During firefighting conditions, what percentage of an SCBA air supply is considered the maximum realistic duration?

In firefighting situations, the maximum realistic duration of an SCBA air supply typically considers the psychological and physical stress experienced by firefighters. The guideline of using 50 percent of the available air supply as a benchmark ensures that firefighters have a margin of safety during operations.

This percentage accounts for factors such as the strenuous nature of firefighting work, which significantly increases the rate of air consumption due to heightened physical exertion. Additionally, it allows firefighters the necessary time to exit hazardous environments safely before their air supply runs low, thus reducing the risk of running out of air while still in a dangerous situation.

Planning to use only 50 percent of the SCBA's air supply also incorporates a buffer for unexpected complications, such as becoming disoriented or encountering obstacles that may hinder a quick exit. This practice contributes to the overall safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations.