What items make it possible to quickly join two sections of hose?

Couplings are specifically designed to connect two sections of hose together securely and quickly. They typically feature a threaded or lug connection that allows firefighters to easily and rapidly join hoses in order to extend their reach, supply water, or establish a connection to a water source. This quick attachment is crucial in emergency situations where every second counts, and efficient connections can mean the difference in effective firefighting efforts.

In contrast, manifolds and appliances serve different roles in the firefighting process. Manifolds are used to distribute water from a single source to multiple lines or outlets, and appliances refer to various devices integrated into the firefighting system for different functions, such as nozzles or pumps. Hose clamps are utilized to secure a hose connection or prevent leaks, but they do not facilitate the quick joining of two hose sections like couplings do. Thus, couplings are the most appropriate choice for quickly joining two hose sections in a firefighting context.