How should you treat a downed firefighter who is unconscious but breathing?

How should you treat a downed firefighter who is unconscious but breathing?

• A. Leave them where they are to avoid further injury.
• B. Move the firefighter to safety if possible, maintain airway and breathing, and request medical aid.
• C. Check for pulse only, not airway.
• D. Remove their equipment immediately.

Answer: (B)

When you encounter a downed firefighter who is unconscious but breathing, the priority is to protect the airway and support ongoing breathing while removing them from danger and getting medical help. If you can move them to a safer location without causing further injury, do so, because staying in a hazardous area (smoke, heat, falling debris) threatens their breathing and makes rescue tougher. Once in a safer spot, keep the airway open and monitor breathing. Use a jaw-thrust or other maneuvers appropriate for potential spinal injury rather than tilting the head, and ensure the airway remains clear. Call for medical aid immediately so trained personnel can assume care and transport. This approach works best because it directly addresses the life-sustaining needs—airway and breathing—while eliminating or reducing the hazards around the casualty and securing professional help. Leaving them where they are neglects the danger around them, and focusing only on a pulse or removing gear without safeguarding the airway can lead to rapid deterioration.

When you encounter a downed firefighter who is unconscious but breathing, the priority is to protect the airway and support ongoing breathing while removing them from danger and getting medical help. If you can move them to a safer location without causing further injury, do so, because staying in a hazardous area (smoke, heat, falling debris) threatens their breathing and makes rescue tougher. Once in a safer spot, keep the airway open and monitor breathing. Use a jaw-thrust or other maneuvers appropriate for potential spinal injury rather than tilting the head, and ensure the airway remains clear. Call for medical aid immediately so trained personnel can assume care and transport.

This approach works best because it directly addresses the life-sustaining needs—airway and breathing—while eliminating or reducing the hazards around the casualty and securing professional help. Leaving them where they are neglects the danger around them, and focusing only on a pulse or removing gear without safeguarding the airway can lead to rapid deterioration.