Alternative Hose Line Stretches: Pike Pole Stretch

Pike Pole Stretch

The Pike Pole Stretch is very similar to the “Rope Stretch” covered earlier here:https://averagejakeff.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/alternative-hose-line-stretches-the-rope-stretch/

There are a few differences but the benefits are the same taking less hose to reach an objective, and keeping a majority of the interior stairway clear for companies, victims etc. It also keeps you from adding an additional tool to your fire truck (the rope) while I would like to think everyone has rope, I am realistic in the current Engine I am assigned to I am the only guy that had a 50 foot rope bag to hoist tools, extend search etc. The only rope on the engine was life safety rope, and our Unit tag line for searching. While they can work they have other specific jobs, and should only be used if there is no other option. I would hate to be using the life safety rope to stretch a line and someone else needed it for an over the wall rescue.

However EVERY fire truck has a Pike Pole and the stretch can be made just as with the rope stretch.

It is as simple as hooking the pike to the bail of the nozzle, however it could take additional man power as you have to have someone to hand it to above you. It could also cause for early fatigue if fireman have to leapfrog floors.

The only way to master it is to train, train, train.

Keep following along on twitter, and leave some feedback about what your doing in your department.

As usual thanks for reading, spread the word, and STAY SAFE