Chapter 6, Positioning Aerial Apparatus

Question 1

When an engine and ladder arrive on scene of a high rise fire, where is the ladder placed?

Answer 1

• if building is less than 5 stories, ladder is positioned outside the engine
• if building is greater than 5 stories, ladder is positioned inside the engine

Question 2

What is considered to be the proper distance between the objective and the aerial apparatus?

Answer 2

The distance that allows:

• max stability
• best climbing angle
• adequate extension

Question 3

Long extensions with low angles place max stress on aerial device. How do you prevent this?

Answer 3

Get as close to object as safely possible.

Question 4

What are “stresses”, concerning the aerial device?

Answer 4

Factors that work against the strength of the aerial apparatus (can be static or dynamic; greater when dynamic).

Question 5

What are the 4 main uses for any aerial device (excluding water towers)?

Answer 5

• rescue
• access to upper floors
• ventilation
• fire suppression

Question 6

For an aerial ladder, where is the best rescue approach?

Answer 6

Upwind (apparatus should be parked so turntable is upwind of the target).

Question 7

For a rescue, why should apparatus be positioned at the corner of the building?

Answer 7

• can reach victims on 2 sides of the building

- less vulnerable position if building collapses

Question 8

What is the hazard of using a solid stream master stream on an aerial device?

Answer 8

Straight stream could place a damaging load stress on aerial device, possibly collapsing device.

Question 9

What is the preferred master stream use, when conducting a rescue with an aerial apparatus?

Answer 9

The preferred procedure is the wide-angle fog master stream, to push heat or fire away from the aerial while the rescue is in progress.

Question 10

What is the difference in elevating platform placement during a rescue, when a victim needs to be removed from a building?

Answer 10

• if victim is being lifted over the top rail of platform, place apparatus so that turntable is directly in-line with target
• if victim enters platform through the gate, position turntable a little forward/behind target (gates are on sides)

Question 11

What are the benefits of positioning the aerial apparatus on the side of the building opposite the fire?

Answer 11

• allows interior attack crews to advance hose lines toward fire from unburned side
• ff retreating will most likely move toward the unburned side

Question 12

If the aerial device is being used to assist with ventilation on a pitched roof, how should the apparatus be positioned?

Answer 12

It should be positioned, if possible, so that ventilation can be accomplished from the platform or ladder of the aerial device.

Question 13

When providing access for ventilating a flat roof, where should the aerial device be positioned?

Answer 13

On the unburned side of the structure, as close as possible to the area being ventilated.

Question 14

How far above the roofline, should the aerial ladder extend?

Answer 14

At least 6 feet (if using platform, then platform floor should be at roof level).

Question 15

What are the 3 common uses of an aerial device for elevated master streams?

Answer 15

• blitz attack (try to place nozzle in lower part of window)
• defensive attack
• exposure protection

Question 16

What are elevated streams most used for?

Answer 16

Defensive operations.

Question 17

Why should an apparatus be placed on the corners of the building, during a building fire?

Answer 17

• decrease the chance of collapse

- decrease chance of damage due to radiant heat

Question 18

What factors should the driver consider, when determining the final operating position of the aerial apparatus?

Answer 18

• surface conditions (soft ground)
• weather/wind conditions
• electrical hazards/overhead
• angle/location of aerial device operation
• fire building conditions

Question 19

What is a vaulted surface, and why should aerial apparatus avoid them?

Answer 19

A vaulted surface is a vault beneath the ground created by underground parking structures/drainage culverts. They are unstable for aerial apparatus.

Question 20

What is the most common spotting consideration for aerial apparatus in cold weather conditions?

Answer 20

The presence of ice/snow on parking surface.

Question 21

What does the term “ice shrugging” refer to?

Answer 21

Process used to remove accumulated ice on the aerial device (slowly extend and retract the aerial device).

Question 22

If aerial apparatus has to be raised during high winds, how should driver spot the apparatus?

Answer 22

• where apparatus is raised to minimum extension needed

- position apparatus so aerial device is used over front or rear of device

Question 23

How far should distance be between aerial device and electric lines?

Answer 23

At least 10 feet.

Question 24

The aerial apparatus is most stable when the aerial device is operated in what position?

Answer 24

Operated directly over the front or rear of the vehicle (longitudinal axis).

Question 25

What is the least stable position for the operation of the aerial device?

Answer 25

At an angle perpendicular to the apparatus.

Question 26

For rear mounted aerial devices, why is backing the apparatus into position considered to be the preferred method?

Answer 26

It maximizes the reach of the aerial device.

Question 27

What position increases the stability of a tillered aerial apparatus?

Answer 27

Jackknifing (involves turning the tractor at an angle from the trailer; great angles are around 60 degrees, good angles are around 90 degrees).