SCBA Air Time Calculator

Choose your SCBA brand to open the calculator and view model-specific cylinder options.

MSA

Estimate SCBA air time for MSA models using cylinder water volume, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and RMV (L/min).

Dräger

Estimate SCBA air time for Dräger models using cylinder water volume, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and RMV (L/min).

3M Scott Fire & Safety

Estimate SCBA air time for 3M Scott Air-Pak models using cylinder water volume, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and RMV (L/min).

Honeywell (Survivair / Fenzy)

Estimate SCBA air time for Honeywell Survivair/Fenzy models using cylinder water volume, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and RMV (L/min).

Interspiro

Estimate SCBA air time for Interspiro models using cylinder water volume, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and RMV (L/min).

Spasciani

Estimate SCBA air time for Spasciani models using cylinder water volume, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and RMV (L/min).

Ocenco

Estimate SCBA air time for Ocenco models using cylinder water volume, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and RMV (L/min).

SCBA Air Time Calculator (Firefighter Planning Estimate)

On the fireground, “How much air do I really have left?” is not a theory question—it's a safety decision. This SCBA Air Time Calculator is built for firefighters who want a quick planning estimate based on cylinder size, pressure, and breathing rate. Use it for training, pre-plans, and drills—not as a replacement for your gauge, SOPs, or officer direction.

The math is simple: your cylinder contains usable air based on its water volume (L) and the usable pressure (bar) after you subtract your reserve pressure. Then we divide usable air by your RMV (Respiratory Minute Volume, L/min) to estimate minutes remaining. If your workload goes up, RMV goes up—and your time drops fast.

What this tool is good for

  • Training: Compare light vs heavy work RMV and see how quickly time changes under stress.
  • Pre-plans: Estimate air time needs for long hallways, high-rises, basements, and large-area searches.
  • Crew briefings: Build a shared understanding of reserve pressure and realistic work rates.
  • Gear familiarization: See how different cylinders (221 vs 300 bar, 6.8L vs others) affect planning.

Choosing an RMV (practical ranges)

RMV varies massively by firefighter, fitness, heat, stress, PPE load, and task. If you don’t know your personal RMV, start with a conservative range:

  • Light work: ~25–35 L/min (walking, light overhaul, low-stress movement)
  • Moderate work: ~35–50 L/min (hose movement, stairs, controlled search)
  • Heavy work: ~50–70+ L/min (high heat, aggressive interior, rescue, prolonged exertion)

Reserve pressure (why it matters)

Reserve pressure is not “extra air.” It’s your buffer for egress, unexpected entanglement, disorientation, radio traffic, and assisting a partner. The right reserve depends on your department policy, cylinder type, and operational context. Always follow your SOPs and training—this calculator simply makes the tradeoffs visible.

Reminder: This calculator provides an estimate for planning and training. Real-world SCBA duration can be shorter due to leaks, poor seal, cold/heat effects, regulator behavior, communications, and stress. Always monitor your gauge and follow SOPs.

FAQ

No. It is a planning estimate. Real SCBA duration varies with workload, heat, stress, mask seal, leaks, and regulator behavior. Always follow SOPs and monitor your gauge.

RMV (Respiratory Minute Volume) is how many liters of air you breathe per minute (L/min). Higher workload and stress increase RMV and reduce available time.

Reserve pressure is a safety buffer for egress and unexpected problems. Your department’s reserve policy should determine the value.

High heat and stress, faster movement, poor seal, leaks, radio use, and intense tasks can increase consumption. Plan conservatively.

No. This tool is intended for training and planning, not official documentation. Follow your department procedures and applicable standards.
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