The Accountability and Tracking Companies course provides a one-of-a-kind training opportunity. The course is broken down into two parts to provide instruction and training for accountability and the tracking of companies while on an emergency scene.
For accountability, instructors will provide how growth occurs by looking at your leadership, how influencing the climate creates a positive culture, and how your knowledge impacts firefighter safety.
Tracking companies on an emergency scene is vital, this can only occur by training and practicing. This course will provide tools to facilitate an understanding of why having a common language on an incident is vital. Incident Commanders must know where all companies are, provide ways to find individuals and or companies when the need arises, and have the ability to pass command when needed, which this class provides. Instructors challenge students by having them track companies with given scenarios and interactive discussions.
This class is designed to continue where the Basic Auto Extrication course left off. Knowledge of common techniques and tools is a prerequisite. The course will involve hands-on practical training involving various scenarios and address scene safety, evaluation and management. Hands-on experience using various methods to stabilize vehicles on their side, upside down, and on other vehicles or barriers is necessary. Operations will involve laying down, crouching, or crawling in vehicles. Includes challenging scenarios where all members of the team must be working to keep from pushing out of the golden hour. Participants must furnish approved helmet, fire boots or leather safety boots, eye protection, gloves, coveralls or turnout gear for class. If conducted off-site, is the responsibility of the host department to provide vehicles and means for positioning them.
The Advanced Fire Officer course is designed to provide the Fire Officer, at the supervisory/managerial level, who oversees multiple fire companies or stations, with information and skills required for success. The Advanced Fire Officer course is compliant with NFPA 1021 - Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications as it provides training and education in the requisite areas of Human Resource Management, Community and Government Relations, Administration, Inspections and Investigations, Emergency Service Delivery, along with Health and Safety. This course satisfies the course completion component for Office of the State Fire Marshal Certification as Advanced Fire Officer.
This program is delivered via a blended learning concept utilizing traditional classroom and on-line teaching elements. Each Phase must be taken consecutively and attendance is mandatory.
The Advanced Technician Firefighter/ NFPA Firefighter II course exceeds all requirements outlined by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal and NFPA 1001. This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate under general supervision during Firefighting operations. This course focuses on an intense hands-on approach to advanced firefighting skills. Students will experience advanced lectures to promote critical thinking, practical skills evaluations to promote competency, and live fire scenarios to promote teamwork and coordinated fire attack.
This course introduces students to new technologies not encountered in the past that can impact rescue efforts. Topics covered include hybrid or electric driven vehicles, alternative fuel systems, dangerous drive train components, hazardous mechanical and hydraulic systems, plus more. Rescue challenges associated with air bags and their deployment and detonation systems, pre-tension systems and other passive restraint devices throughout the passenger compartment are also discussed. Methods of construction, vehicle body components and their materials of construction offer challenges not found at accident scenes in the past. The course is a recommended follow-up class to the Basic Auto Extrication course.
This course introduces students to new technologies not encountered in the past that can impact rescue efforts. Topics covered include hybrid or electric driven vehicles, alternative fuel systems, dangerous drive train components, hazardous mechanical and hydraulic systems, plus more. Rescue challenges associated with air bags and their deployment and detonation systems, pre-tension systems and other passive restraint devices throughout the passenger compartment are also discussed. Methods of construction, vehicle body components and their materials of construction offer challenges not found at accident scenes in the past. The course is a recommended follow-up class to the Basic Auto Extrication course.
In this class, first responders learn about ammonia characteristics, environmental concerns, associated health effects, EMS options, as well as public safety. Instructors also discuss responder safety and protection, including personal protection equipment (PPE) concerns and isolation or protect-in-place options. There is also a discussion on evacuation versus shelter in-place tactics. The class also covers Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) used with alarm scenarios, risk-benefit analysis and troubleshooting real life incidents with illustrations of “first-ins” and incident command responsibilities.
This course is designed to provide Firefighters with a basic understanding of the design, operation, and deployment of aerial apparatus. Students will be introduced to the various types of aerial apparatus and aerial devices that are used in the fire service, safe procedures for stabilization, aerial device operation, and the tactical deployment of aerial devices. Students will participate in drills to reinforce the concepts discussed in the classroom.
Because departments have significantly different equipment, maintenance practices, and training needs, the lead instructor shall use their discretion to determine the appropriate course materials and drills for the class delivery based on the equipment available and the department needs.
This course provides basics hands-on training for fire and rescue personnel in size-up, stabilization, hazard control, patient access, disentanglement and scene control techniques at automobile accidents involving one or two vehicles remaining on their wheels. Emphasis is placed on proper choice, placement and use of equipment available locally. From hand tools such as bars and hack saws, to electric tools such as nibblers and recip saws, to air powered tools like air chisels and impact wrenches, to heavy hydraulic tools – all are employed depending on local capabilities. Arrangements may be made for larger division or county classes to provide a cache of tools for the class. The vehicles used for class are provided by and disposed of by the local fire department. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, fire boots or leather safety boots, eye protection, gloves, coveralls or turnout gear for class. Vehicles for actual extrication exercises must be supplied locally.
This course is designed for firefighters who are interested in operating the pumps on their fire department. This class uses locally-available apparatus to provide core competencies with pumps and their related controls. Instructors lead discussion on types of pumps, pump controls, establishing water supply from draft and hydrants, establishing relay pumping operations, troubleshooting common problems, and placing lines in service. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a better understanding of how pumping apparatus work.
The Basic Tactics & Strategy course is designed for the new firefighter who is responsible for learning about making decisions on the fire ground. Size up and a plan of action based upon conditions will be reviewed. Subject areas which will be covered are: initial action plans, safety, fire behavior, building construction, engine company and truck company operations, and
apparatus positioning.
This class provides an understanding of construction types from fire resistive materials such as brick, block, concrete and steel, to wood frame structures. These typical single family and multifamily residential or business occupancies may be balloon frame, “stick built” with full dimensional lumber, or engineered components. The structural members of floor and roof systems are discussed as they relate to their intended purpose and what they do under live and dead loads while under the stress of fire and suppression activities. Openings such as windows, doors, skylights and ventilation shafts are discussed as they relate to the firefighting, search and rescue profile.
This 4-hour online course will present exposure reduction best practices for implementation on the fireground. Research efforts at IFSI and other institutions have identified numerous best practices for reducing exposure to common fireground contaminants. This course will discuss the methodology used in research projects, the analysis of the collected data, and the implementation of changes at the fire department level.
All firefighters, including company and chief officers, can benefit from this program. The focus of the course is on the training exposures, but many of the principles can be applied to real-world scenarios.
Multiple story, non-fireproof “taxpayers,” strip malls, cellars, warehouse areas and cocklofts - all pose additional risks to firefighters. Topics in the class include building construction features and collapse potential, as well as nozzles and flows for engine operations. The dangers of fires in cocklofts, cellars, and void spaces from years of remodeling are stressed. The class also covers truck company operations work with forcible entry, ventilation, and roof operations with multiple loads not designed for the original architecture. Thermal Imaging Camera, rope assisted large area searches, and team search of open retail outlets are dealt with. Concerns dealing with sprinkler systems, standpipes, and other suppression operations including the operation of aerial and outside master streams are illustrated. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, turn out gear, eye protection, gloves, SCBA and boots for this class. This course is delivered at local fire departments if a structure or adequate practical training site is available.
The Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue course is designed to acquaint the student with techniques used in auto extrication. More specifically, the student will become familiar with the different classifications and characteristics of vehicles and machines. Students will also become familiar with the different tools used in extrication, stabilization of the vehicle/machine, disentanglement of the patient(s), and initiating patient care. The student will become familiar with initiating the Incident Command System and how to terminate the incident when finished. The majority of the course will be spent working on the various skills/techniques each student will learn during this course.
The Company Fire Officer course is designed to provide the Fire Officer, who is in charge of a single fire company or station, with information and skills required for success. The Company Fire Officer course is compliant with NFPA 1021 - Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (2020 ed.) as it provides training and education in the requisite areas of Human Resource Management, Community and Government Relations, Administration, Inspections and Investigations, Emergency Service Delivery, along with Health and Safety. This course meets the Company Fire Officer certification requirements of the Office of the State Fire Marshal in Illinois.
