In what scenario should a low air alarm be taken seriously?

A low air alarm is a critical warning indicating that a firefighter's air supply is running low, which poses a significant risk to their safety. When a member is disoriented, it suggests a possible lack of oxygen or increasing stress, and this state can impair their judgment and ability to respond effectively to the situation. In this case, ignoring the low air alarm could lead to severe consequences, such as loss of consciousness or the inability to navigate to safety.

Disorientation can also indicate that the individual has reached a dangerous level of fatigue or cognitive impairment due to low air supply, making it essential to take the alarm seriously. The urgency to respond appropriately increases in this scenario, as the member must prioritize their breathing and ensure they exit the hazardous environment without delay.