Nozzle Nerd: Deployment Methods
There are only a few things that matter when it comes to operations. We need to occupy the interior and search for victims; and we need to get the hose line to the seat of the fire. This is only accomplished with a quick mask-up and entry into the structure. Our zero-impact time, which is the time from the parking brake to the inside the structure, is critical. For the engine, this comes down to a quick deployment and quick mask-up before entry.
This blog, we are going to discuss hose loads in addition to some deployment methods. Understand that your hose load needs to be specific to your organization and district you operate in. There is a reason why FDNY runs the hose loads they do and you should have a reason why you run your hose loads. If your reason is because that’s the way its always been done, then I would encourage you to explore some options or gain insight on your why.
Hose loads are about as unique as every fire department and there are a lot of options to choose. Typically, most run flat, minuteman, combat load (modified minuteman), triple layer; but there is also the Detroit, Cleveland, etc, etc. This list can go on an on. Most typically run between 100’ to 300’ for pre-connected line.
Pre-connected vs static. Another great debate is always the pre-connected vs static hose bed. This will be heavily impacted based on your district. If you have pre-connected hose, you should have a very standard district without much variation. Pre-connected hose should cover the majority of your structures, 75-90%. When we are looking at static lines, this occurs due to the environmental need of the company. If we look at some who run static lines, FDNY, Cleveland, Chicago. They have a very diverse environment which they are operating in. They can be running a SFD, mid-rises, Apartments, to some of the tallest buildings in the country. Having pre-connected lines would not work for them. They need the flexibility of a static hose bed. If we look at other departments who have a consistent district, they can be afforded the ability to have pre-connected lines which works for their response. Harrisburg PA is one I think of. Their Engine has many different lengths and nozzles, but is built for their operational environment. I work in a suburban department which many houses and a typically setback between 25-50’. Lot widths are mostly similar with 75’ and we operate in single to two story houses and a bunch of three story apartments. We have built our hose deployments based on such.
COMBAT LOAD
Single Person Deployment, 100’ Shoulder Minuteman, 100’ Flat Load with loop.
Hose Loads, there are many like it but this one is mine! For us, we run a combat load and I am very keen on this hose load. The combat or modified minuteman can be loaded in different lengths such as 100’, 200’, 300’, or 400’ and can be loaded in a single, double or triple stack. This gives it flexibility based on your apparatus design. The Combat Load for most fires is 100’ flat load on the bottom with a 100’ minuteman load on the top. In the case of the double or triple, a stack of flat with a stack of minuteman next to it.
My preference for the Combat Load is due to the operational ease of the deployment, our ability to have a more controlled deployment and the ease of flaking the line. Many who run the flat load traditionally turn it into a minuteman anyways by flipping the hose when they are deploying it, so why not just have it already flipped. I am not a fan of the triple, so I am not even going to get into that hose load.
We have a few options for line selections for our pre-connected lines. A 100’ (1.75”) trash line, a 200’ (1.75”), a 300’ (1.75”), and a 200’ (2.5”). These are all designed on our operational needs, our staffing levels, and our district and we train our personnel the when and why of each line. In addition to theses we have other options as well, but we will cover those in another post.
300’ Double Minute and Flat
Here is a another option for a 300’ Line. This is a 100’ minuteman with the nozzle, 100’ minuteman on top of 100’ flat on the left side. This can be single, two, or three person pull. We went away from this for a simpler version of the Combat with 150’ and 150’.
The Combat Load, allows a single firefighter deployment with 100’ on the shoulder while dragging and clearing the bed with the other loop on the 100’ flat load. When the firefighter shoulder loads the top 100’, this gives them more control over the placement of the line especially when navigating obstacles or dry stretching to the interior of buildings. In addition to the single firefighter deployment, we can also utilize a 2-person deployment when we are deploying longer lines such as the 300’. We have a 300’ line which is loaded in 2- 150’ sections, one minute and one flat. This can be deployed single person such as the previous 200’ or can be a 2 -person deployment. This works great for stretching an apartment building, navigating a long stretch, or deploying to the Charlie side of the building.
For the 2-person 300’ line, the first firefighter should loads the 150’ as normal. The second firefighter or officer needs to turn the flat load into the minuteman by flipping the bottom 150’. This creates a 300’ minuteman deployment. Again, this is ideal when long stretches are encountered with obstacles or stretching interior of a building. More accurate line placement can occur.
The 400’ Line. Previously, we had a 400’ 1.75'“ line on our apparatus, which was a flat with a minute with another flat and minuteman next to it. This hose load was ultimately scrapped due to the complexity of the deployment in addition to the complexity of the loading. Remember, Complexity breeds chaos while simplicity always works. We have altered our operations to include hose packs for longer stretches, but we will cover that in another post.
Approach
When deploying the attack line, speed is of the essence. While the officer is completing a 360-size, the firefighter should be deploying the line or at least waiting for the call to where to deploy. When the officer calls for the line, the firefighter can easily deploy a single person deployment. As we approach the door, we have two options for deployment, Back Stretch or Forward Approach.
The back stretch is what most are familiar with. This is where the firefighter brings the hose load to the door and then flakes the hose backwards away from the door. With the combat or minuteman, this allows you to set the hose down and then stretch the hose backwards.
The Forward Approach, which is my preference, allows a singular movement towards our objective. This requires the firefighter to be good at estimating feet and drop points when moving towards the entrance point. To complete this deployment method, the firefighter begins to deploy the line which is on his shoulder. The firefighter will always estimate how much line he still has on his shoulder and begin to estimate his distance to his objective. At about 35-45’, the firefighter will grab the nozzle and the 50’ coupling, which should be loaded towards the front of the shoulder load and taped, and drop the shoulder load to the ground at the drop point location. At this point, with the nozzle and 50’ coupling, the firefighter will stretch the hose to the door while also flaking it out at the same point. This allows the firefighter to make one continuous movement forward. As they drop the shoulder load, they call for water. As they get to the door, they can open the bail, knee on the line, and begin to mask up. Hopefully, at this time, they officer is returning from their 360 and can join the firefighter and make entry.
There should never be an always and never a never when it comes to the fire service and especially these two approaches. Understand that a forward approach is difficult when in tight spaces or with obstacles. The forward approach is great for front door without obstacles.
When deploying line, everyone should have a preference and a reason for why they do what they do but never get in a singular mindset. Having options and alternatives when the structure or environment dictates. Find a hose load that works for you and your operational need. The only wrong answer is the one you can’t give. Experiment, test, and train.