Field Manual: R&B Milwaukee Strap Hose Pack (150 ft. Capacity) SOP

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Field Manual: R&B Milwaukee Strap Hose Pack (150 ft. Capacity) SOP

Category: Anchor Lines & Ropes

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The R&B Fabrications Milwaukee Strap Hose Pack is a 22 oz. reinforced vinyl hose management system used by firefighters to transport and deploy up to 150 feet of 1.5" or 1.75" attack hose in high-rise, industrial, and complex structural environments.

The pack converts a loose, cumbersome hose load into a consolidated, self-contained unit optimized for rapid crew advancement. Its semi-rigid, torpedo-like body slides over obstacles and protects the enclosed hose from abrasion, corrosive elements, and environmental contaminants. Three heavy-duty Velcro closures keep the load secured until intentional deployment, while a dedicated Rapid Deployment End opening allows the nozzle and hose to pay out smoothly without opening the main body, minimizing kinks and snags in the line.

Transport capability is built into the pack's design for realistic field conditions. A center carry handle supports single-operator movement on level ground, while dual end handles enable the two-firefighter carry that is mandatory for sustained stairwell ascent with a fully loaded pack weighing 80 to 90 pounds. Department-approved, load-rated shoulder straps can be attached to the end handles for hands-free carry during ladder climbs or obstacle navigation.

Readiness and sustainment protocols are essential to keeping this system field-ready. After each operational use, operators must inspect seams, handle attachment points, the vinyl body, and Velcro closures for wear or contamination. The pack must be cleaned with mild soap and water only, as chemical solvents including bleach and acetone will degrade the vinyl material. Three brass drainage grommets allow water egress after wet operations, and the pack may be stored pre-loaded in apparatus compartments for immediate deployment.

Field Application Steps

1. PREPARE THE PACK: Lay the hose pack on a flat surface and open all three Velcro closures to fully expose the interior before loading.

2. LOAD THE HOSE: Load 150 ft. of 1.75" double-jacketed attack hose (or 1.5" as the alternate load) using a flat load or accordion fold. The load must be neat and free of twists. Do not exceed the 150 ft. capacity, as overloading will compromise the Velcro closures and cause premature deployment.

3. POSITION THE COUPLINGS: Place the male coupling at the bottom interior of the pack. Position the female coupling and attached nozzle directly at the Rapid Deployment End opening so the nozzle is accessible for immediate deployment.

4. SECURE THE PACK: Close the top flap and fasten all three Velcro straps firmly. The pack should feel firm and consolidated with no shifting of the hose load.

5. ASSESS THE ROUTE AND SELECT CARRY METHOD: A fully loaded pack weighs approximately 80 to 90 lbs. For flat ground movement, use the center carry handle for a balanced, suitcase-style carry. For stairwell operations, two-firefighter carry using the dual end handles is mandatory to distribute load and maintain visibility.

6. ATTACH SHOULDER STRAP IF REQUIRED: For ladder climbs or significant obstacles, attach a department-issued, load-rated shoulder strap to both end handles. Confirm full security of the strap before ascending. Improvised straps are strictly prohibited.

7. MANEUVER THE PACK: Use the pack's semi-rigid design to slide it up stairs and around corners, minimizing lifting and reducing physical strain on the crew.

8. POSITION AT THE DROP POINT: Place the pack on the floor at the staging location with the Rapid Deployment End aimed in the direction of fire attack and advancement.

9. CONNECT TO WATER SOURCE: Remove the nozzle from the deployment end, pull out several feet of hose, and connect the female coupling to the standpipe outlet or designated water source.

10. DEPLOY THE LINE: A single firefighter grasps the nozzle and advances toward the fire. Do not open the main Velcro flaps during deployment. Hose will pay out smoothly through the Rapid Deployment End opening as the firefighter advances.

11. CHARGE THE LINE: Once the hose is fully deployed and the crew is in position, call for water per department protocol.

12. CLEAR THE PACK: After the line is charged, slide the empty pack off the hose and immediately move it to a designated tool staging area to eliminate it as a tripping hazard in the working environment.

Equip Yourself: R&B Milwaukee Strap Hose Pack – 50" / 150ft. Capacity

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.