The scope of this course is to prepare local responders to operate as a local member of a regional team within the NIMS that has resulted in the need for an Operations-level, Permit-required confined space rescue. The Confined Space Rescue Awareness and Operations course has been designed in accordance with NFPA Standards. The class covers the federal and state regulations; the use of specialized equipment for atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, and isolation; SCBA use inside a confined space; and employment of rescuer-constructed retrieval systems. Special emphasis will be given to rescuer safety, scene management, patient care and movement utilizing full-body patient immobilization, and the construction and operation of retrieval systems. Simulated rescue evolutions involving various rescue problems will be conducted.
Students who successfully complete the course will qualify for National Certification through Pro Board as NFPA 1006 2021 Edition Operations Chapter 7.2.
The scope of this course is to prepare local responders to operate as a local member of a regional team within the NIMS that has resulted in the need for a Technician-level, Permit-required confined space rescue. The Confined Space Rescue Technician course has been designed in accordance with NFPA Standards. The class covers the federal and state regulations; use of specialized equipment for atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, and isolation; supplied air use inside a confined space; and employment of rescuer-constructed retrieval systems. Special emphasis will be given to rescuer safety, scene management, patient care and movement utilizing partial-body patient immobilization, and the construction and operation of retrieval systems. This course includes simulated rescue evolutions requiring a mixture of disciplines, challenging the responder to deal with performing a rescue in a contaminated atmosphere.
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Awareness ONLINE is designed to provide a basic understanding of the subject and how it affects the fire service. This course is broken down into three modules and will focus on the terminology and concepts of DEIA, impacts on the organization, and best practices in embracing diversity.
This course is designed for firefighters who have experience operating fire pumps, someone who has attended IFSI’s Basic Pumps course, or someone wants to review of fire service hydraulics. In this course the student will learn nozzle pressures for handlines and master stream devices, friction loss for hose and appliances, and the influence of elevation on fire service hydraulics. Students will be taught how to calculate the proper pump discharge pressures for typical fireground situations. As time allows, students will utilize local fire apparatus and equipment to practice the skills learned during the course. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have a better understanding of fire service hydraulics.
This course is to provide a general understanding of autism and the key processes necessary to work with children and adults on the autism spectrum. Autism awareness helps explain and identify the signs of autism and understand how to support someone with autism in an emergency setting. Autism Awareness is designed for first responders and provides assessment techniques, proven intervention strategies, and best practices.
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Review the airway and its functions
• Identify tools we can use to determine which airways will be difficult
• Discuss planning prior to securing an airway
• Discuss the various adjuncts used to secure an airway
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Review of Diabetic information and symptoms
• Identify tools we can use to recognize diabetic emergencies
• Discuss diabetic issues and concerns
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Review protective equipment used by athletes
• Review types of injuries sustained during football games
• Review proper care of patients who have suffered injuries during football games
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Discuss general characteristics of the geriatric population in the USA
• Review disease processes common in geriatrics
• Identify medications that place geriatric patients at increased risk
• Review trauma patterns and approach in geriatric patients
• Discuss the role of EMS in home safety
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Review normal operations of the heart
• Discuss cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its effectiveness in treatment of cardiac arrest
• Discuss the specific parts of cardiopulmonary resuscitation
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Define Heart Failure
• Get a thorough Understanding of ejection fraction
• Discuss Systolic and diastolic heart failure
• Discuss left sided, right sided, and biventricular heart failure
• Discuss heart failure classifications
• Discuss treatment options within emergency settings
• Review commonly prescribed medications and interventions for HF patients
• Discuss what to expect with the ‘end-stage’ heart failure patient
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Ojectives:
• Review basic anatomy of the cardiovascular system
• Discuss different types of bleeding that may be encountered
• Step-by-step instructions for application of C.A.T. tourniquets, Israeli bandages, and wound packing
• Discuss the use of TXA
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Give an overview of dangerous drugs and medications
• Discuss relevance of opioids and narcotics for EMS
• Discuss Naloxone and its usage by EMS Providers
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Identify dangers posed to both providers and patients during and following medication administration procedures
• Review the 6 Rights of medication administration
• Review procedures that limit the danger to both providers and patients
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Review the anatomy of both the upper and lower airways
• Discuss the differences of ventilation and oxygenation as well as the problems you may encounter with either
• Show proper techniques and tools used to manage a patients airway
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Identify warning signs of stress, burnout, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other job related psychiatric conditions
• Identify healthy activities that can help in maintaining a good work-life balance
• Finding way to prevent or manage burnout
This On Demand EMS Continuing EMS course is intended as a review of ECGs and STEMI. The materials in this 30 min course are considered novice to intermediate . There is no rhythm interpretation, only 12 lead placement, MI indicators, and ST elevation monitoring. For a comprehensive 12-lead program, we recommend the 12-lead ECG Interpretation Course.
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Look at developmental milestones
• Define developmental delay vs developmental disability
• What does it mean to have a developmental delay?
• Take a look at Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Rett Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Spina Bifida, Hearing and Vision Loss, Fragile X
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Look at developmental milestones
• Define developmental delay vs developmental disability
• What does it mean to have a developmental delay?
• Take a look at Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Rett Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Spina Bifida, Hearing and Vision Loss, Fragile X
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Look at developmental milestones
• Define developmental delay vs developmental disability
• What does it mean to have a developmental delay?
• Take a look at Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Rett Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Spina Bifida, Hearing and Vision Loss, Fragile X
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Look at developmental milestones
• Define developmental delay vs developmental disability
• What does it mean to have a developmental delay?
• Take a look at Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Rett Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Spina Bifida, Hearing and Vision Loss, Fragile X
IFSI EMS Continuing Education provides the platform for "self paced" learning. The intent of "on demand" programming is to deliver quality education to the various pre-hospital emergency medical professionals levels at their pace. The program is designed to be easily accessible as well as a long-term resource for organizations. Our platform allows organizations and individuals to receive the finest online training available and keep it into their daily routine.
Course Objectives:
• Describe stroke risk factors and disease process
• Describe stroke symptoms and common stroke mimics
• Describe first responder/emergency medical services: clinical assessments for acute stroke
• Describe first responder/emergency medical services: interventions for acute stroke
The course will provide the participant with a fundamental understanding of elevator equipment, how elevators operate during normal function, and review safety and failure modes for such equipment. This will include a review of rescue considerations and preparing for the advanced rescue if needed.
Upon successful completion of this class, the student will have an increased understanding of the function of an elevator and techniques to be considered as part of the rescue operation.
This fast-paced EMT Basic course is delivered through a combination of in-person and hands-on sessions. It will prepare students to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Basic exam and to obtain state licensure as an EMT-Basic. Upon completion of the course, passing the NREMT-B exam, applying for a state license, and registration with a local EMS system, successful students will have met the requirements to work as an entry-level EMT in an emergency response organization in Illinois.
This course is for First Responders/Firefighters only.
This 4-hour course is designed for all firefighters who drive emergency vehicles. This course can be used as initial training for new emergency vehicle drivers to learn strategies to safely operate emergency vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations or as refresher course for experienced emergency vehicle drivers. Students will learn safe driving practices, defensive driving principles, the responsibilities of an emergency vehicle driver, how to safely operate emergency vehicles during emergent responses, and the difficulties of driving tender apparatus. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a better understanding of how to prevent crashes while driving emergency vehicles.
Essentials II is the second installment in the Essentials Program. The Essentials Program is designed to introduce new and novice firefighters to essential skills in the fire service. Each level of the Essentials Program, Levels I, II, and III will introduce firefighters to skills that will build upon one another as participants progress through the program.
The Essentials Program is designed to meet the requirements of NFPA 1403 the Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions and parallels the Illinois Fire Service Institute’s Minimum Fire Fighter Training Guide. The scope of the Essentials Program is to prepare personnel for supporting the station and exterior firefighting operations.
This Essentials II Course will immerse the firefighter in skills related to water supply, hose line advancement, safety and survival, fireground search and rescue, ground ladders, ventilation, forcible entry, and loss control.
NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, turn out gear, eye protection, gloves, SCBA and boots for this class. This course is delivered at local fire departments.
