What are personal alert safety systems (PASS) designed to do?

Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) are specifically designed to alert personnel when a firefighter is in distress or in a dangerous situation. When activated, these systems emit a loud alarm, signaling that a firefighter may be incapacitated or lost. This function is critical during firefighting operations, as it enhances safety protocols and response times for rescue operations.

The systems work by utilizing motion sensors; if a firefighter becomes motionless for a set period, the PASS device activates an audible alarm. This feature can be crucial for locating and assisting a firefighter in need, thereby increasing the chances of a successful rescue.

Other options, while relevant to firefighting operations, do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a PASS device. For example, tracking firefighter location is not a core function of PASS, as it focuses more on alerting rescuers rather than providing geographic data. Similarly, monitoring air supply levels and providing emergency lighting serve different safety priorities that are essential in different contexts but are not within the specific capability of a PASS device.