Engine Company Drills For the Chauffeur/Driver – Part 3

In the previous two parts we discussed how a chauffeur/driver can train and become an effective operator, in and out of the cab. Today is the last part of our series. We will give you a few more ideas on the best drills to conduct for the driver.

Loss of Water Drill

The loss of water for an engine company is a true emergency. Like any other emergency or problem we must train for it so we are proficient if the need ever arises.

Three quick causes for water loss can be loss of hydrant, mechanical issues or a burst length. Of course there are many more but for the purpose of this drill we will use these three.

First, connect to a hydrant, stretch a line and have the driver start water. The crew can operate the line and the driver can switch over to the hydrant. When he starts to space out (come on admit it we all do) shut the hydrant down. The sound of the pump as it starves for water should wake him up! (Make sure the pump does not go without water for too long to avoid damage!)

How do they handle it?

Did they recognize the problem and switch to tank water immediately?

Did they transmit over the radio the loss of the water source and is now on tank water?

Now lets play with the burst length, with the line you already have stretched loosen a coupling enough so it leaks quite a bit on the first length of hose from the rig. Charge the line then announce a burst length.

Does the driver recognize the problem and take steps to correct it?

How long does it take for them to do so?

Do they know how to correct the problem?

Mechanical issues can sometimes be difficult to simulate, however you can talk them through quite extensively to determine the type of corrective action you would get in return.

Although far from all of them these five drills should give you a good start in developing or maintaining a reliable chauffeur. Maintain a positive learning environment at all times and remember to keep everyone calm.

How we learn is how we will react on the fireground. Do you have any other drills that you use to develop a drivers abilities? Leave them in the comments section. I will be doing additional articles on some other drills in the future.

Photos Courtesy:

Feature: Steve Silverman
Cover: Rich Gardiner, FFTB

Part 3 of 3
Part 1 Link: http://firefightertoolbox.com/engine-company-drills-chauffeurdriver/
Part 2 Link: