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 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 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.
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 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
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.