scba packs

im still relativly new to the fire department scene just going on my third year and im an exterior qualified FF and i was wondering a few things one im not the tallest guy on the planet and the few times i have put on a air pack i can only wear it for so long before my shoulders my upper neck and my middle back just say quit is there anyone out there that can help me out with this either with personal experiences or just good old plain advice it would be much appreciated cause i do plan on finishing my FF1 this summer and was looking for some much needed help

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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on April 2, 2011 at 7:31am

Much of the pack's weight should rest on your pelvis. Pull the waist strap tight to help facilitate that. Try adjusting the vertical straps so the SCBA isn't so high on your shoulders. Get your fellow firefighters to look at your pack and advise.

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Permalink Reply by joemac on April 2, 2011 at 9:26pm

Do what I did: spend some time at the firehouse walking laps and on the staircase wearing PPE with the pack on. I kept doing it until I'd toughened up enough that it no longer bothered me.

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Permalink Reply by Ron King (Fire Chief) on April 2, 2011 at 9:46pm

The more you wear your SCBA the better it will get. You need to take time when not on a call to get that best fit. Keeping the waist strap tight will help. Time will make it all come together for you.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on April 2, 2011 at 10:56pm

First off, Lt. Tindell's advice is about as good as it gets. You can tell he is his department's training officer. The kind of direct advice given takes someone who has been there and done that a couple of times.

The only thing I want to reinforce here is the importance of you arriving earlier than anyone else when it comes time to work a shift or show up for training.

Why?

Because you have to accommodate your height issue without making a big deal about it. Showing up earlier ensures that you have time to make sure all of your equipment is ready, and this includes adjusting your SCBA straps and belts to ensure it rides the right way.

I'm not sure about toughing things out if there is any pain involved. You don't want to start out in pain when you need all of your focus on the job at hand.

If you adjustment thing that the Lieutenant suggested does not work, make contact with the manufacturer and ask for the company sales representative to get in touch with you. In this world of ADA compliance, I am sure that one way or another, you can be accommodated without incident.

Good for you asking this type of firefighter question, using the FFN. I wish you the best with the work ahead of you... The SCBA isn't going to fit all by itself... :D

Later, CBz