Protective Services students are taking their physical training to the next level by wearing Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) during Tuesday and Thursday PT sessions. The added gear increases intensity and realism, preparing students for the physical demands they may face in emergencies and public safety careers.
Students gather and inspect the SCBA equipment as soon as they arrive at BCTC, then wear it from warm-up exercises through their group run. Training with gear simulates real-world conditions that require running, working, and maintaining control while carrying or wearing heavy equipment.
“There were several students who did it last year, and we are starting out again this year,” said Trevor Michaud, a Protective Services Homeland Security student from Oley. Trevor is also a volunteer firefighter with Blandon Fire Company 12. For him, the training has direct real-life benefits. “I have seen a big improvement because it forced me to slow my breathing down. When you are wearing a mask in a fire, it is high stress, and if you don’t train your body, you can use all the air in the SCBA cylinder.”
Carlos Vazquez, a Protective Service Law Enforcement student from Governor Mifflin, views the SCBA as an added challenge that supports his goal of becoming a police officer. “I do it because it makes it harder to run with the gear,” he explained. “Police have to wear a vest and duty belt, so wearing the SCBA is conditioning me for the extra weight.”
Jamil Ortiz-Soto, a Protective Services Homeland Security student from Wyomissing, also sees the value in the demanding workouts. “It helps me gain more physical strength with our hobbies, jobs and with volunteering firefighting,” he said. “It helps me learn more about wielding the SCBA.” Jamil volunteers with the West Reading Fire Company, where physical endurance and familiarity with equipment are critical.
Beyond personal growth, the students hope their commitment will motivate others in the program. By training with SCBA during PT sessions, they aim to inspire classmates to challenge themselves and consider wearing the extra gear as part of their own conditioning, building a stronger, more prepared team overall.
By incorporating SCBA into physical training, Protective Services students are not only building strength and endurance, but also developing the discipline and readiness required in high-stress, real-world emergency situations.