I need some advice on training..

ok so on feb. 11 my junior firefighters are going to do a training where they smoke up our cropper firehouse and have us go through a maze with full gear, blacked out masks, and on air. I'm kinda nervous because this will be my first training using air and i was wonderinf if you all had any tips that would help me. We will have a time limit and obstacles along with a "victim" to rescue.
Anything is welcome..
Jess

well they cancelled the one i was talking about bc the instructors grandma died... (RIP)

anyway its gonna be tomorrow.... advice changed any since then?

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Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on January 27, 2009 at 12:09am

Listen to your instructors and take it slow. Think at all times.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Travis on January 27, 2009 at 1:00am

thanks guys!! how long should an air bottle last?

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Permalink Reply by debbie snacks on January 27, 2009 at 1:54am

I just did this for the first time the other night. It's not easy. Try to get in shape, start working out a little bit more every day and you'll find it a bit easier. I am totally out of shape so at the end my scott pack was telling EVERYONE how heavy I was breathing. Practice manuevering your scott pack to do low profiling and side profiling. It doesn't hurt to build up your endurance in carrying it.

Good luck!!! This training kicked my butt. It made me start going back to the gym everyday!

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Permalink Reply by Becka on January 27, 2009 at 1:55am

it might sound stupid but softly humming worked for me, that and a partner i trusted

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Permalink Reply by Becka on January 27, 2009 at 1:57am

its different for everyone. there are many facters like ur breathing rate; what ur doing;and ur blood pressure

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on January 27, 2009 at 2:02am

Jessica, first and foremost RELAX! If you concentrate on relaxing and attempt to slow down your breathing you will go through the process, complete the task and do just fine. Everyone goes through what your getting ready to do. We have all been there and done it. RELAX! You'll do just fine.

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Permalink Reply by Jeanine on January 27, 2009 at 2:54am

The first time in this type of training is aways scary. You really don't know what to expect. Some things to do before doing this kind of training is 1. hydrate; 2.listen to what your instructors are telling you. They have "been there/done that" and that is why they are your instructors. 3. Don't be afraid to ask questions, 4. don't be afraid to say that you can't do something for some reason....your instructors should respect this and help you through the task you are having trouble with. If you can, get a hold of an air pack a day or two before you train. Just put it on and walk around and get used to it. If you feel comfortable with the pack, that makes it alot easier when going through the training. And as always...STAY SAFE!!! I hope this helps and good luck!!!

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Permalink Reply by Doug on January 27, 2009 at 5:34am

As most everyone else has stated, just relax and control your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth. In through your nose, out through your mouth.

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Permalink Reply by turk182 on January 27, 2009 at 11:56pm

Doug that is the process I use as well. Never heard of the humming thing before I will have to give it a try myself and see how it works.

Jessica my advise also would be to know your pack and practice with it as much as possible.

The better you know your equipment and how to use it the more comfortable you will be and that will help you relax to.

Even practice taking it on and off while flowing air just to get used to doing it because if there is a maze you know there probably will be a point in it that you will have to take it off and crawl threw something.

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Permalink Reply by N.Y fire fighter Lt. #503 on January 28, 2009 at 12:05am

Well, first of all stay calm.And depend on your officer in charge of this drill ,you should be going in with a partner .The rule is two in two ,let your partner lead, and make sure you have all contact with that person. Second when i ran that drill ,i used a hose line i would have the lead person take the line to the end of the maze,and then you follow the hose line out . Also use your skip breathing,so you don't waist your bottle . I hope i helped out first Lt.

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Permalink Reply by Ashley on January 29, 2009 at 7:14pm

don't panic, take you're time, and just breathe like you regularly do. when you go put the SCBA mask on press the palm of your hand onto the end where you clip the hose until you feel like you can't breathe [almost like a suction cup], then you know that you tightened the mask good enough. thats what i learned when i had to do this drill after i joined. (: