Street Hydraulics (21MA)

The fire service has experienced many changes in how we operate over the past 50 years- Bunker gear, thermal pane windows, SCBA usage.  Some of these changes have been identified as they were happening and training was changed in order to keep up.  The transition from a throttle and relief valve set up, to a pressure governor on our engine companies was one of these changes.  A paradigm shift is needed for an Engineer to properly supply handlines on the foreground.  We will go more in depth to explain some of the common mistakes made on the fireground and teach why this continues to happen.  This class will explore the differences in process to properly supply and pressurize handlines on the fireground. The difference between pressure and volume in a two-stage pump, as well as identifying nozzle reaction as an issue in some cases. Teaching our chauffeurs to understand how the pressure governor works through engine cues, relationship of gauges, identifying how much volume of water is available, and the difference between using tank water or a positive water source are all identified and explained.  The class will also give the student the knowledge to choose between the backstretch or inline pumping, depending upon hydrant location and manpower availability, as well as the knowledge to choose the proper intake in order to leave the front of the building clear for aerial apparatus. The hands-on portion will take all of the concepts explained and show the student in a real-world situation how the pressure governor behaves in multiple scenarios, and allows the student to operate and learn.