When building a standard high-rise hose pack, what should be the length of the tail connected to the male and female couplings?

The correct answer indicates that when constructing a standard high-rise hose pack, the tail connected to the male and female couplings should be 12 inches and 16 inches, respectively. This specific length is important for several reasons that enhance the efficiency and safety of operations involving high-rise firefighting.

First, these measurements provide adequate allowance for securing the hose to prevent kinking or tangling during deployment. A longer tail allows firefighters to maneuver the hose more easily and ensures that it can connect seamlessly to existing hydrants or standpipes without the risk of creating tight bends that could affect water flow.

Moreover, the 12-inch tail on the male coupling can be linked with other equipment or fire apparatus without becoming cumbersome, while the 16-inch tail on the female coupling offers enough length for secure handlings, such as attaching to other hoses.

Using correct tail lengths is vital not only for efficient deployment but also for ensuring that teams can respond quickly and effectively in an emergency, minimizing delays caused by improper hose configuration. Such specifications arise from experience-based practices that have proven to enhance safety and functionality when tackling high-rise incidents.