What is the technique called that allows extending the use of cylinder air?

The technique known for extending the use of cylinder air is skip breathing. This method involves taking deep breaths intermittently while skipping breaths in between. By reducing the number of breaths taken, it helps conserve air in the cylinder, allowing a firefighter to extend their air supply during operations. This can be particularly beneficial during lengthy or strenuous tasks requiring air consumption since it strategically manages the respiratory rate without compromising the oxygen intake necessary for maintaining energy and focus.

Other techniques, such as rapid inhalation, deep breathing, and controlled exhalation, do not effectively contribute to air conservation in the same manner. While rapid inhalation and deep breathing may relate to how oxygen is taken in, they do not involve the intentional skipping of breaths which is unique to skip breathing. Controlled exhalation focuses more on managing how exhalation occurs rather than saving air during inhalation. Therefore, skip breathing is the most effective technique for extending the usable air supply in firefighting situations.