This one-day "Down and Dirty" Fire Service Youth training activity introduces youth to hands-on firefighting skills. Delivered with IFSI instructor supervision, the class focuses on the same basic firefighting skills that are provided in the IFSI Cornerstone Training program, including hose and appliances, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Fire Behavior, Search and Rescue, Ladders, and using hand tools. The Explorers and Fire Cadets will be exposed to the value of teamwork, leadership, and followership.
This 40-hour course is designed for firefighters who are assigned to or may be assigned to operate fire department apparatus in the normal course of their duties. This course is designed to develop firefighters understanding of mechanical principles of fire pumps and their controls, principles of water and water distribution systems, intake and discharge hydraulics, fire stream production, relay pumping operations, care and maintenance of pumper apparatus, and troubleshooting. Students will practice producing effective fire streams from hydrants, relay operations, and static water sources. Students will also practice determining pump discharge pressures for hydraulic situations that range from single line problems to multiple-line relay operations to provide a solid understanding of fire ground hydraulics and practical solutions to apply these concepts to their department.
This class expands on the basic fire behavior materials learned during initial firefighting training. It focuses on the importance of deducing critical fire characteristics from the attributes of visible smoke. Students will learn how understanding smoke volume, velocity, density, and color can help predict hostile fire events, as well as tactics and strategies that are useful to prevent these events from occurring.
The Health and Safety Officer online class is designed to prepare the firefighter who will be assigned and authorized by the Fire Chief to perform the functions of Fire Department Health and Safety Officer (HSO) Program Manager, or who serves to assist the Program Manager.
Risk management is a vital component to any organization’s operation. The course will include steps of identification and analysis of exposure to hazards, selection of appropriate techniques to control exposures, implementation of chosen techniques, and the monitoring of results to ensure the health and safety of members.
Upon completion of the online course, students will need to register for the final examination. Steps to sign up for examinations are in the link below:
https://www.fsi.illinois.edu/documents/policies/curriculum/Regional%20Testing.pdf
The goal of this course is to prepare students whom will be designated by an incident commander (IC) as the incident safety officer (ISO). This course will teach students how to monitor the various types of incidents including Fire, EMS, Technical Rescue, and Hazardous Materials scenes, and report to the IC the status of conditions, hazards, and risks present. This course will also cover accident investigation and review procedures as well as how to develop and participate in a post-incident analysis.
Required for National Certification (ProBoard):
IFSI must have a copy of your NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I certification on file for you to receive a ProBoard certificate.
This class provides the firefighter with a basic understanding of the common types of fire fighting foams (for Class A, Class B, & Polar Solvent fuels), the apparatus and equipment needed to deliver them, and the procedures for setting up and using them effectively. The class also addresses the logistics of large-scale foam operations. Both transportation and storage tank incidents, with and without fire, will be discussed. Pre-planning, emergency operations, and post-incident cleaning and other activities will be discussed. Hands-on practice setting up and operating foam lines is included. Adequate foam for the class size and any environmental impact considerations are the sole responsibility of the host department. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, turn out gear, eye protection, gloves, SCBA and boots for this class. This course is delivered at local fire departments
This class focuses on how to develop, implement, and evaluate fire ground communications. During this session new and seasoned firefighters will have the opportunity to practice tactical and strategic size up procedures assuring the proper communication benchmarks are used.
This class will provide the student with a basic knowledge of search and rescue tactics and mindsets. This class is designed for the firefighter with at least one year of experience. In this class the student learns basic firefighter skills and hones these skills during realistic exercises. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will walk away with an increased level of basic firefighter competencies.
Fire Inspector I is the first required course of the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Basic Fire Prevention Officer certification program. Fire Inspector I is a blended online (8-hour) and classroom (40-hour) educational delivery designed to prepare an individual to conduct foundational fire and life safety inspections. The class is structured for those individuals who are pursuing a fire prevention related career or who want to establish a quality understanding of fire inspection related issues.
Fire Inspector II is a blended online (8-hour) and classroom (40-hour) educational delivery designed to prepare an individual to conduct advanced level fire and life safety inspections. The class is focused on those who are pursuing a fire prevention related career or who want to establish an advanced understanding of fire inspection related issues. Topics in the course include in-depth instruction into: Inspection Procedures, Fire Hazard Recognition, Installed Systems, Means of Egress, Plan Review and Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Individuals with or without fire service background will benefit from the course.
This 8-hour course is designed for Firefighters or Engineers who are assigned, or may be assigned, to operate fire department apparatus during the normal course of their duties. Students will learn about their role as an emergency vehicle driver, proper care and maintenance of fire apparatus, vehicle characteristics, safe driving practices, emergency response driving, and scene positioning. This course, when combined with an AHJ-provided driving portion, allows the student to apply for Illinois OSFM certification. IFSI does not offer the driving portion of this course.
Upon completion of the online course, students will need to register for the final examination. Steps to sign up for examinations are in the link below:
https://www.fsi.illinois.edu/documents/policies/curriculum/Regional%20Testing.pdf
The Challenge Exam for NFPA Firefighter II is designed to give trained responders the opportunity to obtain national certification. Evaluations, including a written exam and multiple skill stations, will be conducted over one day. Upon successful completion of this objective process, national certification is awarded to the candidate, and the candidate’s name will be entered in both the IFSAC and ProBoard registries.
This five-day class is designed to help command officers gain the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively direct multiple companies at a fire. Classroom discussions of leadership, responsibilities, and tactics will be coupled with four days of demonstrations and hands-on practice of directing live-fire evolutions. Each student will take the role of a command officer. Afterwards, each evolution will be critiqued by their fellow students and instructors. First priority will be given to applicants who are in a Command Officer position on their department, officers who act in a Command role will be given second priority, and any other opening will be given to the remaining applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
This class is designed to help company officers gain the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively lead a fire company. Classroom discussions of leadership, responsibilities, and tactics will be coupled with four days of demonstrations and hands-on practice of directing live-fire evolutions. Each student will take the role of a company officer. Afterwards, each evolution will be critiqued by their fellow students and instructors.
This class is designed to include every member of a fire service organization. It provides every participant with a working knowledge of incident management, time-tested management principles, and an emphasis on workable communication skills. The class will focus on the fire scene that does not have dedicated truck, engine, or rescue response companies. It will also focus on a response reality of initially not knowing the number of responding Firefighters, or their skills, ranks, experience, or limitations. Attendees will be challenged to assess response scenes to include radio traffic.
Training culminates by providing students the opportunity to be a part of a fire scene management system. This course will take the student through Step 4 of the IFSI 5 Step Learning Model, providing experience as command or company level leaders in simulated fire ground activities.
This class provides an overview of farm fires and brings strategies, tactics, operations and water supply logistics together. Today, rural fire departments can extinguish most farm fires. Emphasizing pre-planning, thinking "beyond your own back yard" and encouraging joint training and practice rural fires can have successful outcomes. The class covers response capabilities, strengths and weakness of the department as well as considerations for farm fires in buildings, areas involving common farm chemicals, machinery, fields and/or crops.
This course is designed for all levels of the fire service. In this course, the student will learn the basics of fire and sprinkler systems as well as basic elevator functions during an alarm. The knowledge gained from this course will assist fire companies to identify and respond to different types of alarms. This will increase their awareness of tactical and strategic decision making. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a better understanding of using the fire alarm system as a tool in identifying where a true fire may be located before it starts growing exponentially.
The scope of this 4-hour course is to begin to prepare local responders to operate as a local member of a regional team within the National Incident Management System at an event requiring local and/or statewide response that has resulted in the need for a technical rescue. This course is for the basic first-in company. It will provide first responders with the information needed to identify the rescue situation, its specific hazards, and the initial company operations that can be performed. Subject areas include: standards, structural collapse rescue, rope rescue, elevator rescue, confined space rescue, machinery rescue, water and ice rescue, trench and excavation rescue.
The First-In Chief course is designed for newly promoted chief officers, those interested in becoming a chief officer, or officers who may be responsible for completing the duties of an acting chief officer. Course topics will include size-up, tactical decision making, direction and control of personnel, and accountability. This class includes in-depth classroom discussion addressing the Five Positions of Command, followed by live fire training scenarios that support command officer development. This course will work parallel to the First-In Officer class but will provide advanced discussions on the command role.
