What must be done before transmitting a MAYDAY?

Transmitting a MAYDAY is a critical action taken by firefighters in distress, and activating your PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) device is a crucial step that should be prioritized. The PASS device serves as an alarm that alerts other responders that a firefighter is in trouble and may require immediate assistance. By activating the PASS device, you not only signal your emergency status but also increase the chances of being located by your teammates or other emergency personnel in the vicinity.

This action is part of the urgency surrounding a MAYDAY call. Responders need to ensure that they are making noise and signaling their location effectively before proceeding with communication or other steps. Activating the PASS device allows other team members to recognize that there's an imminent danger and can prompt quicker coordination for help, improving safety outcomes.

In the context of a MAYDAY situation, other activities such as evacuating the building, performing a headcount, or communicating with dispatch are important but may not be the immediate priority when a firefighter's life is in danger. Instead, ensuring that the alarm is activated helps to prompt both acknowledgment and a rapid response in such critical situations.