Using Aerial as a Standpipe

Many department's get in set routines for the use of their aerial devices. One often overlooked tactic is using the aerial device as a "standpipe" device for fire attack on upper floors if it is planned for and trained with it can be a viable tactic. If no one is prepared and the idea is thought of at your next fire, be prepared because it will look like the keystone cops!

This segment is not all inclusive but will give some tips and ideas.

The concept is as follows: The aerial device is set up in a fairly good position, to the floor below the fire area. High rise packs or dry lines are taken by the crews from inside, or even over the aerial, (less preferable) but are then attached to a wye assembly on the end of the Master stream device of the aerial.

Some notes:

* Make sure the aerial device nozzle will adapt to a wye or water thief for the attachment of handlines.

* Be sure of thread compatibility if it is a problem in your department's area.

* Prepared high rise packs may already be used for the advancement of lines.

* Be sure ladder placement is in a safe area for deployment and within some reach of the fire area.

* Bring adequate hoseline to account for reaching the floor above and making an advancement. The absolute minimum in a residential situation would be 50 feet per floor and 50 - 100 feet additional.

* Be sure personnel understand the hydraulics and calculations to support the handlines in use. Rapid deployment and quick attack mean nothing if there is not an adequate rate of flow being provided.

* Find an area or building you can use to practice this technique. Old mill buildings are great for this sort of thing. Set up a target are and then flow water out of an upper floor window so as to avoid damage.

* Walk through the evolution once with all personnel explaining each point and procedure.

* Stretch a line from your apparatus the way you normally would to the designated target are and stop timing the evolution when water flows out the window from the nozzle. Compare and record that time and number of personnel.

* Stretch the line off the aerial device as explained above from the floor below the target area and again time the event.

This tactic cannot be used and is not appropriate for all situations but it should be something you practice with and have as another tool in your arsenal.