Required Equipment: NFPA compliant personal protective equipment and SCBA.
The scope of this 2-hour course is to begin to prepare local responders to operate as a local member of a regional team within the National Incident Management System at an event requiring local and/or statewide response that has resulted in the need for a technical rescue. This course is for the basic first-in company. It will provide first responders with the information needed to identify the rescue situation, its specific hazards, and the initial company operations that can be performed. Subject areas include: standards, structural collapse rescue, rope rescue, elevator rescue, confined space rescue, machinery rescue, water and ice rescue, trench and excavation rescue.
The First-In Officer course is designed for newly promoted company officers, those interested in becoming a company officer, or firefighters who may be responsible for completing the duties of an acting officer. Course topics will include size-up, tactical decision making, direction and control of personnel, and accountability. This class includes in-depth classroom discussion followed by live fire training scenarios that support officer development and fireground management.
Required Equipment: NFPA compliant personal protective equipment and SCBA.
This 1:16 hour class is designed for the firefighter with any level of experience being that it is only a basic level course covering basic Forcible Entry techniques. In this class the student will learn basic skills concerning many types of: force entry, tools needed, types of tools used, how to use these tools and instructor tips and tricks during classroom and hands on tool exercises. Upon successful completion of this class, the student should walk away with an increased level of basic firefighter competencies on this important subject.
The scope of this course is to educate students about grain storage facility types, their construction, and operating features. OSHA regulations, physical-environmental hazards and potential rescue resources are identified to ensure the response falls within the requirements minimizing fire department civil or criminal liability. Scene management and safety are discussed in conjunction with locating and making contact with the victim. Appropriate non-entry rescue efforts are identified. Various cutting tools are used in a simulated rescue to assist in the removal of grain from the system. Upon completion of this class the student will possess the ability to function as a support member to a rescue team conducting rescue operations at a grain storage facility.
Please bring with you to class:
Turn out gear
Helmet
Gloves
Eye protection
Ear protection
Steel toed shoes
This 1:16 hour class is designed for the firefighter with any level of experience being that it is only a basic level course covering basic hand line operations. In this class the student will learn basic skills concerning many types of hose, hose deployment, and uses of hose in different situations. Upon successful completion of this class, the student should walk away with an increased level of basic firefighter competencies on this important subject.
This course will provide first responders with the knowledge and skills to: Understand what hazardous substances are and the risk associated with them in an incident; Recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency; Understand the role of the emergency responder at the Awareness level, including site security and control; Have understanding of the U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook; Realize the need for additional resources, call for appropriate assistance, and to make appropriate notifications to the community. This course also includes counter-terrorism curriculum.
This course meets NFPA 470 Standard, 2022 Edition and OSHA CFR 29.1910.120 (q). Additionally, it meets the requirements of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the National Fire Academy.
This course will provide first responders with the knowledge and skills to understand hazardous substances and the risks associated with them in an incident; recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency; understand the role of the emergency responder at the Awareness level, including site security and control; have understanding of the U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Guidebook; realize the need for additional resources, call for appropriate assistance, and make appropriate notifications to the community. This course also includes counter-terrorism curriculum. This course meets OSHA CFR 29.1910.120 (q). Additionally, it meets the requirements of the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the National Fire Academy. This course is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health for 2 Emergency Medical Services Continuing Education Hours.
This course will provide Awareness level personnel, with the knowledge and skills to: understand what hazardous materials are and the risk associated with them in an incident; recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency; have understanding of the U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook; realize the need for additional resources, call for appropriate assistance, and to make appropriate notifications to the community.
This course is intended for personnel who need to meet the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(q) only. This course is NOT intended for those personnel who need to meet the requirements of NFPA 1072.
This course serves as an annual refresher for students who have taken the OSHA Hazardous Materials Awareness course.
This course provides to those who are or will be operating as a member of a fire department, law enforcement agency, EMS agency, emergency management agency, or other first responder agency, the basic skills needed to evaluate and work defensively at an incident involving the release of hazardous materials. The objectives of the course are to teach participants: basic hazards and risk-assessment techniques for Hazmat and CBRNE environments; selecting and using proper personal protective equipment provided to the first responder at the Operations level; performing basic control, containment and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available; an understanding of the types of CBRNE and WMD events that may be presented to the first responder; and an understanding of the relevant standard operating guidelines and termination procedures. The course meets the requirements of NFPA 470, Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders, 2022 Edition Chapters 7, 9.2, and 9.6.
The goal of this 80-hour course is to prepare responders to operate as a local member of a regional hazardous materials response team within the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) at a CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive) event requiring a statewide response. The course provides the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate offensively or defensively at an incident involving the release of hazardous materials. The objectives of the course are to teach participants: to classify, identify, and verify known and unknown material by using field survey instruments and equipment; to select and use the proper chemical protective equipment provided to the hazardous materials Technician; to understand hazard and risk assessment techniques for Hazmat and CBRNE environments; to be able to perform advanced control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available; and to develop action plans within the parameters of the State plan for statewide response to WMD events.
This course is the advanced course offered after taking Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue and meets the guidelines of NFPA 1006. The 40 hours is spent mostly with hands-on training using semi-trucks, (large/heavy vehicles), buses, automobiles and various types of machinery. Each student will have hands on training in stabilization devices, creating additional openings in vehicles for proper patient removal, extrication processes with vehicles and machinery on their side and upside down, practicing on disentanglement of victims in equipment, plus establishing landing zones all the while using the Incident Command System. This class is designed for those who respond to large/heavy vehicle accidents. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will have an increased level of technical knowledge regarding large/heavy vehicles, automobiles in positions other than on their wheels and construction and industrial machinery.
Being a fire fighter entails much more than simply knowing the mechanics of firefighting. The fire service is rich with history and tradition and has developed into a sophisticated and varied profession. It is the responsibility of the fire fighter to know the history of the fire service because all these events factor into how and why a fire department operates. This course provides an overview of some significant fire-related events throughout history. The purpose of this course is to provide a basic understanding of firefighting history and to help identify the changes made to the fire service made along the timeline. This course does not count toward any state, NFPA, IFSAC, or PRO Board certification. Upon the successful completion of the ONLINE course, the student will receive an IFSI Certificate of Attendance.
This course provides training on and resources for overall incident management skills for personnel who require the intermediate application of the Incident Management System. This course will outline how the National Incident Management System Command & Coordination component supports the management of expanding incidents, as well as describe the incident management processes as prescribed by ICS.
The target audience for this course is individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding incidents. This includes Command and General Staff positions as well as Division/Group Supervisor and/or Unit Leader level positions that may be activated during an expanding incident that typically extends into multiple Operational Periods.
Building on the prerequisite courses, this course focuses on ICS for Command and General Staff in complex incidents. This advanced ICS 400 course focuses on senior personnel who are expected to perform in a management capacity in Area Command or Multiagency Coordination System, or as part of an Incident Management Team.
The target audience for this course includes experienced senior emergency management personnel who may perform in a management capacity for major or complex incidents. This group includes individuals who may serve as the Incident Commander, as a member of a Unified Command, or as members of the Command or General Staff, or Multiagency Coordination Group/Emergency Operations Center (EOC) management for incidents that may use an Area Command.
This ONLINE, On-Demand course, developed in collaboration with the Illinois Fire Service Institute and IL OSHA equips firefighters with practical strategies to balance safety and operational effectiveness. It covers key workplace safety regulations, hazard recognition, and real-world defensive tactics aimed at reducing, mitigating, and controlling risks. This course provides actionable insights to protect firefighters while ensuring an effective emergency response. Whether you are a recruit or experienced firefighter, it delivers essential knowledge to enhance on-the-job safety and performance.
Customized courses take any of the subject areas and are tailored to meet the needs of the organization requesting the training.The class emphasizes a topic identified by the group. Each class is handled on a case-by-case basis, covering a topic essential for firefighters, pump operators, fire officers, or fire based first responders in fulfilling the mission of the fire service in their area.
