For firefighters working in hazardous environments, access to a reliable breathing air supply is essential. Emergency situations can create additional challenges, making it important for fire departments to understand the equipment and procedures available to support firefighter rescue operations.
One accessory designed for emergency breathing air sharing is the Buddy Breather, also known as a Universal Emergency Breathing Supply System (UEBSS).
Although Buddy Breathers are closely associated with firefighting and firefighter rescue, SCBA-equipped industrial organizations may also need to evaluate compatible emergency air-sharing equipment as part of their respiratory protection and emergency response programs.
In this guide, we explain what a Buddy Breather does, how it relates to self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which industries may have reason to evaluate this equipment, and what buyers should consider before ordering.
What Is a Buddy Breather?
A Buddy Breather is an emergency breathing air-sharing accessory designed for use with compatible breathing apparatus. In an appropriate configuration, it provides a connection through which a second person can receive breathing air from an available supply.
Dräger manufactures Buddy Breather equipment for specified SCBA applications. The Universal Emergency Breathing Supply System (UEBSS) designation is commonly used for equipment designed to provide an emergency air-sharing capability.
For firefighters, this capability may be relevant when a colleague requires assistance during an emergency and an approved air-sharing procedure is appropriate.
A Buddy Breather is not a standalone breathing apparatus or an independent source of air. Its function depends on the connected SCBA, available air supply, compatible components, and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Why Are Buddy Breathers Important in Firefighting?
Firefighters may work in smoke-filled buildings, industrial facilities, and other environments where the surrounding atmosphere is unsafe to breathe. SCBA equipment supplies breathing air independently of the surrounding atmosphere, supporting respiratory protection during these operations.
Fireground conditions can change quickly. Departments therefore need to consider not only the primary breathing apparatus but also the procedures, training, and compatible accessories that support emergency response.
A Buddy Breather may provide an additional air-sharing capability for specified emergency scenarios. Its role should be incorporated into the department’s broader approach to firefighter rescue, respiratory protection, and emergency preparedness.
Important considerations include:
- Rescue planning: Determine how emergency air sharing fits into established firefighter rescue procedures.
- Equipment compatibility: Confirm that the Buddy Breather is approved for the specific SCBA configuration.
- Training: Ensure personnel understand the equipment’s purpose, limitations, and approved operating procedures.
- Inspection and readiness: Follow manufacturer requirements for inspection, maintenance, and equipment readiness.
A Buddy Breather is one component of a larger safety system. It does not replace appropriate SCBA use, emergency planning, training, or established rescue procedures.
Which Industries Use Buddy Breather Equipment?
Fire departments are the primary audience for firefighter-oriented Buddy Breather equipment. However, other organizations also use SCBA systems for particular hazardous operations and emergency response activities.
For industrial buyers, the important distinction is whether the organization uses a compatible SCBA configuration and has an appropriate application for the accessory.
1. Fire Departments and Fire and Rescue Services
Municipal fire departments, professional fire services, and specialized rescue teams are the most directly relevant audience for Buddy Breather equipment.
These organizations may evaluate emergency air-sharing accessories as part of their SCBA equipment configurations, firefighter rescue planning, and respiratory protection readiness.
2. Industrial Painting and Protective Coatings
Industrial painting and coatings companies may encounter respiratory hazards when working with paints, solvents, coatings, or in enclosed environments. Depending on the specific hazards and conditions, some operations may use SCBA equipment as part of their respiratory protection program.
This can make compatible SCBA accessories relevant to certain industrial safety and emergency response teams.
However, not every painting application requires SCBA, and the presence of respiratory protection equipment alone does not establish a need for a Buddy Breather. Buyers should evaluate the actual work environment, required respiratory protection, and intended use of the accessory.
3. Shipbuilding and Marine Maintenance
Shipyards and marine maintenance contractors may perform painting, repair, cleaning, and maintenance work in enclosed or otherwise hazardous environments.
Where SCBA equipment is used, emergency response teams may need to evaluate compatible accessories in the context of their equipment configuration and established rescue procedures.
4. Chemical Processing and Petrochemical Facilities
Chemical processing plants, refineries, and petrochemical facilities may maintain trained emergency response teams for incidents involving hazardous atmospheres.
For these organizations, compatible SCBA equipment and appropriate emergency response procedures are important considerations. A Buddy Breather may be relevant when the specific equipment configuration and approved application support its use.
