Hose Line Kink

Since the weather has been getting warmer it is allowing more time to train outside and get some real good engine work in. Been practicing a lot of moving lines up stairs. With a 3 person engine it makes it difficult especially in a district with large 3 story homes.

One of the most popular ways I have seen to move hose is the loop and roll method, here is an example of the loop and roll method (above)

It is something that is taught pretty wide-spread around here and as already said is very popular. While doing some recent training this method was being used to move hose to a third floor landing with only 2 firefighters. (again above)

The malfunction was flipping the roll into the room before actually being in the room, causing a major kink, instead of maintaining the loop. The kink was so bad it caused a catastrophic gpm flow problem at the nozzle rendering the line useless.

This happened in no smoke, no heat, and in good visibility. Will this happen every time? I do not think so, but it is a possibility and heat, smoke, etc. can only contribute to the difficulty.

Finding things like this only enhance our fire service, the sharing of ideas, and even failures only makes all of us better. Much like the campaign for terrorism prevention states “if you see something, say something” apply the same message to the fire ground and our training. If you see something that works say something, if you see something that doesn’t work SAY SOMETHING! Do not hoard ideas, share them! Also embrace your failures!

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE!