Why Firefighters Do Not Carry Spare Oxygen for Victims

Firefighters, while trained to save lives, do not typically carry spare oxygen tanks or masks for victims. This decision is based on a variety of factors, including safety protocols, limited resources, and the need for specialized medical care.

Safety Protocols

Firefighters prioritize their own safety and health. Carrying extra equipment, such as spare oxygen tanks and masks, can hinder their mobility and effectiveness in dangerous situations. It’s crucial that firefighters are fully focused on their tasks to ensure they can safely extricate themselves and others from high-risk environments.

Limited Resources

Firefighters have a limited amount of space and weight they can carry. Extra oxygen tanks and masks would take up valuable space and add weight, potentially hindering their ability to respond quickly. Efficiency is paramount in emergency situations, and every second counts.

Assessment Needs

Victims may have different needs based on their condition. Firefighters often assess a victim's situation first before determining the best course of action. This may include calling for medical support rather than administering oxygen on the scene. Basic first aid should be provided to ensure victims are removed from danger, while specialized medical care is provided by rescue and medical teams.

Medical Training

Medical interventions like administering oxygen are typically handled by paramedics or EMTs. Firefighters are trained in basic medical care, but advanced medical interventions require specialist training. Paramedics and EMTs are better equipped to handle these situations, ensuring that victims receive the appropriate care when and where it is needed.

Emergency Environment

In many emergencies, such as fires or hazardous materials incidents, the environment can be unstable, making it difficult to provide care safely. Firefighters focus on extricating victims and ensuring their safety first. Providing immediate assistance without the proper training and equipment could risk further harm to both the rescuer and the victim.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

The cylinders firefighters use are filled with normal compressed air and have a working duration of anywhere between 20–35 minutes on average. Extended duration BA sets are available for specific uses but are specialist equipment.

If a rescue victim were to use a firefighters' air supply, it would effectively half their working duration and reduce their safety margin. The air set is intended for the firefighter as their personal protection equipment (PPE). The only time it would be shared is if a partner was in trouble, and there are established procedures for this.

It’s important to note that in extreme circumstances, firefighters have shared their air supply with members of the public, but this is not a standard practice due to the inherent risks.

A spare set can be packaged up and taken in by a crew, generally for trapped firefighters, as members of the public do not have the knowledge to use the equipment.

Smoke Hoods

Many fire brigades have introduced smoke hoods. These do not provide oxygen but filter out fire gas and smoke, allowing for a quick rescue. They are effective when there is enough oxygen present to sustain a casualty, enabling a quick escape from dangerous conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, firefighters do not carry spare oxygen for victims due to a combination of safety protocols, limited resources, and the need for specialized medical care. However, in extreme circumstances, they may share their air supply, but this is not a common practice. Smoke hoods are a useful additional tool when immediate escape is necessary.