5 Ways to Improve Your Mask-Up Time

December 2024

Last month I wrote an article about alternative ways to stow an extension ladder halyard for a more efficient deployment. After reading the article, some of you may have been thinking, “So what? This method only shaves off a few seconds to throw a ladder.” I can’t argue that. But what if we can cut off a few seconds to every task we do? Would this have a positive impact on the three fireground priorities: life, incident stabilization, and property conservation? The answer is a resounding yes. 

As I write this article, I am reminded of a quote from Ben Shultz of West Palm Beach (FL) Fire Rescue, “There are a lot of things we can't control, but the things we can control we need to own 100% and start saving time in every aspect of what we do.” If we approach every task with this mindset (throwing ladders, donning PPE, etc.) imagine the positive outcomes on the fire ground.

Like throwing ground ladders, a task with a high probability of being performed at every fire is the donning of our SCBA masks (aka. masking-up). Through practice, it is common for firefighters to have a mask-up time under 20 seconds, with some performing it under 10 seconds. How do these firefighters manage to mask-up so quickly? The key to reducing mask-up times isn’t necessarily to move faster, but rather, improve the process by cutting out unnecessary steps. Here are 5 tips to make masking-up more efficient:

1. Mask up with gloves on. 

I’m a firm believer of coming off the rig with gloves on ready to work. However, this requires the firefighter to be able to perform every fireground task with gloves on, from stretching lines to tying knots. Performing these tasks with gloves on increases the difficulty due to the loss in dexterity and tactile feel. This is where training comes in. From personal experience, masking-up with gloves on was the most difficult improvement to make, but once perfected, it was the one that resulted in the biggest time reduction. Using tape to make the pull tabs on my SCBA mask, and chin strap larger was beneficial because it makes them easier to feel with gloves on. 

2. Tape the top two tabs of the SCBA mask in place.

If the tops two tabs are taped in place, then only the bottom tabs need to be tightened when donning. Note: At my career department, I ensure I am getting a good seal at the beginning of every shift. Every 3 months or so, I will re-do the tape on these tabs. At my volunteer department, I will check my seal every training night and re-tape the tabs when necessary.

3. Add loops to your gloves 

If you haven’t perfected masking-up with gloves on, adding loops to your gloves can help to get them on quicker. An additional benefit is that these loops make it easier to get wet structure gloves back on later in the incident. 

4. Permanently size your helmet to fit your head while wearing a mask and hood. 

This will cut out the step of having to resize your ratchet strap to accommodate your mask and hood. When wearing your helmet without a mask and hood, simply tuck the ear flaps inside the helmet for a tighter fit without having to make adjustments to the helmet.

5. Find a technique that works best for you. 

Below are YouTube videos showing two techniques commonly used: “Throw Back” and “Elbow Hang.”

Throw Back Technique

Elbow Hange Technique [starts at 1:30]