What is the primary purpose of a personal alert safety system (PASS)?

The primary purpose of a personal alert safety system (PASS) is to sound an alarm if a firefighter is motionless for a set period of time. This system is crucial for ensuring firefighter safety, particularly in environments where they may be incapacitated or unable to signal for help. The PASS device is designed to detect a lack of motion, which could signify that a firefighter is in distress or has experienced an emergency situation, prompting a loud alarm to alert nearby personnel to the potential danger.

While tracking firefighter locations, monitoring air supply levels, and communicating with the command center are important aspects of firefighting operations, they do not represent the primary function of a PASS. The main focus of the system is to enhance safety through alerting others when a firefighter may be in peril, thus facilitating a more rapid response to assist them.