What tool is specifically used for loosening hose couplings?

The spanner wrench is specifically designed for loosening and tightening hose couplings, making it the ideal tool for this task. Its unique design allows it to fit securely over the couplings, providing leverage to turn and adjust them without causing damage. This tool is particularly important in fire fighting scenarios, where quickly connecting or disconnecting hoses can be crucial for effective response and operations.

While other tools like pliers and flathead screwdrivers have their uses in various applications, they are not optimized for the specific design and function of hose couplings. A fire axe, on the other hand, serves entirely different purposes, primarily related to forcible entry and ventilation, rather than working with hoses. This specialized function of the spanner wrench underscores its significance in fire fighting operations.