The Instructor I course is designed to give the student the knowledge and ability to teach from prepared materials which are predominantly skills oriented. Areas covered include issues relating to today’s Emergency Services Instructor, the learning process, methods of instruction, using lesson plans, communication skills, safety in training, technology in training, and evaluating the learning process.
The Instructor I course is designed to give the student the knowledge and ability to teach from prepared materials which are predominantly skills oriented. Areas covered include: communication, concepts of learning, human relations in the teaching-learning environment, methods of teaching, organizing the learning environment, records and reports, testing and evaluation, instructor's roles and responsibilities, teaching techniques, and use of instructional materials.
The Instructor I Blended course completes all classroom materials online through the IFSI Student and Staff Resource Center. Students will be provided instruction in 11 subjects under the close direction of an instructor. The practical portion of the course will be administered in two sessions at a regional location assigned to the class. The final examination will be administered as part of the second practical day.
The Instructor II course is designed to emphasize teaching formalized lessons from materials prepared by the instructor, including relating information from one lesson or class to the next. Areas covered include instructional development, evaluation and testing, program management and training resources.
The Instructor II course designed to place an emphasis on teaching formalized lessons from materials prepared by the instructor, including relating information from one lesson or class to the next. Coverage includes: writing performance objectives, developing lesson plans, preparing instructional materials, constructing evaluation devices, demonstrating selected teaching methods, completing training records and reports, and identifying reference resources.
Blended Course Delivery
Instructor II Online is a blended course in that all classroom materials will be delivered online through the IFSI Student and Staff Resource Center. Students will be provided instruction in 12 subjects under the direction of an instructor, to be completed in a 4 week time period.
Students are required to attend one practical session. Practical session will meet at the regional training facility assigned to the class. This could change to Regional Centers dependent on student registration requirements.
These practical / deliverables are required by the end of the course.
Students will be required to sit for the end of course examination. The examination will be administered during the week four practical day.
This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills for successful certification in Instructor III. The Instructor III course satisfies the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1041, Chapter 6. It provides the tools necessary to obtain certification through the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro) Board.
This course is designed around classroom lectures and group interactive exercises to improve your abilities to serve as a fire instructor. This includes Instructor III - specific responsibilities including the administration of AHJ policies and procedures for the management of instructional resources, staff, facilities, records, and reports. Skills taught include planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive programs and curricula. The successful candidate will be able to develop an evaluation plan; collect, analyze, and report data; and utilize data for program validation and student feedback.
This online course provides basics for understanding fire origin and cause.
The modules in this course cover the responsibility of first responders, the investigative process, and scene preservation.
The information in this course provides an overview of the investigative process, fire determination techniques, and the key role of first responders play with evidence preservation.
This course was developed to provide fire service professionals with a foundational understanding of the importance of integrating intelligence into departmental plans and operations. Intelligence-driven processes empower fire departments to anticipate and respond to emergencies with enhanced precision and efficiency. This proactive approach not only increases the likelihood of saving lives and property but also mitigates risks for firefighters by ensuring they are better prepared and equipped to handle emergencies.
This class is being designed to bring awareness level information to Illinois emergency first responders in the area of large animal rescue. Responders include but are not limited to members for fire, police, EMS, sheriff departments, DNR and Forest Preserve Officers. Large animals will include but are not limited to horses, cows, pigs, sheep, lamas and alpacas; however the horse and cow will be used as the teaching model. The course will cover the following subjects: the purpose of large animal rescue, incident prevention and evacuation planning, understanding animal behavior (in normal settings and under stress) in large animal incidents, humane handling of large animals, understanding large animal restraint, large animal scene management, water and unstable ground rescues (ex. mud and ice), containment and capture of loose large animals, trailer and transport incidents, barn and wild land fires.
If you are a Chief Officer who has the courage to embrace the challenge of personal and professional development at a whole new level, the Leadership Development and Decision Making (LDDM) Program is for you. The LDDM Program provides a one of a kind training experience. LDDM instructors introduce each topic with foundation material and then through a Socratic teaching style immerse the students in the topic through highly interactive small group discussions, ethical and moral discussion groups/decision games, tactical decision games, sand table exercises/discussions, and practical application exercises. Through the Socratic teaching style the instructor facilitates interaction and challenges each of the students to reach outside of their comfort zone through discovery learning, rather than the classic lecture and direction format.
The LDDM Program is designed to be a “cradle-to-grave” fire service leadership development/decision-making training and education continuum that has consistent themes, priorities, and lines of education in order to institutionalize the highest-quality leadership in the fire service. Training is provided for three standard fire service levels; firefighter, fire officer and chief officer. Each level within the LDDM Program is provided relevant opportunities for development, which are specific to their rank across seven common Lines of Education (LOE)
Lines of Education:
1) Leadership and followership
2) History and traditions
3) Communications
4) Morals and ethics
5) Professional development/tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
6) Decision-making and thinking critically
7) Command climate and culture
If you are willing to participate in a challenging training and development program the Leadership Development and Decision Making Program is for you.
If you are a Fire Officer (Lieutenant or Captain) who has the courage to embrace the challenge of personal and professional development at a whole new level, the Leadership Development and Decision Making (LDDM) Program is for you. The LDDM Program provides a one of a kind training experience. LDDM instructors introduce each topic with foundation material and then through a Socratic teaching style immerse the students in the topic through highly interactive small group discussions, ethical and moral discussion groups/decision games, tactical decision games, sand table exercises/discussions, and practical application exercises. Through the Socratic teaching style the instructor facilitates interaction and challenges each of the students to reach outside of their comfort zone through discovery learning, rather than the classic lecture and direction format.
The LDDM Program is designed to be a “cradle-to-grave” fire service leadership development/decision-making training and education continuum that has consistent themes, priorities, and lines of education in order to institutionalize the highest-quality leadership in the fire service. Training is provided for three standard fire service levels; firefighter, fire officer and chief officer. Each level within the LDDM Program is provided relevant opportunities for development, which are specific to their rank across seven common Lines of Education (LOE)
Lines of Education:
1) Leadership and followership
2) History and traditions
3) Communications
4) Morals and ethics
5) Professional development/tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
6) Decision-making and thinking critically
7) Command climate and culture
If you are willing to participate in a challenging training and development program the Leadership Development and Decision Making Program is for you.
If you are a Firefighter who has the courage to embrace the challenge of personal and professional development at a whole new level, the Leadership Development and Decision Making (LDDM) Program is for you. The LDDM Program provides a one of a kind training experience. LDDM instructors introduce each topic with foundation material and then through a Socratic teaching style immerse the students in the topic through highly interactive small group discussions, ethical and moral discussion groups/decision games, tactical decision games, sand table exercises/discussions, and practical application exercises. Through the Socratic teaching style the instructor facilitates interaction and challenges each of the students to reach outside of their comfort zone through discovery learning, rather than the classic lecture and direction format.
The LDDM Program is designed to be a “cradle-to-grave” fire service leadership development/decision-making training and education continuum that has consistent themes, priorities, and lines of education in order to institutionalize the highest-quality leadership in the fire service. Training is provided for three standard fire service levels; firefighter, fire officer and chief officer. Each level within the LDDM Program is provided relevant opportunities for development, which are specific to their rank across seven common Lines of Education (LOE).
Lines of Education:
1) Leadership and followership
2) History and traditions
3) Communications
4) Morals and ethics
5) Professional development/tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
6) Decision-making and thinking critically
7) Command climate and culture
If you are willing to participate in a challenging training and development program the Leadership Development and Decision Making Program is for you.
Due to time constraints of job, family, and the needs of the department/district, many leaders are unable to commit the time required to attend formalized classes on leadership. This course is designed to address the leadership principles necessary to effectively direct and manage volunteer, combination and small to medium sized career departments. This course will identify leadership philosophies and facilitate a patch of discovery designed to help the student identify their own leadership qualities, strengths and weaknesses. Discussion of individual department challenges in a case study format is encouraged. Primary focus will be for Intermediate or advanced command level/supervisory personnel, but can include fire service/emergency services personnel at all levels.
