right|thumb|300px|PASS device (22, boxed in red) integrated into an SCBA unit. It is connected by a hose (18, green) to the air circuit and arms automatically when the air circuit is opened.

A PASS device (personal alert safety system), also known as a distress signal unit (DSU) or ADSU (automatic distress signal unit), is a personal safety device used primarily by firefighters entering a hazardous or "immediately dangerous to life and health" (IDLH) environment such as a burning building. The PASS device sounds a loud (95 decibel)

The PASS device is normally used in conjunction with breathing apparatus; it is a small, battery-powered device attached to the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) harness which enables the firefighter to summon help by activating a loud, piercing electronic bleeper.

Early models were only able to be activated manually, such as when a firefighter is lost or trapped. More recent PASS devices can also automatically activate if the device does not detect motion for 30 seconds, 343 firefighters (including a chaplain and two paramedics) of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) were killed on that day.

See also

References

  • Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) Research
  • PASS device sound

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