How should firefighters communicate while donning their SCBAs?

Firefighters should communicate through verbal confirmations while donning their Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) because clear and direct communication is essential in ensuring safety and effective teamwork in potentially hazardous environments. Verbal confirmations allow team members to verify that each individual is properly prepared and equipped before entering an emergency situation. This practice helps ensure that everyone understands the status of their equipment and can address any issues before they become critical.

Additionally, verbal communication provides immediate feedback, which is crucial when swift action and clarity are required. It enables firefighters to express concerns or questions more effectively than non-verbal methods alone, particularly in high-stress scenarios where every second counts. Among the other options, relying solely on hand signals could lead to misunderstandings, while using radio communication may not be practical due to noise levels or equipment preferences during the donning phase. Remaining silent is counterproductive, as it eliminates the chance to ensure all personnel are ready for the task ahead.