What is the last step in rolling a straight hose roll?

The last step in rolling a straight hose roll involves tapping out protrusions with the foot. This action is crucial for ensuring that the hose lies flat and compact, which not only makes it easier to carry and store but also helps maintain the integrity of the hose itself. By tapping down any protrusions, firefighters enhance the overall organization of their gear, allowing for quick deployment in emergency situations. This step ensures that the roll is smooth and minimizes the risk of tangles or damage during transport.

In contrast, the other steps—such as connecting the couplings, attaching a hose clamp, or tying a slip knot—are important in their own right but occur before the final adjustment of tapping down the hose. Each of those steps contributes to the overall functionality and safety of the hose deployment, but it is the tapping that finalizes the neatness and readiness of the hose roll.