Think Like a Truckie

 

Although some engine company members may disagree with putting the words “think” and “truckie” in the same sentence, once we examine the process by which a truck company operates and the advantages it provides, even the most hardened engine company grunts may learn to appreciate the work of their brothers and sisters in the truck company.

 

Some engine company members and firefighters in small departments that don’t operate a dedicated ladder company may falsely believe that they have no need to be familiar with truck operations or tactics. However, many circumstances will prove the need for all members on the fireground to be well-versed in the theory and practice of truck work.  

Forcible entry, ventilation, search and rescue, and salvage and overhaul are traditional truck company functions that must be performed at every fire. In departments that don’t operate dedicated ladder companies, these functions must be completed by firefighters from engines, medic units, or other types of apparatus. Even in larger departments that staff a number of ladder companies, members of other units may be subject to details on a ladder company, or their regularly assigned unit may be asked to act as a truck during an incident. Familiarity with the tools and techniques of truck work will enable these members to perform safely and efficiently when called on to perform truck company tasks and will also enhance operations when working with truck company members.

(1) First-in engine from opposite direction falls short for the ladder company on a tight street. The hose can be stretched around the truck.

 

(2) Ladder company on the block first to get position.

 

 

Unlike an engine company that carries enough hose for almost any lay or stretch and can always piece in more, the aerial device is a set length and can’t bend around corners. Aerial operators have a responsibility to position their apparatus at a point of best advantage, and they rely on earlier-arriving units to leave them room on the block. Engine operators must consider the direction of approach for the first-in truck and remember to pull past the building or fall short on tight streets with the truck coming from the opposite direction. Slowing the rig down on the fire block and creeping up to the fire building gives the truck members a better look at what they are driving into. It’s much easier to pull the truck up a little farther than it is to try to back up if they overshot their spot.

 

Although it is vital that all firefighters are knowledgeable in their district, truckies preplan the best approaches to buildings from a different perspective than the firefighters in the engine. The width of streets and parking problems are especially important when turning onto tight urban streets and trying to set outriggers where free space is at a premium. Truck chauffeurs and officers are always looking up for overhead obstructions. 

In addition, a good truck company is aware of the type of forcible entry challenges particular areas in the district may present. The attack line can’t make the fire if the truck doesn’t provide access. Knowing what to expect and selecting the proper tools and techniques saves precious time at the door. Preincident surveys of typical levels of security will pay big dividends for engine and truck members.

(3) Members of this company know that if they can open their cab doors on a tight street there is room for the jacks.

(4) This ladder company arriving after the first-in engine unable to get position on the last house on a narrow dead end street with overhead wires. 

 

 

Unlike an engine company whose members are encumbered by a hoseline, the truck company members can search more quickly and effectively out in front of the engine for the seat of the fire as well as the most endangered occupants. Having the truck confirm the fire location allows the engine officer to properly direct his company. Having the first-in truck officer and his company find the location of the fire and determine the amount of extension will also allow the incident commander to accurately plan for additional resources or a quick knockdown.

  

 

Members in the ladder company are among the most interested in how things are put together because it is their job to take them apart. The truckies study buildings under construction and those under demolition to gain a better understanding of what materials hold up well and how to best open various roof styles as well as ways to efficiently check for extension in voids and shafts.