Firefighter Training Program

The fire-fighter training program aims at equipping the firefighters with up to data skills on firefighting. The goals of firefighter training are to save the life, improve efficiency and to reduce costs. A functional training program is helpful to the department if it is going to achieve the stated goals. Training prepares the firefighters to face the daily challenges thus help reduce the impact of fire incidences. As the responses to fire decline, training can be helpful in educating the firefighters when experience in the field is unavailable. A well-balanced program that deals with the fundamentals before graduating to advance areas can be used for equipping the firefighters with the desired skills and tactics initially obtained from fire responses (Stowell & Murnane, 2013). 

Background of firefighting 

The importance of firefighting cannot be overemphasized as the profession helps in saving the life, protection of property and reducing the extent of damage caused by a fire on the property. Firefighters are exposed to different challenges including accidents, inhaling poisonous gases, burns, and exposure to extreme conditions due to the high temperatures caused by the fire. In addition to the known issues that firefighters are exposed to, other challenges befall the professionals and which are more dangerous than the burns and inhalation of poisonous gasses. Firefighting as an occupation is characterized by high-intensity workloads as the firefighters respond to an emergency. The firefighters show psychological responses to maximum heart rate at 80%. Most of the data on does not involve environmental stressors like extreme temperatures caused by fire (Windisch et al., 2017). According to Gersh, (2008), heart diseases are the most significant causes of death for American firefighters at 45%. Such deaths were associated with suppressing the fire, responding to an alarm, returning from an alert and engaging in physical training. Other causes include responding to nonfire emergencies and performing nonemergency duties. Fire suppression had the highest risks. Such findings are vital in informing future actions that can be taken to reduce such deaths. Heart diseases are even more dangerous than smoke inhalation or even burns. Through training, it is possible to reduce such deaths by empowering the participants with the requisite skills and knowledge and how they can reduce the number of deaths as a result of cardiovascular problems. Experience of the different killers of firefighters can help devise strategies that will help reduce the number of casualties from such occurrences (Gersh, 2008). From the ensued discussion, it is essential to train firefighters to minimize the impact of fire incidences on their health and that of other occupants of the premises. Having an elaborate training program can empower such individuals to fight fire more efficiently while reducing the impact of the fire incidences on their health. 

The program is designed to support the fire department with the required resources to facilitate and enable training the firefighters in the minimum safety requirements. The program is a performance-based system where the core criteria for one to qualify are the individual performance in both classroom and exercises. An evaluator who is qualified for the task will oversee the entire process. Approved standards and documented best practices will be used in training. The applicable codes and conducts are NFPA 1001-2002 edition which identifies the lowest job performance requirements for individuals engaged in firefighting as a career or volunteers where their duties are structural. 

Challenges of firefighter training 

Majority of the training programs do not meet their intended objective while others are ineffective. A substandard training program increases the chances of injuries to the firefighters while reducing their likelihood to exercise their skills and knowledge. A well-prepared plan enhances the capabilities of the firefighter while increasing their efficiency and improves the safety of the firefighter. Most of the training programs fail to empower the firefighters with the knowledge and skills to handle the operational functions of a department. The number of training hours for interior firefighters is also lower than the required hours that guarantee competency and the understanding of the concepts. Most agencies lack training officers and where they are available, they are not qualified to offer quality training regarding developing, presenting and teaching the firefighting team. Some departments also lack adequate policies that guide the development of a workable program. Other training programs do not have a written lesson plan. Most of the programs do not need necessary skills for continuous practice to enhance the competency. Similarly, advanced skills are also not developed as there is an assumption that such careers do not require qualified personnel. 

It is also evident that there are no minimum standards for performing the skill and where they exist they have not been implemented or developed. Most departments do not evaluate the skills of the individual firefighter on a regular basis. Due to the above issues, few participants attend training sessions. The challenges affect career departments as well as the volunteer firefighters (Pinsky, n.d). 

