Still More Hose in the Stairwell

It is interesting, especially since we see it deployed in a stairwell as opposed to the front ramp or a parking lot. However, if you notice the size of the stairwell hole, a length could also have been rope hoisted (or the bag dropped), but that comes and goes with the building. What I find that is common among a majority of the bundle and coil videos is that there's always some act of neatness that is shown; someone is tugging here, lightly kicking there. If it plays out well when visibility is poor, occupants and other companies are stepping on it, and engine men are pulling on it then will it be a keeper. In the video it looks like two lengths (maybe 1 3/4-inch, or the metric equivalent ?) that could be broken down or added to like our own roll-ups or packs. It would be interesting to see it as if connected to a riser also, where that second section is coiled as well. And, if it only takes two firefighters to stretch, that should be an advantage.

The building they filmed their drill in has an excellent well hole. A quick, easy tried and true method of getting the correct amount of line to the fire floor is as follows:

-The nozzle Firefighter removes approximately 1 & 1 1/2 lengths (possibly more depending on distance of fire apartment from the stairway and size of apartment) from the apparatus hose bed.
-The nozzle Firefighter places his lengths at the base of the well keeping the attached nozzle in his hand.
-The rest of the hose crew follow with their folds.
-The nozzle Firefighter ascends the stairs, keeping the nozzle in his outstretched hand in the well hole.
-The rest of the hose crew stay spread out on the stairs below.
-When the nozzle firefighter reaches his destination, he hauls up a sufficient amount of hose to cover the area of anticipated need.
-The rest of the hose crew assists with pulling the line up.
-When sufficient hose has been hauled, Hose straps are put into place and the line is charged.
-In a well stretch, a fifty foot section of hose spans five floors straight up the well.

In the video, there is a good possibility of pulling the nozzle through the loop eventually causing a knot in the hose. remember, this procedure will be taking place while the stairwell is full of panicking civilians who are trying to evacuate while firefighters are trying to get up to the fire floor to force entry to the apartments for search and ventilation as well as to give the hose crew access to the fire area.

We use this system for our highrise packs as well and it works really well. Another thing we have found also is you can lay the pack on its edge against a wall in exactly the same way you would on the floor and charge it. It takes up less room against the wall and is excellent in narrow hallways

In looking at how it compares to the states, it looks as if they are on the fourth floor. Some departments here use a set floor to determine if they will run the preconnect or bed as opposed to the rack. Such as floor four and below, run a line, five and higher run the rack.

I like how they, the French, always seem to reverse out, be it supply or attack. Interesting, thanks for sharing, Geezer.