What technique is least stable but can still be effective on hot floors when advancing a hose line?

The duck walk technique is designed to provide some mobility while maintaining control on unstable surfaces like hot floors. While it allows the firefighter to keep the hose line low and close to the ground, it does have limitations when it comes to stability. This method requires a certain level of balance and agility, as firefighters are positioned in a crouched stance while walking on their feet and maintaining a low profile.

In contrast, approaches such as alternating knees, crawling, and walking generally offer more stability. Alternating knees provide better balance as firefighters can shift their weight more effectively, and crawling keeps the entire body low to the ground, reducing the risk of falling. Walking may seem intuitive, but on hot floors, it can expose more of the firefighter to the potentially dangerous environment. Therefore, while the duck walk is less stable than other techniques, it can still be employed effectively in certain scenarios to advance a hose line under challenging conditions.