What is a pitot gauge used for?

A pitot gauge is specifically designed to measure the flow pressure from fire hydrants and nozzle discharges. It is an essential tool for firefighters to determine the water flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) coming from hoses and hydrants. This information is crucial for ensuring that firefighting efforts are effective, as it helps in calculating the necessary resources needed for a fire operation. Understanding how much water is flowing allows the fire officer to strategize the deployment of resources, such as deciding how many hoses to use or how to attack a fire effectively.

The importance of the pitot gauge lies in its direct application to firefighting scenarios, where knowing the pressure can assist in determining if the available water supply meets the operational needs. This function sets it apart from other tools that measure temperature, check hose integrity, or calibrate equipment, which do not provide the same immediate insights into water supply dynamics critical for firefighting efforts.