Chapter 4
Donning and Doffing
Edition 1 – December 2019
SAFETY FIRS T
79
MSA G1 Classic Breathing Apparatus
Emergency Shared Air Procedure (Buddy Breathing)
The fireground is a highly dynamic and dangerous environment, and every operator
could experience a problem with their BA. Emergency shared air procedures (buddy
breathing), while wearing BA, should be second nature to all operators. As with all
aspects of firefighting, practice and training prior to an emergency will increase a
firefighter's chance for survival.
Terminology
Receiver
: the person who will receive the air during buddy breathing.
Provider
: the person who will provide the air during buddy breathing.
The receiver must request or locate the provider as quickly as possible and execute a
shared air (buddy breathing) connection.
Before commencing an emergency shared air procedure the air provider must establish
that there is a sufficient air supply to do so.
The preferred minimum of the provider of air is 150 bar. The provider should
take control of the buddy breathing procedure.
Both operators must realise they will have to remain calm and in control of their
breathing while operating on a very limited air supply.
Undertaking this procedure will in all likelihood occur under extremely stressful
circumstances. Once it has been identified that buddy breathing must occur the air
provider
must
take charge and be responsible for preparing and executing the entire
procedure. This is imperative as the provider is not the one in trouble and therefore
should be calmer and more focused on handling the situation.
