The problem was that the East Hartford Fire Department (EHFD) did not have an individual air management program in place to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) individual air management standards and to help decrease the risk of firefighter injuries, illness, or deaths during emergency operations. The purpose of this research was to identify alternatives for complying with NFPA individual air management standards and to assist with the prevention of firefighter injuries, illnesses or deaths during emergency operations.This descriptive research project was designed to answer the following questions: What current air management technologies are available or are being used by other fire departments to reduce the risk of firefighter injuries, illnesses, or death during emergency operations? What regulations, recognized standards, and other fire department policies should be referenced when establishing an air management program? What are the essential elements of a successful air management program? How have implemented air management programs in other fire departments affected the number of firefighter injuries, illness or deaths during emergency operations? A literature review was conducted prior to the start of the project. The procedures used to carry out the research included a questionnaire, personal interviews and telephone interviews.

While a variety of new individual air management techniques and technologies are available which may potentially save firefighters lives, the results of this research showed that most fire departments have not established air managements programs. Following this research, recommendations included creating an individual air management program. It was further recommended to invest in new individual air management technologies.