Regardless of where you live, the size of the department, the level of staffing, or the way the standard operating procedures/guidelines are written, one task that all fire departments should perform in each fire is to deploy and operate the hand line. In order to facilitate the installation of the handle in place and put it into use, various departments usually use pre-connected hose loads. There are many ways to pack the load of the pre-connected hose, and the degree of complexity varies. One of the most commonly used and often misunderstood pre-connected hose loads is the flat load.

One of the biggest benefits of loading a flat load correctly is the number of deployment options it provides. A flat load is a drag load designed to be stretched from either side of the equipment through a horizontal paving. By correctly placing two sets of pull rings on each side of the equipment, with the nozzle in the middle, you can choose which side of the equipment to pull the hose from according to the situation. In addition, with two sets of pull-tabs on each side, one or two firefighters can easily deploy the hose load according to the situation. You can straighten a flat load during long stretches, or pull it easily for short stretches by lowering the loop before the rope is tightened.

To properly load a flat load in a double hose bed, use the following steps:

If you are loading a flat load on a single-width hose bed, use the same procedure unless you stack the hoses alternately when loading them; instead, you should stack the hoses on top of themselves.

Since it is a drag load, you should not put the hose on the shoulder of the firefighter during the propulsion process. By keeping the hose on the ground during the stretching process, the firefighter's center of gravity will not rise as sometimes when other hose loads are used; this allows for safer stretching. By dragging the hose, the firefighter can stop and start stretching as needed. Just place the ring and nozzle on the ground to complete another task. You can start this stretch again by picking up the pull ring and nozzle, and then continue. Another advantage of properly unrolling a flat load is that the wire has peeled off in place, aligned with the entry point.

A common mistake is to snake the hose at a 90° angle before reaching the front door. By doing this, you can create grips along the bottom of the door frame as you extend the line into the building. Keeping the hose aligned with the doorway will ensure easier advancement. After proper deployment, the first coupling should also be close to the door. This ensures that at least 50 feet of the line is ready to move forward.

Like all types of pre-connections, flat loads have one disadvantage: turning. Remember, you will have a looped hose about 6 to 8 feet long behind you. When approaching a corner, you need to "widen" so that you can pull the hose over the corner without jamming. Be especially careful when dragging the hose between vehicles. Car tires are stubborn pinch points; they are particularly capable of grabbing hoses or joints and pinching them between the tire and the road.

No matter what type of pre-connection your department uses, all firefighters need continuous training on loading and deployment. Keep training and maintain the stretch line. Putting water on the fire will solve all problems.

ADAM IVERSON is a lieutenant in the Manchester (NH) Fire Department. He holds an associate degree in fire science and a bachelor degree in fire management. Iverson is an EMT Intermediate and Lecturer at the New Hampshire Fire Academy.

Improve the efficiency of triple or pre-connected hose loading METRO Hose Pack: Successful Urban Wasteland High-rise/Riser Hose Pack: Primer, Part 1 High-rise/Riser Hose Pack: Primer, Part 2