This program is intended to focus on the strategies to help students exercise leadership within their organization, regardless of whether their role is as a senior firefighter, company-level officer or chief officer. Exercising leadership is a critical component in helping our nation’s fire service successfully implement many of the programs and initiatives to help reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. An important premise is that exercising leadership is not without its dangers. You may have personally experienced occasions where individuals avoid tough issues rather than upset anyone. Exercising leadership is dangerous because it can challenge what people hold dear, including their habits, loyalties, and ways of thinking.
The goal of this program is to enlighten firefighting personnel, regardless of their rank, on the important role that leadership plays in all aspects of firefighting operations and to offer strategies on how to not only avoid those dangers, but also to thrive, helping them to make a difference that is beyond measure.
The course shows students on how Leadership, Accountability, Culture, and Knowledge (LACK) impact firefighter safety. It assumes the student has a firm understanding of the Everyone Goes Home®, Courage to Be Safe® campaign, and that the student can communicate to others how to integrate life safety initiatives into their organization. While discussing how Leadership, Accountability, Culture, and Knowledge impact firefighter safety, the LACK Trainer utilizes the LACK Program as an opportunity to explain how the Courage to Be Safe® 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives can be a blueprint for a personal and an organizational improvement action plan. The program examines the root causes of line of duty deaths (LODDs) and the role of Leadership, Accountability, Culture, and Knowledge. LACK helps fire instructors gain a better understanding of the root causes of firefighter fatalities and how lacking these four elements affect firefighter safety. This knowledge is then used in the program to help fire officers understand how to improve survivability. Special emphasis is placed on discussing and understanding how fire service culture impacts line-of-duty injury and death.
This class delivers fundamental training in increments convenient to meet the needs of individual department members. Hands-on live fire training is set up in several different scenarios for all firefighters and their experience level. During the training rotations students will train on basic SCBA, hose handling and movement, ladder raises, carries, climbing, tool handling, and proper tool selection for the assigned task. Additionally, the coordinated drills will offer students an opportunity to work as a member of a fire suppression team, and introduce very basic RIT and Saving Our Own concepts. Minimum participation restrictions shall apply. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, turn out gear, eye protection, gloves, SCBA and boots for this class. This course is delivered at local fire departments
This class delivers fundamental training in increments convenient to meet the needs of individual department members. Hands-on live fire training is set up in several different scenarios for all firefighters and their experience level. During the training rotations students will train on basic SCBA, hose handling and movement, ladder raises, carries, climbing, tool handling, and proper tool selection for the assigned task. Additionally, the coordinated drills will offer students an opportunity to work as a member of a fire suppression team, and introduce very basic RIT and Saving Our Own concepts. Minimum participation restrictions shall apply. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, turn out gear, eye protection, gloves, SCBA and boots for this class.
You MUST be pre-registered to be admitted to the training. No walk-ins allowed. Persons not on the Class Roster will not be admitted.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Emergencies is a course aimed at personnel (emergency responders, Industry and Hazardous Materials teams) who may respond to handle Liquefied Petroleum Gas emergencies. The students will learn what Liquefied Petroleum Gas is and tactics in handling it. There will be hands on training in handling and controlling live flammable gas releases.
This course is designed for fire department personnel who utilize mobile water supply operations. Students will familiarize themselves with various alternative water sources and the equipment that is necessary to make use of those sources. Students will also discuss the need to pre-plan mobile water supply operations. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will learn how to make more efficient use of their department’s equipment.
The OSFM Life Safety Code Program consists of 2 parts: OSFM Life Safety Code Core Program and the OSFM Life Safety Code Occupancy Programs. Both are designed to provide information on the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2015 edition, to assist the Illinois Fire Service in building their professional knowledge and to develop a better understanding of the OSFM-adopted code that serves as the state’s minimum fire safety standard and to assist in compliance with the Fire Investigation Act. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that the OSFM Life Safety Code Core Program is reviewed first.
The online on-demand OSFM Life Safety Code Programs should only be used as a reference tool. It is not an online course to complete, so the user will not receive a grade. Participants using the online on-demand resource will not receive an IFSI certificate of attendance. It is up to your organization’s training program to decide if CEUs are earned and documented when accessing the online reference. After enrolling in the online on-demand course, the online classroom can be entered during the open access (July 1 - June 30) to reference as many times as necessary.
OSFM subject matter experts developed the OSFM Life Safety Code content. If you have any questions specific to the reference material's content, please contact the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Each of the online on-demand courses has Knowledge Checks. The purpose of Knowledge Checks is to give the user an idea of how well he or she understands the materials. The Knowledge Checks are ungraded and allow each user to self-assess the learning objectives.
The OSFM Life Safety Code Program consists of 2 parts: OSFM Life Safety Code Core Program and the OSFM Life Safety Code Occupancy Programs. Both are designed to provide information on the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2015 edition to assist the Illinois Fire Service to build their professional knowledge and to develop a better understanding of the OSFM adopted code that serves as the state’s minimum fire safety standard and to assist in compliance with the Fire Investigation Act. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that the OSFM Life Safety Code Core Program is reviewed first.
The online on-demand OSFM Life Safety Code Programs should be used as a reference tool only. It is not an online course to complete, so the user will not receive a grade. Participants using the online on-demand resource will not receive an IFSI certificate of attendance. It is up to your organization’s training program to decide if CEUs are earned and documented when accessing the online reference. After enrolling in the online on-demand course, the online classroom can be entered during the open access (July 1 - June 30) to reference as many times as necessary.
The OSFM Life Safety Code content was developed by OSFM subject matter experts. If you have any questions specific to the content of the reference material please contact the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Each of the online on-demand courses has Knowledge Checks. The purpose of Knowledge Checks is to give the user an idea of how well he or she understands the materials. The Knowledge Checks are ungraded and allow Learning Objectives to be self-assessed by each user.
This 1-hour course should be taken by all first responders of all experience levels – fire, police, EMS, EMA, and CERT. This course covers the expanse of the opioid problem locally in Illinois and nationally. It introduces prevention programs that are available in Illinois and information on Narcan – how to obtain it, what it is, and how to administer it. Upon completion of this course, the student will have an increased awareness of the opioid problem and what they can do to help.
This class is designed for the firefighter with varying years of experience. In this class the student learns the basic firefighter skills and techniques of Overhaul and Salvage (Loss Control), during classroom and hands on exercises. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will walk away with an increased level of basic firefighter competencies.
Pipeline Emergencies – 911 Dispatcher/PSAP course provides those who work in public safety answering point (PSAP) centers or 911 dispatchers the basic skills necessary to determine when a pipeline emergency is occurring in their community and steps to take to assist first responders from the PSAP center. The objective of the course is to provide information for the student to collect information, perform public safety actions, and make appropriate notifications to pipeline operators and response entities effectively and safely.
Pipeline Emergencies – First Responder Awareness course provides those who are or will be responding to pipeline emergencies the basic skills necessary to determine the presence of pipelines and the release of various products being transported within. The objective of the course is to provide information for the student to conduct risk assessments, perform public safety actions, and make appropriate notifications to pipeline operators and response entities effectively and safely.
Pipeline Emergencies – First Responder Awareness course provides those who are or will be responding to pipeline emergencies the basic skills necessary to determine the presence of pipelines and the release of various products being transported within. The objective of the course is to provide information for the student to conduct risk assessments, perform public safety actions, and make appropriate notifications to pipeline operators and response entities effectively and safely.
Pipeline Emergencies – Initial Incident Command
This course will provide Initial Incident Commanders with the knowledge and skills to operate safely and effectively at a pipeline emergency incident. Students will identify the pipelines that can be found within their jurisdiction, demonstrate strategic and tactical level decision making at pipeline incidents, describe the information needed to model the release, and describe key points to be included in initial public emergency notifications. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to develop an initial incident action plan at a pipeline emergency incident.
This course is designed for firefighters, officers and non-commissioned fire department staff pursuing a certification as a Public Fire & Life Safety Educator. The course is designed to train and equip students in fire prevention and life safety education. Topics include: a history of fire prevention education, learning styles, methods for effective teaching, public relations, high-risk populations, professionalism, developing life safety curricula, and evaluation & assessment.
