The NFPA 1404 Rule of Air Management (ROAM)
Under NFPA 1404, fire departments must mandate that firefighters exit hazardous IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) atmospheres before their low-air alarm activates. The End-of-Service-Time-Indicator (EOSTI) alarm is a life-safety emergency reserve—not an invitation to begin exiting.
The Rule of Thirds
- One-Third (33%): Dedicated to interior navigation, advance, search, and fire suppression.
- One-Third (33%): Reserved for tactical egress and exiting the structure along the hose line.
- One-Third (33%): Untouchable safety reserve for disorientation, entanglement, or MAYDAY rescue.