Basic Operations Firefighter / NFPA Firefighter I Blended


Basic Operations Firefighter / NFPA Firefighter I Blended : 180.00 Hours

Course Description

The Basic Operations Firefighter course is designed to give new firefighters the practical and cognitive training needed to operate safely and effectively on the fire ground. This course exceeds the requirements outlined by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal for Basic Operations Firefighter training. Upon successful completion, the student will meet Illinois OSFM, Pro Board, and IFSAC NFPA Firefighter I requirements for certification. IFSI Basic Operations Firefighter focuses on an intense classroom and hands–on approach to firefighting, which promotes both skill competency and an understanding of the fire ground. Students complete numerous evolutions, which encourage them to apply their skills to a variety of scenarios.

NO COST TRAINING OPPORTUNITY LEADING TO STATE AND NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

The IFSI Basic Operations Firefighter/NFPA Firefighter I BLENDED course is offered at no cost to Illinois students and departments. This program is supported by a grant offered through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. 

The Basic Operations Firefighter / NFPA Firefighter I (Blended) is designed to give firefighters the practical and cognitive training needed to operate safely and effectively on the fireground in a flexible blended schedule leveraging online training and weekend hands-on practical.

The Basic Operations Firefighter / NFPA Firefighter I (Blended) exceeds the requirements outlined by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal for Basic Operations Firefighter training. Upon successful completion, the student will also meet Illinois OSFM, ProBoard, and IFSAC NFPA Firefighter I requirements for certification.

This program is delivered balancing a blended learning concept utilizing a variety of online teaching elements. Interspersed with weekend hands-on practical training sessions develops and validate that the student is successfully mastering the knowledge and skills needed as a firefighter. Attendance is mandatory for all portions of the program.

Makeup of the course is as follows.

  • Orientation Session (In-Class, 6 Hours) to ensure the students understands the online activities, program expectations, and equipment requirements.
  • Online learning, instructor-assisted 36 hours of education completed over 18 consecutive weeks.
  • Hands-on training will consist of 9 practical weekends, 16 hours each weekend. Weekends will be alternating unless otherwise noted.

For the online activities a student will need:

    • Computer
    • Internet access for online material
    • Textbook

Online activities will include:

    • Reading assignments
    • Virtual real-time classroom sessions
    • Interactions and activities
    • Online discussions
    • Videos
    • Module quizzes
  • Weekend sessions - 144 hours will consist of short classroom session(s) followed by focused, hands-on practical activities.
  • The final weekend of the program is testing and evaluation for state and national certification.

The weekend practical portion promotes both skill competency and an understanding of the fireground. Students complete numerous fireground-speed evolutions, which encourage them to apply their skills to a variety of scenarios.

Requirements:

  • Member of a recognized fire department or fire brigade
  • SCBA Fit Test
  • All candidates will be required to participate in all activities and may not have any conditions found in NFPA 1582 that would render them unfit to participate in these or other activities at the Practical Sessions. It is the responsibility of the department to clear the candidate for this rigorous program.
  • Dedication and commitment is the key to success in this challenging program.

Student Fee:

  • In State – Grant Funded, no cost to students or departments.
  • Out of State – $5,500.00

  • WITHDRAW / DECIDE NOT TO PARTICIPATE:

    If you decide to withdraw from the course, the CHIEF of your fire department must notify IFSI in writing, via email, no later than four weeks before the start of the course.

    Failure to do so will impact you and/or your department's opportunity to participate in future IFSI training courses.

    If you withdraw after the course has begun, the CHIEF of your fire department must notify IFSI in writing, via email, stating why you need to withdraw and why IFSI should waive the per-student tuition, when applicable.

    The Chief of the department is required to email the following IFSI leadership to communicate a course withdraw request:

    Bryn O’Neil
    IFSI / BOF Program Director
    bwoneil@illinois.edu

    AND

    Tom Shubert
    IFSI / Associate Director for Firefighting
    tshubert@illinois.edu

    Should you decide not to attend, participate, or complete the online or practical course requirements, IFSI will provide written notification to you and the Chief of your department stating why you have been removed from the BOF course.

    If you decide to appeal anything specific to the abovementioned requirements, an appeal can be filed with the Deputy Director of the Illinois Fire Service Institute, Heather Moore @ hmoore@illinois.edu.

Books are included with tuition.

Skill evaluations can be viewed here.

Syllabus

  BOF Blended Syllabus.pdf

This course is part of the following Program

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to taking this course

If you have specific questions about this course contact BRYN O'NEIL

If you are interested in having this course taught in your area, contact BRYN O'NEIL or your regional representative.

Upcoming Classes

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