Hydraulics
Hydraulics refers to the science of moving and controlling water through pipes, hoses, and equipment - a critical aspect of firefighting. In firefighting, it involves understanding how water flows through fire trucks, hose systems, and pumps to effectively fight fires. Think of it like understanding water pressure and flow in a very advanced garden hose system, but for emergency situations. This knowledge is essential for firefighters to deliver the right amount of water to the right place at the right pressure, which can make the difference between successfully controlling a fire or not.
Examples in Resumes
Certified in Hydraulics and pump operations for Class A fire engines
Trained new firefighters in Hydraulic systems and water flow calculations
Led emergency responses requiring complex Hydraulics setups for high-rise buildings
Typical job title: "Firefighters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Firefighters
Professional Organizations
Training Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where you need to supply water to multiple hose lines on different floors of a high-rise building?
Expected Answer: A senior firefighter should explain pressure loss calculations, relay pumping operations, and how to maintain adequate pressure at different elevations while ensuring firefighter safety.
Q: Describe your experience training others in hydraulics and pump operations.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership ability, teaching experience, and deep understanding of both basic and advanced hydraulics concepts that they can explain to others clearly.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when calculating required pump pressure for a basic fire attack?
Expected Answer: Should mention friction loss in hoses, elevation changes, nozzle pressure requirements, and basic safety margins in their calculations.
Q: How do you determine the appropriate water flow for different types of fires?
Expected Answer: Should explain how building size, fire intensity, and type of structure affect water flow requirements, and demonstrate understanding of different fire stream patterns.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic parts of a fire engine's pump panel?
Expected Answer: Should identify main discharge and intake valves, pressure gauges, primer, and throttle controls, showing basic familiarity with pump operations.
Q: Why is it important to maintain minimum water pressure in fire hoses?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic safety concerns, such as hose handling difficulties and inadequate fire suppression with too little pressure, and potential hose damage with too much pressure.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pump operations
- Understanding of fire hose layouts
- Simple pressure calculations
- Knowledge of basic safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced pump operations
- Multiple hose line management
- Complex pressure calculations
- Water supply troubleshooting
Senior (5+ years)
- Training and supervision of others
- Complex water supply operations
- Advanced hydraulic calculations
- Emergency situation management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to perform basic pressure calculations
- Lack of hands-on experience with pump panels
- No understanding of water supply principles
- Poor knowledge of safety procedures and protocols
