When was self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) invented?

When was self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) invented?

Answer: 1945

Folklore says early firefighters grew long beards, soaked them in water, and breathed through the damp beards to filter smoke.

Regardless of whether that was true, firefighters have always had to deal with the dangers of smoke. For centuries, various devices and filters were used to try to protect them.

In the early 1800s, serious efforts were underway to develop masks and helmets with air supplies. However, it wasn’t until World War II that SCBA units resembling our modern versions were introduced.

The technology came from aviation. Scott Aviation had developed breathing equipment for aircraft crews flying at high altitudes. The company realized the equipment could be adapted for firefighting, and in 1945 it introduced Air Pac — the first SCBA.

Source: http://my.firefighternation.com

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