Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on March 22, 2013 at 9:20pm

When you find the "7 steps" please share them here. I look forward to seeing them. Undoubtedly we can all benefit from that. Thanks.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Special K on March 23, 2013 at 9:43am

Not sure this is what you’re looking for, but these are seven “steps” I follow when I’m driving.  Once parked, I try to perform steps 1 – 6 within one to one and one-half minutes.

1. Drive safely to scene and park appropriately (pull past or just short)
2. Put engine in pump
3. Pull “Tank to Pump” lever
4. Pull designated line/appliance
5. Charge designated line/appliance
6. Set pressure
7. Pull and charge second line (if needed) / throw ladders / set out extra bottles / get fan out, etc.

These steps don't include knowing pump pressures, GPM for nozzle and home types, etc.  That should be part of #6 above or training before pumping.  Our primary target pressure for the typical 200' of 1 3/4" handline is 150psi.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by James Lamonds on April 5, 2013 at 10:12pm

This is what I have always been taught

1. Proper gear (i.e. drive or what ever gear the truck pumps in)

2. Open tank to pump valve

3. Check lines--what has been pulled for use

4. Charge lines

5. Check changeover--pressure or volume

6. Build pressure--proper pressures on lines

7. Set pressure relief valve

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Russ on April 13, 2013 at 12:30pm

i took some time and asked a few "old guys" i knew and came up with nothing.Now that 'im an "old engeneer guy" myself, i thought about it and came up with some of my own along two tracks; "being a driver" and "pumping" or operating a vehicle

As a driver

1- Insure your vehicle and equipment is fully operational (full fuel tank, full water tank, all equipment working)

2- Insure everyone is wearing seatbelts and operate your vehicle in a safe manor (you cant go to work until you get there)

3- Position your vehicle safely and according to your departments SOP...leave room for the ladder, ambulances must park away from the scene-(they can walk in)

4- Have equipment redy for use, (you know they are going to need ladders so have the rack down)

5- Prepare for the unexpected because it will happen (if you're in the collapse zone, tell operations)

6- See to your crews comfort-"fresh ice and water in the cooler- AND a pack of red solo cups, they are gonna drink and dump some on their heads"- "A.C. cranked up and doors closed in the engine for returning crews" OR an electric fan and a short stack of buckets to sit on helps too

7-Account for everything before leavibg the scene

 

For Pumping

1- Safely getting there and positioning WILL determine the outcome of the fire

2- Laying in sucks because packing hose sucks and if you have to lay in, the shorter the better (friction loss is your emeny)

2- Know your pump and what it can and cannot do "meaning dont let your ego or company pride get you into trouble

3- Position is everything

4- If you are the first due, you get everything you need

5- If you are the second due and not assigned to a task, backup the first due engineer (he or she will appriciate it) 

6- (contrary to popular belief) the deck gun comes off and has a base you can take to where it needs to go

7- See to you crews needs

 

hope that was what you were looking for

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion