Which situation would require a firefighter to call a MAYDAY?

• A. Running low on air
• B. SCBA malfunction
• C. Minor injury
• D. Lost in building

Answer: (B)

Declaring a MAYDAY is for life-threatening emergencies where you cannot safely continue or escape without assistance. A SCBA malfunction directly threatens the firefighter’s ability to breathe and move inside a structure, making immediate rescue essential. If the air supply or breathing apparatus fails, the situation can become uncontrollable very quickly, so calling for help right away is the safest course.

Running low on air is dangerous, but teams can often manage it by retreating to safety, switching to a fresh air supply, or using bailout procedures before a MAYDAY becomes necessary. A minor injury isn’t an immediate life threat, and being lost in a building is serious but can often be resolved through standard radio discipline and team coordination unless it leads to entrapment or disorientation that blocks safe exit.