders should:

  • Consider initiating the rapid deployment of breathing apparatus, following an appropriate assessment of the risks and likely benefits

  • Inform the fire control room if initiating the rapid deployment of breathing apparatus

  • Establish communication between BA wearers, the person monitoring BA wearers and the incident commander during rapid deployment of breathing apparatus

  • Request further resources to establish the appropriate level of BA entry control

  • Implement appropriate BA entry control procedures as soon as resources allow