What should you do if you feel lightheaded while wearing SCBA?

If you feel lightheaded while wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), the appropriate response is to signal your buddy and begin exiting the area immediately. Lightheadedness can indicate a drop in oxygen levels, exhaustion, or potential issues with the SCBA's performance or fit. Addressing this feeling promptly is crucial for your safety and the safety of others in the environment.

Taking immediate action allows you to avoid escalating situations that could lead to loss of consciousness or poor decision-making, which compromises both your safety and the safety of your team. Exiting the area ensures that you can assess your condition more safely, receive assistance if necessary, and avoid further exposure to potentially hazardous conditions.

Waiting to see if the feeling passes can lead to dangerous outcomes, as can adjusting SCBA straps, which may not address the underlying issue. Continuing with your task could result in serious health consequences or even accidents, given the potential severity of lightheadedness in a hazardous environment.