When might the apparatus need to be short-jacked?

Short-jacking an aerial apparatus is a technique used when full stabilization is not possible due to limited space or obstructions. In scenarios where an apparatus cannot be positioned fully in a stable manner because of environmental constraints, such as narrow streets, parked vehicles, or other obstacles, short-jacking allows firefighters to still effectively use the aerial device.

This method involves deploying only a portion of the stabilizer legs while leaving the others retracted. It is essential for maintaining operational effectiveness while balancing the need for stability. Understanding the environment and the limitations in certain situations underscores the necessity for short-jacking. In contrast, when there is enough room and access to deploy all stabilizers for optimal stability, short-jacking would typically not be employed.