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.
Company Inspections is a course designed to prepare an individual to conduct basic fire prevention inspections at the company level. The class focuses on the importance of fire prevention as part of the fire service mission and on presenting the activities and skills involved in conducting company-level inspections.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.