Self-contained Breathing Apparatus, also known as SCBA, is a necessary protective gear that is worn by paramedics, firemen, and people working on ships and oil rigs. As the name suggests, the breathing apparatus has all the necessary equipment which allows rescue professionals to carry out their work with utmost safety. Two major types of SCBA in use today include the Open Circuit SCBA and the Closed Circuit SCBA. The main difference between the two is that the former is used for longer rescue operations. In this type of SCBA, the air is continuously reprocessed or recycled so the wearer gets a continuous supply of air. In the second variety, the oxygen is compressed to fit into air cylinders. These varieties of SCBA are used for shorter rescue operations. Photo by karelstudio / deposit photos The SCBA or self-contained breathing apparatus used on board ships is of the open-circuit type. In this, the exhaled air is discharged into the atmosphere while air from the cylinder is made available for inhalation. The equipment consists of: One or two cylinders containing air under pressure. A harness to mount the cylinders on the back of the person. A respiratory system which has a means to reduce the pressure of air from the cylinder and to supply the wearer with air on demand. A facemask attached to a demand valve that maintains a positive pressure inside the mask at all times. Air Cylinders In the open-circuit SCBA, the air cylinder is known as the re-breather, which recycles the air (as mentioned above). Air cylinders, on the other hand, are filled with oxygen in a compressed form that enables a rescue professional to go into areas that are filled with smoke and fire and free the trapped people successfully. The air cylinders in the breathing apparatus need to be continuously checked after the rescue operation is carried out, so that they do not end up being empty the next time a rescue operation needs to be carried out. There are also extra air cylinders that are provided for the people who have been trapped and rescued. Protective Hood The second-most important presence is that of a Protective Hood. Such hoods are designed to cover all parts of the face, featuring an eye-covering (visor) that allows the person to see while also allowing oxygen to pass continuously. Portable Transporting Bag The Portable Transporting Bag is also an essential piece of equipment for the breathing apparatus. It can be filled with air cylinders, hoods and any other protective equipment necessary for rescue operations. The bag is made of a material that is resistant to damage-causing factors and can be effectively used in any emergency. Portable Hauling Bag The final breathing apparatus equipment is the Portable Hauling Bag. The main difference between this type of carrying bag and the one mentioned previously is that in this bag, the extra weight of the necessary items can be carried. It is used for the purpose of getting the SCBA equipment from the headquarters of the rescue professionals to the place where the incident has actually occurred. It is only at the accident site that the equipment is transferred from this bigger bag to the Portable Transporting Bag. Firefighter Breathing Apparatus has changed the entire rescue operation process, making it simpler and safer. More and more lives can be saved because of the portability factor of SCBA. It, therefore, becomes important and relevant to acknowledge and appreciate the worth of the SCBA in today’s times.