The organizational statement guides the selected team including as they borrow from the occupational safety and health administration regulations and the national fire protection association 1500. The team will also be governed by the standard on fire department occupational safety and health program. The department statement forms the strategic focus for the team. It offers guidance on how to develop the training program. The team will then focus on the services provided by the department and the type of training that will be offered. It also determines whether the firefighters will take the instruction from the outside or will wholly depend on internal training. The training statement is not an equivalent of a mission statement but is a specific document that covers the services offered by the department. Some of the normal functions include; interior firefighting, support at the scene of the incident, rehabilitation, auto extrication, wilderness firefighting, rope and ice rescue, transport of an emergency medical services fire control, hazardous materials at the operational level and confined spaces. 

Firefighting injuries 

Firefighting can lead to severe injuries or illnesses including burns, suffocation and smoke inhalation, ailments as a result of extensive exposure to hazardous and toxic material, exhaustion, fainting and heart attacks, electrocution and shocks, injuries from tools and equipment, falls from height like ladders, roofs and elevation, injuries attributed to falling objects and slipping on floors and structures. Other injuries include exposure to extreme conditions like cold or excessive heat, violence from community members, accidents from motor vehicles, drowning and communicable diseases (Pinsky, n.d). 

A training program involves several steps which might take a long time to complete. Some of the fire departments opt to consolidate their efforts with the neighboring units to combine resources and reduce the amount of time required to complete the training. Similarly, such joint efforts use qualified trainers leading to better training. The first step in developing a training program is to get the right team for the task. Most notable individuals in the group will include the chief, training officer, health and safety officer, municipal fire instructors, experienced firefighters, line officers and retired administrators (Pinsky, n.d). 

The next step is to consult the risk management plan while referring to the organizational statement. Such a program helps the team to determine the level of risks that the firefighters are exposed to assisting them to develop appropriate strategies that will minimize the impact of the identified risks. Adequate training should be conducted to the firefighters to empower them on the chance of performing the different tasks and how to minimize the risk. Functions with the highest risk should be given more attention. The next step is to prepare lesson plans which offer the objectives of the skill that address the risks associated with the services provided by the department. The training should reflect the policies of the administration and the team should be able to list the challenges related to the job. Other issues to consider include the training offered against what the participants receive. Similarly, review the minimum hours for the training, the qualifications of the trainer officer. Consider whether the program and meets the goals of reduced risks and injuries. The skill set of the trainer should also be determined to ensure that they are qualified to deliver the training as per the requirement. Consider the legal needs of the training to ensure that everything is within the legal framework. Lastly, maintain proper records of the entire process for referral and evaluation purposes (Fulgenzi, Noakes & Skidgel, 2008). 

Highlights of the general requirements NFPA1001 

There are general knowledge requirements which involve the critical elements of NFPA 1500 about fundamental firefighters, an organization of the fire department and the role of a firefighter. It also includes the mission of the fire service. The fire department involves issues like the standard operating procedures, the rules, and regulations about the firefighters the role of different agencies about the department and member assistance program aspects. The ropes and knots include elements like the knot types and their use, the differences between utility rope and life safety, the reasons for placing the cords out of service, the types of knots that are used for various tools ropes or even situations. Others include hoisting methods for the tools and equipment and using ropes to support response efforts. 

General skill requirements 

Any firefighter should be able to don the protective clothing in a minute. They should also be able to doff personal protective clothing while preparing them for reuse. They should also be able to use ropes and appropriate knots to hoist the tools and equipment. They should also be able to tie the following knots; bowline, clove hitch, figure eight on a bight, half hitch, beckets or sheet bend lastly a safety knot. The firefighter should be able to locate information in the documents bel0onging to the department and code or standard materials. 

Program eligibility 

The program is open to volunteers, career firefighters and fire protection agencies in the district. 

Available training 

The programs expose the participants to training individually or as sponsored by different agencies or even departments on exchange visits. 

