FireNuggets , Inc May 2017
Short VS Long : system or hose bed designed to deploy well for both short and long stretches .
Short stretch : Fast paced , typically under 200 ’, firefighter and engineer can verbally and visually communicate .
horseshoe bundle . You ’ ll notice both 1.75 ” and 2.5 ” hose are available and loaded identically .
The first key to your hose deployment system is that it should be easily deployable for both short and long stretches . A bulk hose bed is ideal for this system as it does both short and long from the same hose bed and simplifies the decision making process of which line to pull .
Officers in departments utilizing bulk beds can call for a line ( 1.75 ” or 2.5 ”) without specifically designating which hose bed . This typically gives you just two options for a short stretch and again just two options for a long stretch . No need to plan a more elaborate hose lay with bundles or choose from different size pre-connects before you know exactly how long the stretch will be .
If you do rely on pre-connected lines , your most difficult stretches will come when you try to go long , but you should still have a plan for both 1.75 ” and 2.5 ” lines . Also consider that wye ’ s are being proven dangerous and difficult for hand lines flowing more than 100 GPM .
Stretching Short ... We define a short stretch as any time the hose deployment will occur within site and / or ear shot of the engineer . This means the stretch can be rapid and the personnel involved can communicate directly . Typically they will be able to anticipate each other ’ s actions to speed up the process .
By Firefighters , For Firefighters
When Captain Liggins first demonstrated the Oakland “ short stretch ” it was immediately clear that a short stretch can be fast , simple , and the exact length that you want it to be . He simply grabbed the 50 ’ horseshoe off the bulk bed , walked to the door , called for water and flaked out the hose behind him . The engineer simultaneously pulled hose from the bed to the next coupling and connected to their preferred discharge . It took just 30-45 seconds for the perfect stretch . Having deployed a flat loaded pre-connect for decades , we were used to running back and forth to clear extra hose and untangle the mess created by the flat load .
A key to the bulk stretch is that the entire bed does not have to be deployed which would require crews to manage extra hose . Only the exact amount of hose will be deployed , which does not have to be pre-determined at the start of the stretch . The overall length is a dynamic process in which the bundle is brought to the fire and hose continues to deploy from the bulk bed . With the bulk stretch , focus shifts to how much hose is placed at the building to facilitate interior attack , which can be adjusted on the fly ! Of course , you should be doing this with pre-connects as well but you may need to manage excess hose or extend the line requiring a more complicated process .
How can you ensure your short stretch is as fast and efficient as it should be ? Besides loading and trying a bulk stretch , make sure you are integrating your engineer into your stretch for your pre-connected lines as well . Usage and efficiency of the engineer could be an article in and of itself . Many departments including ours with 3 on and engine , focus on getting a line into service with tank water and then establishing a water supply ( including with 2.5 ”). With this approach both pre-connects and bulk beds tend to take roughly the same amount of time to deploy short .
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