Should you activate your PASS device before calling a MAYDAY?

While activating a PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) device is a critical safety protocol for firefighters who find themselves in distress, it is recommended to assess the situation before calling a MAYDAY. In scenarios where an immediate threat is present, the priority should be to communicate the emergency situation to incident command so that they can deploy resources to assist.

Activating the PASS device can signal your location and indicate that you are in trouble, but calling a MAYDAY allows for a clearer and more immediate communication about your status and needs. In essence, you want to ensure that the response teams are aware of your emergency situation as quickly as possible, so they can formulate a rescue plan.

Moreover, the PASS device can be activated once the MAYDAY call has been established or is in progress. This ensures that the necessary notifications are made to get the right support while still maintaining personal safety awareness. This prioritization of communication underscores the importance of strategies that save time and lives in crisis situations on the fireground.