Beyond The Booster Backup, Fire Hydrant Water Supply Tactical Tips

Chief Isakson’s Tactical Tip of the day is on the benefits of the Large Diameter Hose (LDH) Clamp.

The LDH clamp is a GREAT DEVICE if you understand how to use it and its limitations. The mission and purpose of the clamp is ONLY TO CLAMP A DRY or UNCHARGED SUPPLY HOSE LINE.

For optimal tactical readiness of the CLAMP, remember not to have it cranked completely down when stored in the apparatus. Remember the FOURWAY VALVE can act as a large ball valve in lieu of utilizing the hose clamp.

When the apparatus completes the supply hose lay for a continuous water supply, CLAMP IT and CALL FOR WATER 💦. Immediately clamping the line allows the Hydrant Firefighter to send water, completing their initial task of sending water. Now that Firefighter can immediately return to the fire scene, and become engaged in the next tactical assignment of their company.

At times, breaking the Storz Coupling on Large Diameter Supply Hose is a two firefighter job. This is another reason to use a HOSE CLAMP 🗜️. You will gain the tactical advantage of the hydrant, Firefighter, assisting the driver operator in breaking the supply hose line.

The Large Diameter Hose supply line might move forward when charged with water since it is clamped, and that’s okay. The driver operator may gain an additional tactical advantage from the increased length and reach of the water supply hose line.

With the hose closer to the apparatus, the driver operator can use a shorter piece of LDH to complete the hook up. The CLAMP also allows you to delay on what apparatus you hook it into, but still have water 💦 to the scene and immediately available.

Similar to all Tactical Tips, and Tricks of the Trade, the LDH CLAMP requires you to perform TRAINING and DRILLING to maximize the TACTICAL ADVANTAGE of this fireground tool.