What is the primary responsibility of the First and Second Engine E/O?

The primary responsibility of the First and Second Engine Engineer Operator (E/O) is to initiate the Fire Department Connection (FDC) and establish the water supply at the scene of a fire. This task is crucial as it ensures that there is an adequate and reliable source of water available for firefighting operations. Upon arrival at an incident, the First Engine is typically responsible for connecting to the FDC, which allows for the rapid transfer of water from the hydrant system to the fire apparatus and ultimately, to the hoses being used to combat the fire.

The establishment of a proper water supply sets the foundation for effective firefighting efforts, as it maintains the necessary pressure and flow rates to suppress the flames and protect lives. Without this critical operation, other actions, such as establishing incident command or conducting searches, may be compromised due to insufficient resources to address the fire effectively. The ability to initiate this supply promptly can significantly impact the overall success of the operation, emphasizing its importance as the primary responsibility for the engine crew.