A quick release apparatus for rapid disconnection of a waist belt from a self-contained breathing apparatus support frame, including first and second connector elements disposed on either of the support frame or the waist belt for selective connection of the support frame to the waist belt, first and second quick release pull straps releasably coupled to the first and second connectors, each of the pull straps having a quick release handle portion for grasping with a hand. A users pulls one of the quick release handle portions away from the waist belt to accomplish a partial release of the waist belt from the support frame, and by pulling both of said handle portions, the waist belt is fully decoupled from the support frame, such that the self-contained breathing apparatus may be removed by the wearer without also having to unbuckle or to remove the waist belt.