Do You REALLY Want Them to Learn Something...?

An instructor or company officer has a duty to the student/firefighter in training to assure that the concept being taught is understood.  How do you accomplish this?  In the world of engine company operations, consider that the use of gauges and flow meters may have a MUCH greater impact on learning than trying to sit in a classroom and crunching numbers on notepads.  Check out some of these photos to see how this concept is applied in training evolutions.

The most important thing you must do before you use the equipment is connect with the students/members; a little tailgate talk assures that everyone is on the same page.

A handheld pitot tube is a must have for engine company training

A properly calibrated portable flowmeter goes a long way proving and disproving hydraulic concepts

Want to teach the principle of elevation loss....take a pitot tube into the air and have the operator raise and lower the ladder to show the change in readings

Aerial inlet gauges compared to a pitot or gauge reading at the tip will help show pressure loss in the piping and elevation loss

Using a handheld Pitot to verify wagon pipe flows

A nozzle test rack is a great tool.  To check flows of combination nozzles, inline gauges at the inlet compared to the pump panel gauge will illustrate pressure loss in the hose.  The proof is in seeing it!

A Flow test tube (Fixed Pitot) is a great way to show the performance/limitations of a relay pumping operation

Make idle time a learning time, attaching a gauge to the hydrant will show the water system pressure at different stages of the operation. 

Foam systems with flowmeters are a valuable teaching tool if they are calibrated and understood.  This test was utilizing the front suction, flowing 1035 GPM.

Don't forget the trusty gauge.  See the differences between the main pump gauge and the line gauge.  50 PSI Vs. 120 PSI.  This shows a 70 PSI loss in the rigs piping,  This is flowing to a rear step discharge.

Properly anchored, unmanned deluge sets are one of the safest ways to provide flows and test them during pump operator training.  This reduces the chances of personal injury that are greater when manned hoselines are used.

A deluge set adapted to receive 2 1/2" or 1 3/4" hose is used to teach handline pump pressures.  This eliminates the need for members to man hoselines and be exposed to the potential for injury.  The operators practice pump pressures for either diameter of hose, not both.  The results are checked with a pitot tube, inline gauge or flowmeter.