In the event of a downed firefighter incident, which equipment must be activated before assessing the situation?

In a downed firefighter incident, activating Emergency Air Breathing (EAB) equipment is vital because it ensures that rescuers can safely navigate through potentially hazardous environments while providing necessary air supply to both themselves and the downed firefighter. This equipment allows firefighters to perform rescues in situations where hazardous smoke, toxic gases, or low oxygen levels might be present. By prioritizing the activation of the EAB, rescue teams protect their health and wellbeing, which is essential for the success of the rescue operation.

Other options, while useful in different contexts, do not have the immediate critical importance of the EAB in this scenario. A Thermal Imaging Camera could assist in locating a downed firefighter, but it can't provide life-sustaining air. Rescue Ropes are essential for retrieval but require the rescuer to be in a safe environment first, which EAB helps facilitate. Fire Extinguishers are necessary for fire suppression but are not directly related to the immediate response needed in a downed firefighter situation. Hence, activating the Emergency Air Breathing equipment first is the most appropriate step to ensure a safe and effective rescue operation.