What is a commonly used technique for conserving SCBA air?

The technique known as skip-breathing is effective for conserving SCBA air because it involves a method of breathing where the firefighter intentionally skips inhaling at certain intervals. This allows the firefighter to reduce air consumption without compromising the oxygen delivered to the lungs. By maintaining control over their breathing pattern, firefighters can extend their air supply during operations, which is crucial in situations where air supply may be limited, such as during extended firefighting or rescue operations.

In contrast, while other breathing techniques like breath counting and pursed-lip breathing can be beneficial for managing stress or enhancing relaxation, they do not specifically focus on maximizing the efficiency of air usage. Similarly, the technique of inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose, while it may aid in controlling breathing, does not directly contribute to air conservation in the same manner as skip-breathing does.