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.
Essentials I is the first 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 Essential 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 Essential Program is to prepare personnel for supporting the station and exterior firefighting operations.
This Essentials I Course will immerse the firefighter in skills related to Orientation and Firefighter Safety, Personal Protective Equipment and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Fire Department Apparatus, Hose and Fire Streams, Firefighting Tools and Equipment, Ground Ladders, Building Construction, and Fire Dynamics.
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 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.
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.
This four hour course will provide first responders in any stage of their career with the necessary tools to remain resilient to the stressors that come with the job as well as stress from off the job. Focusing on cutting-edge science, students will see how stress can damage the brain, and also how the brain can recover from this damage. Students will also increase their understanding of how stress and mental health impact not just the brain, but the entire body. Behaviors and mindsets will be presented that will help students to care for themselves as well as support their families at home and at work.
Resiliency and Mental Health are key components to overall wellness for first responders. This course seeks to remove the stigma surrounding the discussion of mental health, trauma, and suicide. Facilitated group discussions will create open dialogues where students can share what has worked well for them and address areas where improvements could be made.
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.