What is the purpose of a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) on SCBA gear?

• A. To alert teammates if a firefighter stops moving or is incapacitated, aiding in location and rescue.
• B. To monitor air pressure and adjust the regulator automatically.
• C. To measure ambient temperature around the firefighter.
• D. To record mission time for post-job reporting.

Answer: (A)

The purpose of a Personal Alert Safety System on SCBA gear is to automatically or manually trigger an audible distress alarm (and often a visual signal) when the wearer stops moving or is incapacitated, so teammates can quickly locate and rescue them in smoke-filled or low-visibility environments. It serves as a rapid safety beacon, helping others find the firefighter even if the person can’t call out. It isn’t used to monitor air pressure, regulate the regulator, measure ambient temperature, or record mission time—those functions belong to other components of the gear or separate devices.