What should nozzle men ensure when using combination attacks?

When using combination attacks, it is crucial that nozzle men check their pattern. This is essential because the effectiveness of a combination attack—which typically involves using both water and the air from the hose to create a cooling effect—depends significantly on the nozzle pattern.

An appropriate nozzle pattern can help to effectively extinguish the fire while minimizing the risk of steam burns, maintaining visibility, and ensuring proper cooling of the fire area. A well-adjusted nozzle pattern increases the reach of the water and can penetrate deeper into the hot gases and flames, effectively reducing both heat and the potential for re-ignition. Therefore, maintaining awareness and adjusting the nozzle pattern as necessary directly impacts the success of fire suppression efforts during a combination attack.

Other choices might include important aspects of firefighting, but they do not directly relate to the specific operational effectiveness of a combination attack as checking the pattern does. It’s the nozzle pattern that greatly influences the effectiveness of the water being deployed against the fire.