Apparatus and method for providing breathable air and bodily protection in a contaminated enviroment

An apparatus for protecting a user (58) in a hazardous or contaminated environment caused by chemical, fire, biological, and/or nuclear contamination includes a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (18) for providing tank stored breathable air, a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) (16) for purifying ambient air and a valve system that can be used to control the source of air from either the SCBA (18) or the PAPR (16). The source of breathable air can be selectively controlled via manual or automatic controls while a protective body suit (12) can be operably coupled with the SCBA (18) and the PAPR (16) to protect a user within the contaminated environment.