Published February 10. 2011 05:00PM
Volunteer firefighters throughout the area routinely train with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), sometimes referred to as a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA), air pack, or simply Breathing Apparatus (BA). The term "self-contained" means that the breathing apparatus is not dependent on a remote supply, like a long hose. If designed for use under water, it is called SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus). Pictured is Tamaqua American Hose Company assistant engineer Jay Stidham Jr. teaching fellow firefighters, who are blindfolded, the proper method of sharing a single oxygen tank during their truck night held recently at their station.
ANDREW LEIBENGUTH/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS