Engine OperationsEmergency Pump Operations

Loss of water

Emergency Pump Operations

EMERGENCY — THE SEQUENCE

You lose water on an attack line. One drilled sequence, top to bottom.

1

EMERGENCY IDLE

2

NOTIFY COMMAND

The pump work comes first. Prime, close what needs closing, open tank to pump — that is what keeps the interior crew alive. Notifying Command is a later priority than restoring water.

3

OPEN TANK TO PUMP

4

PRIMER

5

CHECK GAUGES

6

CHECK CONNECTIONS AIR TIGHT

  • Hose damage
  • Hose kinks
  • Hydrant Damage
  • Hydrant accidental Shut off
  • Drains
7

WORK BACKWARDS TO CAB

IF THE SUPPLY CAVITATES

If the water supply cavitates and pulls a vacuum — CLOSE THE SUPPLY, then OPEN TANK TO PUMP.

Separate response, not part of the drilled sequence — this is what you do the moment it happens.

MINIMUM INTAKE PRESSURE

20 PSI

Maintain 20 PSI intake pressure.

20 psi minimum protects from drawing a vacuum on the intake hose.

WHAT THE OREM MANUAL SAYS

The Engine Company Operations manual contains no loss-of-water, cavitation, or pump-overheat troubleshooting procedure. Its one statement touching supply failure is on the back-up line — the situations where the back-up line should be used:

  • An additional attack line is needed.
  • Pressure loss to the attack line.
  • Attack team is trapped by fire.
  • Search team members egress is cut off.

Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, Back-Up Line, 4-7

GAP IN THE MANUAL

⚑ FOR THE TRAINING COMMITTEE

Orem's Engine Company Operations has no pump-emergency section — no loss-of-water, cavitation, or pump-overheat troubleshooting procedure anywhere in the manual. Flagged for the training committee.

Sources. Drilled sequence: Engineer Jason Anderson's engine evolution card and study card, merged per his 2026-08-30 ruling (Knowledge Library R-51); step wording verbatim from the cards. Priority note on Notify Command and the cavitation response: the same ruling. 20 psi intake minimum: his engine evolution card. Manual material: Orem Fire Department Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, page-cited.

Version: prototype · Last reviewed 2026-08-30 · Compiled by Engineer Jason Anderson

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