What should firefighters ensure before entering a smoke-filled room?

Firefighters must prioritize their safety when entering a smoke-filled room, making it critical to ensure that their Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is functioning properly. This equipment is essential for providing breathable air in environments where oxygen levels are low or toxic gases are present due to smoke and other combustion byproducts. A malfunctioning SCBA can lead to serious health risks or incapacitation, as firefighters may be unable to breathe properly in hazardous conditions.

While other safety measures, such as having backup support or wearing protective gloves, are important in various scenarios, they do not directly address the immediate and critical need for a reliable air supply. The nature of smoke-filled environments is inherently dangerous, and ensuring that the SCBA is operational is a fundamental precondition for safe operations in such conditions. Without verified functioning equipment, firefighters expose themselves to unnecessary risk, making this a key step in their protocols for entering smoke-filled spaces.