The PASS device is designed to…

• A. It records the firefighter's air supply levels
• B. It alerts others if a firefighter needs assistance
• C. It is primarily used for crowd control
• D. It signals when a firefighter has exited the building

Answer: (B)

PASS devices are personal distress alarms worn by firefighters to summon help when someone is in trouble. They’re typically mounted on the SCBA harness and are set to emit an audible alarm (and often a visual beacon) if the wearer stops moving for a short period or if the alarm is manually activated. This rapid alert helps teammates and incident command locate and assist a downed or incapacitated firefighter in smoky, low-visibility, or hot conditions. The device isn’t meant to track air supply levels, isn’t used for crowd control, and doesn’t specifically indicate when someone has exited a building; its primary function is to provide a clear distress signal so others can respond quickly.