5. Industrial Manufacturing and Maintenance
Some manufacturing facilities, industrial maintenance contractors, and heavy industrial operations maintain SCBA equipment for specialized tasks or emergency response.
Examples may include certain tank and vessel maintenance operations, facility turnarounds, and industrial fire brigades.
The relevant purchasing consideration is not simply the industry in which the organization operates. It is whether the organization has a suitable SCBA configuration, a defined application, and the training and procedures necessary for safe use.
What Is the Difference Between a Buddy Breather and a SCBA?
A self-contained breathing apparatus supplies breathing air to its wearer independently of the surrounding atmosphere. SCBA systems are used in firefighting and other applications where the atmosphere may be unsafe to breathe.
A Buddy Breather serves a different purpose. It is an accessory intended to provide an additional air-sharing capability in an appropriate, compatible breathing apparatus configuration.
In practical terms:
- SCBA: Provides the wearer’s breathing air supply.
- Buddy Breather: Provides an additional air-sharing capability for specified applications when used with compatible equipment.
The two should not be treated as interchangeable products. A Buddy Breather does not provide an independent air supply, and its presence does not automatically make a particular rescue or industrial operation safe.
What Should You Consider When Selecting a Dräger Buddy Breather?
Before purchasing a Buddy Breather, fire departments and industrial safety teams should confirm several important details.
1. SCBA Compatibility
Verify that the specific Buddy Breather assembly is approved for use with the intended breathing apparatus. Do not assume compatibility with every SCBA brand or model.
2. Hose Length and Part Number
Dräger PSS 7000 Buddy Breather assemblies are available in different hose lengths. Confirm the required configuration against the equipment manufacturer’s documentation and your organization’s intended application.
Accurate Safety Distributors offers these two configurations:
The correct selection should be based on the specified equipment configuration and intended use, rather than hose length alone.
3. Connector Configuration and Included Components
Check the connector requirements and verify exactly what is supplied with the part number. Confirm any required components against the product listing and current manufacturer documentation.
4. Training and Operating Procedures
Personnel should be trained to use the equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions and the organization’s established procedures. Industrial applications should be evaluated just as carefully as fire service applications.
5. Inspection and Maintenance
Follow the manufacturer’s requirements for inspection, maintenance, and servicing. Equipment that is damaged, incomplete, or otherwise unsuitable for use should be removed from service in accordance with applicable procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buddy Breathers
What does a Buddy Breather do?
A Buddy Breather is an emergency breathing air-sharing accessory used with compatible SCBA equipment. In an approved configuration, it can allow a second person to receive breathing air from an available supply.
What does UEBSS stand for?
UEBSS stands for Universal Emergency Breathing Supply System. The term is used for emergency air-sharing equipment designed for specified breathing apparatus applications.
Are Buddy Breathers used only by firefighters?
Firefighters are the primary audience for firefighter-oriented Buddy Breather equipment. Industrial organizations that use compatible SCBA equipment may also evaluate emergency air-sharing accessories for appropriate applications, depending on the equipment configuration and their emergency response procedures.
Can paint companies use a Buddy Breather?
Potentially, where a paint or coatings company uses compatible SCBA equipment and the accessory is approved for its intended application. Not all painting operations require SCBA, and a Buddy Breather should not be selected solely because a company performs industrial painting.
Can a Buddy Breather be used with any SCBA?
No. Compatibility must be confirmed for the specific breathing apparatus, connector configuration, and accessory. Follow the manufacturer’s documentation and instructions.
What is the difference between the 20-inch and 40-inch Dräger PSS 7000 Buddy Breathers?
The listed configurations differ in hose length and part number. The 20-inch version is part number 3363671, and the 40-inch version is part number 3363672. Confirm which configuration is approved and appropriate for your equipment before ordering.
Find Dräger PSS 7000 Buddy Breather Equipment at Accurate Safety Distributors
Accurate Safety Distributors supplies respiratory protection and industrial safety equipment to fire departments, industrial safety teams, and other professional buyers.
We offer the Dräger PSS 7000 Buddy Breather in two configurations:
Before ordering, confirm compatibility with your SCBA configuration, connector requirements, and intended application.
Need help identifying the right configuration? Contact the Accurate Safety Distributors team to discuss your equipment requirements and verify the correct part number.