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Ensure the regulator is snapped in place

Tips

By Mark van der Feyst

The majority of SCBAs have a Mask Mounted Regulator (MMR) that connects the low-pressure air hose to the face piece allowing the firefighter to breathe. The MMR is a technological advancement in the SCBA replacing the belt-mounted regulator of the older generation of SCBAs.

Tip of the week10 photo1.JPG

In photo 1, you can see one type of SCBA MMR connected to the face piece. The MMR is connected correctly to the face piece and you can see that there is no gap between the MMR and the face piece receptacle.

Tip of the week10 photo 2.JPG

In photo 2, there is an MMR improperly connected to the face piece. You can see a gap between the MMR and the face piece. The problem that can occur is that air flow will be initiated upon inhalation by the firefighter, but the connection is not complete. The MMR will pop out once any physical movement is conducted.

There have been times in training as well as at an emergency scene when the MMR has popped out due to a faulty connection. To ensure that the connection has been made correctly, pull back on the MMR to try to pull it out. If connected properly, it will pull the face piece with the MMR.