What type of breathing apparatus is typically used for structural firefighting?

The type of breathing apparatus typically used for structural firefighting is the open-circuit breathing apparatus. This equipment allows firefighters to breathe in clean, pressurized air from a cylinder while exhaling carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Open-circuit systems are favored in structural firefighting because they provide a reliable source of fresh air, which is vital in environments that may be filled with smoke, toxic gases, or low oxygen levels. The design of open-circuit systems allows for a significant duration of use, usually enough to handle the demands of firefighting operations, and the air supply can be quickly monitored through the pressure gauges attached to the cylinders.

In contrast, other types of respiratory protection like the supplied-air respirator (SAR) and closed-circuit breathing apparatus have different uses and limitations. SAR requires a continuous air supply from a remote source, which is not practical in rapidly changing environments like structural fires. Closed-circuit systems recycle the air within the device, providing a limited supply that may not meet the high oxygen demand during intense firefighting scenarios. Similarly, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) use filters to cleanse ambient air, but may not adequately shield against the immediate hazards found in smoke-filled buildings.

Therefore, the open-circuit