What piece of emergency equipment must be stowed within three feet of each required fire extinguisher in the passenger cabin?

• A. Portable Breathing Equipment (PBE)
• B. First Aid Kit
• C. Fire Blanket
• D. Oxygen Masks

Answer: (A)

The need for quick access to breathable air near a fire is the key idea. Portable breathing equipment must be stowed within three feet of every required fire extinguisher in the passenger cabin so a crew member can don the PPE immediately and begin fighting the fire or evacuating passengers without delay. The PBE provides a reliable air supply that protects the crewmember from smoke and toxic fumes while they work, increasing safety and effectiveness during a cabin fire. Other items serve different roles and aren’t tied to the proximity rule: a First Aid Kit is for medical issues, a Fire Blanket is for smothering or protecting someone from heat, and Oxygen Masks are part of the aircraft’s life-support oxygen system and aren’t required to be stored near extinguishers.