Students must meet the requirements as stated in NFPA 1035, Standard for Professional Qualifications, Standard on Fire and Life Safety Educator, 2015 Edition, and the requirements of the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
One hundred percent of the 40 class contact hours and a passing score of 70% on the end of course exam are required for successful course completion. In addition to successful course completion, the student will also receive national certification to the level of Fire and Life Safety Educator I NFPA 1035 2015 Edition Chapter 4.
Any missed class time must be made up before a student can challenge the examination. Class hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Unless otherwise scheduled). Students must advise the instructor if they leave for emergency reasons.
This course runs in conjunction with RIT Under Fire and provides firefighters with the necessary advanced skills to effectively operate as command of a responder intervention team.
RIT Chief combines classroom lecture, firefighter fatality case studies, command drills, and hands-on scenario-based training involving a firefighter MAYDAY. Skills are practiced and honed under live fire conditions that will challenge each student mentally and physically. This course goes beyond any traditional class by experiencing command operations in the fire suppression environment, preparing the officer for our worst-case scenario.
PLEASE NOTE:
RIT Chief Under Fire is offered December 15-18, 2025 and will be a 40-hour class delivery.
Illinois students should register for the Responder Intervention Team (RIT) Chief course.
RIT Under Fire provides firefighters with the necessary advanced skills to operate effectively as a member of a responder intervention team. The course includes classroom lectures, firefighter fatality case studies, drag and carries, breaching, heavy lifting with hydraulic and pneumatic tools, and hands-on scenario-based training involving a firefighter mayday. All skills are practiced under live-fire conditions under the direction of a seasoned instructional team.
IFSI has adapted the traditional five-day delivery of RIT Technician to meet the travel needs of out of state students. The learning objectives and course intensity are the same in both courses. Attendees should plan for four-days of immersive training experiences that will challenge each student mentally and physically.
PLEASE NOTE:
RIT Under Fire is offered December 15-18, 2025 and will be a 40-hour class delivery.
Illinois students should register for the Responder Intervention Rescue Technician course.
This Online course provides basics for understanding resiliency in the fire service.
The modules in this course cover post-traumatic stress disorder, the nervous systems response, mental health, and suicide.
Taught by subject matter experts, it provides an overview of the various stressors within the fire service and the tools to change the culture surrounding resilience.
This course runs in conjunction with Responder Intervention Team Rescue Technician and provides firefighters with the necessary advanced skills to effectively operate as command of a responder intervention team. Responder Intervention Team Chief combines classroom lecture, firefighter fatality case studies, command drills, and hands-on scenario-based training involving a firefighter MAYDAY. Skills are practiced and honed under live fire conditions that will challenge each student mentally and physically. This course goes beyond any traditional class by experiencing command operations in the fire suppression environment, preparing the officer for our worst-case scenario.
This Cornerstone version introduces students to the basics of Responder Intervention Team (RIT) operations and tactical and strategic operations related to downed firefighters. Discussion covers firefighter case studies, RIT tools, staging, RASP, size up, accountability, equipment demonstrations, victim extrication/disentanglement, and managing the "Mayday." Preventive or proactive methods of avoiding situations where fire fighters are trapped are highlighted. Practical reactive techniques or mitigation of a downed responder are demonstrated and practiced as a part of this "hands on" class. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, turn out gear, eye protection, gloves, SCBA and boots for this class. This course is delivered at local fire departments
Formally Rit under Fire, this course provides firefighters with the necessary advance skills to effectively operate as a member of a responder intervention team. Responder Intervention Team Rescue Technician combines classroom lecture, firefighter fatality case studies, drag and carries, breaching, heavy lifting with hydraulic and pneumatic tools, cutting utilizing a variety of torches, and hands-on scenario based training involving a firefighter mayday. Skills are practiced and honed under live fire conditions that will challenge each student mental and physically. This course goes beyond any traditional class by utilizing rescue tools and techniques in the fire suppression environment. This physically intense course meets and exceeds NFPA 1407, preparing the responder for our worst-case scenario.
The scope of this course is to prepare responders to operate as a member of a team within NIMS at an event requiring the need for low- or high-angle rescue. This course provides personnel with the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform rescues using rope systems. The class will cover the use of rope, rope equipment, hardware, construction of mechanical advantage systems, belay and safety systems, twin-tension lowering systems, anchor systems, patient packaging and care, transport, self-rescue, and rescue litter handling techniques. In addition, course topics include equipment selection, maintenance, and record-keeping.
This course was adapted from the NFPA 1006 standards with information also derived from 1500, 1670, 1858, 1983, and 2500. This course awards Pro Board and Illinois OSFM certification.
The scope of this course is to prepare local responders to operate as a local member of a regional team within the NIMS at a CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive) WMD Event requiring statewide response that has resulted in the need for a high-angle rescue. This course provides those personnel with the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform rescues using rope systems. The class will cover the use of rope, rope equipment, hardware, construction of mechanical advantage systems, belay and safety systems, anchor systems, and patient packaging. Special consideration will be given to the policies of standard-making agencies such as OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, and others. This course awards Pro Board certification.
Each day firefighters respond to so called “Routine Emergencies”. As we all know, these are truly not routine emergencies. In fact, many firefighter injuries and fatalities occur at so called routine emergencies. We all know that a large percentage of firefighters are volunteer and paid-on call. Departments are experiencing member turnover at an ever increasing rate. That said, new firefighters are being asked to respond and in many cases act as officers making decisions what will affect the well-being of their company. This training program has been created to present short segments that identify considerations that firefighters encounter at Routine Emergencies. The intent of the program is to engage firefighters in dialog so they can identify the best practices for handling different emergencies.
This 24 hour course is designed for students who may be involved in conducting primary and secondary searches of single family, multi-family, and commercial structures. This class focuses on the primary search, secondary search and final searches. Not only in residential buildings but, multi-family and commercial setting as well and goes further to include Vent Enter Search (VES), Rope Assisted Search Procedures (RASP) and Wide Area Search. Students also spend time learning and practicing the critical component of victim removal procedures. Each student is encouraged to develop and refine this skill set that will prove invaluable for the rest of their career.
This class is designed for the firefighter with varying years of experience. In this class the student learns the basic firefighter skills and techniques of SCBA during classroom and hands on exercises. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will walk away with an increased level of basic firefighter competencies.
Students successfully completing this course will be eligible for ProBoard and IFSAC certification under NFPA 2400 Chapter 5, Professional Qualifications for sUAS Public Safety Personnel, which identifies the job performance requirements for public safety Remote Pilots and Visual Observers. Students will review Crew Resource Management, the roles of the Visual Observer, the Person Manipulating the Controls, and the Remote Pilot in Command. Students will learn the sUAS team’s role and function within the Incident Command System (ICS). Students will learn sUAS flight mission planning and prepare a mission plan for a given public safety scenario in a real-world setting. Students will prepare for and engage in practical flight operations, developing mission-critical neuromotor and communication skills.
NFPA 2400, Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Used for Public Safety Operations, 2019 edition details the minimum requirements for the safe operation, deployment, and implementation of sUAS including organization program criteria and considerations, professional qualifications for safety personnel, and elements of a maintenance program. It was created with support from the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
NFPA 2400 is the primary reference for this course. Prerequisite: Registrants must be certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Remote Pilot with sUAS rating under 14 CFR Part 107. Registrants must be up-to-date with FAA recurrent knowledge requirements, and if certificated prior to March 2021, must have completed one of FAA’s new recurrent knowledge courses (ALC-515 or ALC-677, as applicable).
Students (or each team of up to three students) will need to bring their own small unmanned aircraft system in order to participate in this training. We recommend starting out with a basic and relatively small/inexpensive sUAS while first learning to fly.
If you are not a member of a Fire Department and wish to register for this course, you will need to contact IFSI class support at 217-333-3800 or email fsi@illinois.edu
Smoke Divers is a 24-hour class where the student will walk away with increased confidence and knowledge of their SCBA. Firefighters will benefit from the course as they will become more aware of how the SCBA can perform and function through various drills that require donning, doffing, shifting, and dumping. Smoke and live fire scenarios challenge the student further by integrating the fireground tasks of forcible entry, rescue, search, and RIT basics. All of these basic to advanced skills build upon the student's abilities with their SCBA in order to give them the tools necessary for air management and self-rescue if the need arises.
