Firefighter Safety and Health 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Two firefighters must enter an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere. What does the OSHA "two-in, two-out" rule require?
- At least two trained firefighters must remain outside and ready to perform rescue (Correct answer)
- Only two firefighters total are allowed at any scene
- Two firefighters must rest after every two who work
- Two engines must respond before entry
Correct answer: At least two trained firefighters must remain outside and ready to perform rescue
The two-in, two-out rule requires at least two firefighters outside in standby/rescue capacity while two operate inside an IDLH atmosphere.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device?
- To sound an alarm if a firefighter becomes motionless (Correct answer)
- To measure air remaining in the SCBA cylinder
- To track GPS location of apparatus
- To cool the firefighter's body core temperature
Correct answer: To sound an alarm if a firefighter becomes motionless
A PASS device emits a loud alarm when a firefighter stops moving for a set period, helping locate a downed member.
Question 3: During overhaul, why should firefighters continue wearing SCBA even after visible flames are out?
- Toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide remain present (Correct answer)
- Radio communication works better with the mask on
- It is required for thermal imaging to function
- The cylinder weight improves balance
Correct answer: Toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide remain present
Smoldering materials release invisible toxic gases such as CO and HCN, so respiratory protection is still needed during overhaul.
Question 4: What is rehabilitation ("rehab") at an emergency incident primarily designed to do?
- Rest, rehydrate, and monitor firefighters to prevent injury and exhaustion (Correct answer)
- Repair damaged equipment on scene
- Interview witnesses about the fire cause
- Restore the building to occupancy
Correct answer: Rest, rehydrate, and monitor firefighters to prevent injury and exhaustion
Rehab provides rest, hydration, nourishment, and medical monitoring to keep firefighters from overexertion and heat stress.
Question 5: A firefighter's low-air alarm on the SCBA activates during interior operations. What is the correct action?
- Immediately begin exiting to a safe area with the crew (Correct answer)
- Remove the mask to conserve remaining air
- Continue working until the cylinder is fully empty
- Switch the regulator to a higher flow setting
Correct answer: Immediately begin exiting to a safe area with the crew
A low-air alarm signals the firefighter should exit promptly while breathable air remains.
Question 6: What does the acronym RIT (or RIC) refer to on the fireground?
- A team standing by to rescue trapped or downed firefighters (Correct answer)
- A unit responsible for traffic and crowd control
- A reserve apparatus held off scene
- A radio interoperability team
Correct answer: A team standing by to rescue trapped or downed firefighters
A Rapid Intervention Team/Crew is dedicated to rescuing firefighters who become trapped, lost, or injured.
Question 7: Why is proper hydration emphasized for firefighters even in cold weather?
- Heavy PPE causes significant fluid loss regardless of outside temperature (Correct answer)
- Cold air contains more oxygen requiring more water
- Water prevents SCBA regulators from freezing internally
- Hydration is only needed in summer months
Correct answer: Heavy PPE causes significant fluid loss regardless of outside temperature
Encapsulating turnout gear traps heat and causes sweating and dehydration even in cold conditions.
