Firefighter how-to
How to Don Turnout Gear and SCBA
Firefighters practice donning gear until it’s fast and automatic. Follow your department’s procedure and manufacturer instructions.
Firefighters practice donning gear until it’s fast and automatic. Follow your department’s procedure and manufacturer instructions. In short: step; put; check, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Step into boots and pull up turnout pants, securing suspenders.
Put on the hood around your neck and the turnout coat, closing it fully.
Check the SCBA cylinder pressure and that the PASS device works.
Don the SCBA harness and tighten shoulder and waist straps.
Put on the facepiece and check the seal by inhaling.
Pull the hood over the facepiece edges, then put on and secure the helmet.
Put on gloves, connect the regulator and confirm airflow before entering a hazard area.
Safety reminders for firefighters
- Wear full PPE and SCBA in hazardous atmospheres
- Follow incident command and accountability systems
- Decontaminate gear after fires to reduce carcinogen exposure
- Maintain fitness and use peer support after traumatic calls
Key terms
SCBA · Turnout gear (bunker gear) · PASS device · Engine · Truck (ladder) · Attack line: see the full firefighter glossary.