Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook

3rd Edition

Chapter 1 — Types of Apparatus Equipped with a Pump

Describe fire department pumpers.

Learning Objective 1

1–1

Water sources

Apparatus internal tank

Fire hydrantStatic water

source

LakePortable

water tank

Fire department pumpers provide adequate water pressure for effective fire streams.

1–2

Pumper design requirements are contained in NFPA® 1901.

1–3

Minimum tank

capacity

300 gal

(1 200 L)

Minimum pump

capacity

750 gpm

(3 000 L/min)

Intake and discharge pump

connections

Pump controls and gauges

Variety of hose and nozzle sizes

and types

The apparatus must be equipped with certain items in addition to a fire pump.

1–4

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Ground ladders

SCBAForcible

entry tools

Salvage tools and

equipment

Portable water tank

Emergency medical

equipment

Modern pumpers carry a variety of portable equipment.

1–5

Rescue pumpers combine the functions of a rescue company with a department pumper.

1–6

Medical Rescue Extrication

Many pumpers can discharge foam on Class A and Class B fire.

1–7

Foam

Plain water

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Around-the-pump, direct injection, balanced pressure foam proportioning systems

CAFS

Balanced pressure proportioning systems

Fire pumps 750-3,000 gpm (3 000 L/min to 12 000 L/min) or greater

Large onboard tank of foam concentrate

Fixed foam/water turret

Some municipal and industrial departments use foam pumpers with additional equipment.

1–8

NOTE

Some apparatus may have foam proportioning systems that exceed the capacity of the apparatus and may be supported by other pumpers.

1–9

Smaller tanks

• 20 to 100 gallons (80 L to 400 L)

•Designed to be refilled directly from 5 gallon (20 L) containers

Foam proportioning systems on municipal fire pumpers are scaled down versions of industrial pumpers.

1–10

REVIEW QUESTION

What are common requirements for fire department pumpers?

1–11

Describe initial attack fire apparatus.

Learning Objective 2

1–12

Initial fire attack apparatus are scaled-down versions of full-size pumpers.

1–13

Mini-pumper or midi-pumper

Often used to respond to incidents in areas with limited accessCo

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REVIEW QUESTION

What are some characteristics of initial attack fire apparatus?

1–14

Describe mobile water supply apparatus.

Learning Objective 3

1–15

Mobile water supply apparatus transport water to areas where a water system is nonexistent or inadequate.

1–16

Also known as water tenders or tankers

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Terrain

Bridge and weight limits

Monetary constraints

Interoperability

The capacity of mobile water supply apparatus is based on a variety of factors.

1–17

Adequate but reasonable water capacity

Efficient fill and dump time

Suspension and steering matched to terrain requirements

Properly sized chassis

Adequately sized engine for vehicle size and terrain

The design and construction process of mobile apparatus should meet certain safety and efficiency requirements.

1–18

(Cont.)

Sufficient braking ability for vehicle and terrain

Proper tank mounting and baffling

Adequate tank venting system

Ability to dump water from either side or rear of apparatus

The design and construction process of mobile apparatus should meet certain safety and efficiency requirements.

1–19

Stationary reservoir (nurse tender)

Used in mobile shuttle

operation

Mobile water supply apparatus have two basic functions on the fireground.

1–20

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REVIEW QUESTION

What are the two basic functions of mobile water supply apparatus on the fireground?

1–21

Distinguish among specialty fire apparatus.

Learning Objective 4

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Combating wildland fires requires all-terrain apparatus that are lightweight and highly maneuverable.

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• Often mounted on one-ton or larger chassis with all-wheel drive

• Known as brush trucks, brush breakers, or booster apparatus

Allows apparatus to be driven while discharging water

Separate motor or PTO to power the fire pump

A pump and roll system is an advantage when combating wildland fires.

1–24

WARNING

Riding on the outside of the apparatus may result in death or severe injury.

1–25

Hoses

Booster

Forestry

Small diameter attack

Nozzles

Ground sweep

Remote controlled

Foam systems

CAFS

Class A

Most wildland fire apparatus will be equipped with additional equipment.

1–26

Aircraft rescue and fire fighting apparatus may be used on or off airport property.

1–27

Assist municipal departments with large scale flammable liquid incidents

• Immediate suppression of flammable liquid fires

• Suppression of vapors from fuel spills

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Fireboats are used to protect hazards on and adjacent to waterways.

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Ice and water rescue

Emergency medical services

Relay pumping to land-based apparatus

Fire fighting

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Additional benefits on the fireground

May function with capabilities of engine or ladder company

Should be positioned with consideration of the reach of aerial device

Quints are equipped with fire pump, water tank, hose, aerial device, and ground ladders

Some aerial apparatus are equipped with fire pumps.

1–29

Extinguish small fires

Provide protective hoselines at extrication and other incidents

May feature foam equipment

Do not have firefighting capabilities of a full-sized pumper

Some ambulances may be equipped with small pumps

Some rescue vehicles may be equipped with small fire pumps and tanks.

1–30

Trailer-mounted pumps are uncommon in most municipal fire departments, but are suitable for long-term operations.

1–31

REVIEW QUESTION

What are some types of specialty fire apparatus and their uses?

1–32

Identify apparatus-mounted special systems.

Learning Objective 5

1–33

Apparatus are often equipped with electric power generation equipment.

1–34

PortableFixed

There are two types of electric power generators used in emergency services.

1–35

Driver/operators must be proficient in the setup and operation of scene lighting.

1–36

Portable

• 300 to 1,000 watts

• Advantageous where illumination is needed away from apparatus

• Telescoping stands

Fixed

• May be raised, lowered or turned

• Some mounted on booms

• 500 to 1,500 watts

• Only connect to generators that can handle wattage load

WARNING

To avoid electric shock, follow the manufacturer's guidelines and local policy regarding use of electrical equipment.

1–37

Extension cords and other electrical equipment are commonly stored on pumping apparatus.

1–38

Extension cords

AdaptersJunction boxes

Common rescue tools

Extrication equipment

Combination spread and shear tools

Extension rams

Some pumping apparatus may be equipped with rescue tools.

1–39

Tools powered by portable or apparatus mounted systems

Hydraulic pressureCompressed air or apparatus

power take-off system

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the two types of electric power generators used in emergency services operations?

1–40