The SRP/SRM Full-Day Train the Trainer introduces the concepts and history of the Standard Response Protocol and the Standard Reunification Method and how to educate students and staff in the programs and strategies to implement the programs.
The SRP was introduced in 2009 and is a proven enhancement to school safety planning used by thousands of schools in the US and Canada. Later, in 2012, The SRM was introduced to fill a critical void in school safety planning: how to reunite students with their parents after a crisis.
This training takes a deep dive into what both of the programs are and how to begin using them, and it included a brief segment on Incident Command and how it relates to crisis management for educators
Please contact Dave Saitta, our ASIM/SSAVEIM Program Manager, to set up a class in your jurisdiction.
The State of Illinois Traffic Incident Management course is designed for First Responders who may be called to operate at traffic incidents. This course will teach First Responders how to operate in a safe and coordinated manner with other responder agencies to quickly clear traffic incidents from the roadway. Students will learn the need for proper Traffic Incident Management, how to establish a Traffic Incident Management Area, safe positioning of response vehicles, scene safety, and how to demobilize a Traffic Incident Management Area.
This online Traffic Incident Management training course has been approved by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal to meet the Traffic Incident Management training requirement in JCAR rule 141.301 for Illinois OSFM Basic Operations Firefighter certification.
The scope of this course is to prepare responders to operate as local members of a regional team within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) at an emergency incident requiring statewide response that has resulted in the failure of a building constructed of wood, masonry, or pre-fabricated light metal materials. This course is extensively hands-on and prepares the student to operate safely and efficiently at a building collapse. It offers practice in cutting, breaching, lifting, stabilizing, searching, shoring, packaging, and removing victims from a simulated collapse environment. This course is intense and physically demanding, but the competence and confidence that is gained is worth the sweat that is lost.
The scope of this course is to prepare responders to operate as a local member of a regional team within the NIMS at an emergency incident requiring statewide response that has resulted in the failure of a building constructed of steel, concrete, or masonry. This course is extensively hands-on and prepares the student to operate safely and efficiently at a building collapse. It offers practice in cutting, breaching, lifting, stabilizing, searching, shoring, packaging, and removing victims from a simulated collapse environment. This course is intense and physically demanding, but the competence and confidence that is gained is worth the sweat that is lost.
This 1-16 hour course is designed for the firefighter with more than one year of experience; however, students of all experience levels are encouraged to attend. The material will give students a basic understanding of Thermal Imaging Cameras. Students will become familiar with the thermal imaging camera application and operations, including departmental SOGs for camera usage. The class includes how a thermal camera operates, situations where a camera can assist the firefighter, plus situations where a camera may not be reliable. The course can be tailored to your departments needs to include only a lecture/overview, or lecture with drills. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, turn out gear, eye protection, gloves, SCBA and boots for this class if a live fire or smoke drill is arranged as a component. This course is delivered at local fire departments
Traffic Management Incident - Awareness online is a free self-directed course that students can study at their own pace and at times convenient for them. The course includes an introduction followed by four learning modules. The course is designed so that students take each of the modules in a specific order.
Upon completion, students are directed to finish a final assessment. Students will be provided with results immediately. Upon successful completion of the assessment students can print their course completion certificate with download instructions provided at the end of the class.
Please note:
This online Traffic Incident Management training course is not approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation to meet the requirement of Illinois 625 ILCS 5/4-203.5 - Tow rotation list. Please visit IDOT’s Traffic Incident Management webpage for more information about approved TIM training at: https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-safety/roadway-safety/education/traffic-incident-management.html
This online Traffic Incident Management training course has been approved by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal to meet the Traffic Incident Management training requirement in JCAR rule 141.301 for Illinois OSFM Basic Operations Firefighter certification.
The scope of this course is to prepare local responders to operate as a local member of a regional team within the National Incident Management System at an event requiring statewide response that has resulted in the need for a shallow, non-intersecting trench rescue. The Trench Rescue Awareness and Operations course has been designed in accordance with NFPA 1006 Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. This course pertains to trench rescues involving injured or entrapped persons. The class covers the federal and state regulations, use of specialized equipment for atmospheric monitoring, emergency shoring systems, victim excavation, and employment of rescuer constructed retrieval systems. Special emphasis will be given to rescuer safety and scene evolutions involving various trench rescue problems. Written and practical skills testing will be conducted at the completion of the course.
The scope of this course is to prepare local repsonders to operate as a local member of a regional team within the NIMS at an event requiring statewide response that has resulted in the need for a deep intersecting trench rescue. The Trench Rescue Technician course has been designed in accordance with NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. This course pertains to trench rescues involving injured or entrapped persons. The class covers the federal and state regulations, use of specialized equipoment for atmospheric monitoring, emergency shoring systems, victim excavation, and employment of rescuer constructed retrieval systems. Special emphasis will be given to rescuer safety and scene evolutions involving various trench rescue problems.
In this class, students will learn to recognize the hazards associated with newer vehicles such as bumpers, drive shafts, passive restraint detonation systems, and various kinds of fuel systems. Identification of scene safety concerns, engine placement, and recognizing the challenges of compartment forcible entry to affect extinguishment are discussed. The class also covers line selection and operation, assembly, and utilization of a foam stream. Methods to gain entry to engine compartments and trunks for more rapid-fire suppression are also presented. Hands-on evolutions are dependent on available vehicles provided by the class host and permission through the AHJ for live fire evolutions.
The ventilation class includes the reasons for, and advantages and disadvantages of the different types of ventilation as they relate to building construction and procedures. Students will review fire behavior as it relates to building construction and its relationship with fuel load, occupancy type and its place in the list of tactical priorities. From jalousie to double hung, from gambrel to four – twelve pitch, the window types and roof styles have an affect on the ventilation operation. The recognition of signs and methods of preventing potential backdrafts and flashovers is an important part of the class. Advantages and disadvantages of vertical, horizontal and forced ventilation are discussed and practiced when possible at the local level.
Nicor Gas is committed to providing natural gas safely and reliably. Find safety and first responder information here to learn what to do in an emergency, review safety precautions, and the Nicor first responder training programs. This course is a general education course provided by Nicor Gas intended to provide awareness of natural gas emergencies.
Nicor Gas is committed to supporting the needs of first responders by promoting safety information and community partnerships.
This online on-demand program should be used as a reference tool only. It is not an online course you are required to complete, so as the user you will not receive a grade. Participants using the online on-demand resource will not receive an IFSI certificate of attendance. It is up to your organization’s training program to decide if CEUs are earned and documented when accessing the online reference. After enrolling in the online on-demand course, the online classroom can be entered during the 6-month open access to reference as many times as necessary.
Each of the online on-demand courses has Knowledge Checks. The purpose of Knowledge Checks is to give the user an idea of how well he or she understands the materials. The Knowledge Checks are ungraded and allow Learning Objectives to be self-assessed by each user.
The Nicor Gas Working Together content was developed by Nicor subject matter experts. If you have any questions specific to the content of the reference material, please contact:
Bernie Anderson
Regional Manager Community Affairs
In case of an Emergency :
Our customer service representatives are available to assist with gas emergencies 24/7, please call 888.Nicor4U (642.6748).
This two-day course is based on the requirements of NFPA Standard 1030 pertaining to the Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Specialist. This course empowers students with a broad understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities the Youth Firesetting Intervention Specialist should have for a dynamic intervention program. Topics include: The extent of the youth firesetting problem and justification for local youth firesetting prevention and intervention programs, examination of the typologies of firesetting and the motivation behind firesetting behaviors, identification, intake, screening, disposition, and follow-up, and youth firesetting educational interventions. This course is for the practitioner who provides services at the program delivery level.
This course is designed for firefighters who are assigned to or may be assigned to operate fire department pumper apparatus. Students will engage in an interactive instructional presentation that discusses basic fire pump operations and troubleshooting, then operate the pump panel simulators in pumping exercises. Students will practice pumping multiple hose lines and transitioning water supplies to support interactive fireground operations. Students will also discuss determining the proper discharge pressures for various hose layouts. While students are waiting to operate the pump panel simulators, they can view self-guided lessons including water supply, drafting, cavitation, nozzles, relay pumping, and pressure calculations.