An air and light unit, also known as a breathing support unit or mobile air unit, is a specialized firefighting apparatus used by

first responders A first responder is a person with specialized training who is among the first to arrive and provide assistance or incident resolution at the scene of an emergency. First responders typically include law enforcement officers (commonly known as ...

to provide supplemental

lighting Lighting or illumination is the deliberate use of light to achieve practical or aesthetic effects. Lighting includes the use of both artificial light sources like lamps and light fixtures, as well as natural illumination by capturing daylight. ...

and self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders and cylinder filling services at the scene of an emergency. During prolonged incidents surrounding an immediate danger to life or health environment, first responders working in unsafe environments wear a self-contained breathing apparatus. The depleted air cylinders within the breathing apparatus must be replaced and refilled throughout the incident. The air and light unit can refill the cylinders while in the field using an onboard

air compressor An air compressor is a machine that takes ambient air from the surroundings and discharges it at a higher pressure. It is an application of a gas compressor and a Pneumatics, pneumatic device that energy conversion, converts mechanical power (from ...

and cascade system. It also carries a supply of spare air cylinders. Air and light units are highly customizable and can vary significantly between departments. Units are also equipped with diesel generators, which supply electricity to power portable lights and overall scene illumination equipment. This is usually done via a roof-mounted telescoping light bank. Units may typically supply electrical power in an emergency to a shelter, base camp, or medical facility. In the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, Chapter 24 of

National Fire Protection Association The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a U.S.-based international nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property damage, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. , the NFPA claims to have 5 ...

Regulation 1901 outlines specifications for any air system mounted on firefighting apparatus.

References

{{Fire fighting Fire service vehicles