Program set up process 

The department will determine the focus and schedule training subject to the needs of the participants and the desired goal. There are no minimum training hours for each module for volunteer firefighters. However, all training will be based on the number of hours it will be assessed. Books will be used to ensure that the participants are aware of what is expected of them. The pieces of training will be documented in skill book and signed by an approved individual. Where individuals are interested in establishing firefighting training, the program may be availed to them. 

All participants are required to fill an application form two weeks in advance before the training commences. The registration exercise will be helpful in determining the number of participants who will be attending the training. It will also help in the identification of the training needs of the different participants allowing for better planning. It will also be useful for logistic activities as it will enable the selection f the venue and the determination of the best technique to deliver the training. 

Limited training time 

The program recognizes that the trainees have time restrictions. Similarly, there are workday commitment issues and travel restrictions. Such factors mainly affect the volunteers who have other commitments that make it difficult for them to participate in the training sessions fully. Different agencies will be assisted to enable them to locate and schedule the required resources that meet their needs. Where there are similar pieces of training at the same time, date and location by different departments, such will be conducted in one facility like an inter-department school. Different training techniques will also be used for instance online or even non-print media. 

Program cost 

The department will incur costs for support materials. The participants need to access IFSTA Essentials 3 rd , and 4 th edition and the program will avail such articles to the trainees. Every completed hour of firefighter training will be reimbursed at a rate of three dollars to a maximum of 200 hours. The training will also be delivered to the firefighters at the community level covering the subjects which were identified in the program. 

The department fire chief will authorize the instructors. It is entirely at the discretion of the department to make arrangements with outside instructors. Regional training councils are also welcomed to work with the agency to access resources and coordinate programs. The two will collaborate to assist each other in training program design the record keeping, risk assessment at the community level, locating training resources and training evaluation. 

Any member of the department undergoes training at different stages of their career. Classroom and practical hands-on training on core areas including special programs like dangerous goods and technical rescues apply to the members. Any recruit receives four months training to develop their competence in core areas like fire suppression, vehicle extrication, emergency medical services, and technical rescue including dangerous goods response. Training of recruits occurs upon the hiring of the new personnel. 

The efforts were initiated by the department to help in the allocation of resources, tools, and information for developing, growing, enhancing and participating in the program. The program supports the unit by strengthening relationships with other stakeholders while engaging the firefighters in the learning process and empowering them to be part of the emergency services. The program partners with organizations and other departments to enhance the learning process through information sharing and exchange programs. 

A well-trained firefighter performs better while understanding best practices on firefighting while reducing the level of harm that can occur them in case of an incident. The training program will also develop a curriculum for the junior fire that can be of different ages. The local and state guidelines stipulate the minimum age that such firefighters should be. 

The department has a youth program that acts as a valuable recruitment tool to the team of firefighters. It also forms a conducive environment where the agency can obtain new streams of volunteers. 

The following topics are covered in the training of recruits. Orientation and safety, fire behaviour, building construction, self contained breathing apparatus, personal protective equipment, Extinguishers, ropes and knots, search and rescue, ladders, forcible entry, ventilation, water supply, basic pump operation, fire horse, fire streams, fire control or flashover, salvage/overhaul, protecting evidence and fire cause determination, static and swift water rescue training. 

The frontier firefighter training involves the provision of advanced refresher courses including re-certification training in the core areas as an ongoing process. In this training category, the topics covered include live fire scenarios, incident command refresher, vehicle extrication, technical rescue, dangerous goods, safety officer roles, wildlands fires, flashover, ventilation, apparatus operations, driving, rehabilitation sector officers, rapid interventions and first response medical aid. Others include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, static and swift water rescue training, firefighter survival techniques and core competencies 

Components that all firefighters must be aware of include the fire triangle which consists of the fuel which is any type of a substance that in the presence of oxygen and energy can burn. Oxygen is a gas that supports combustion. It is considered an oxidizing agent which is found in the air. Activation energy is the third component and is the source of energy that can provoke combustion when manifested in the form of heat. The triangle of fire is not complete in itself as there are other components especially the by-products that cannot be explained by the triangle. If the three parts sustain a union, they form a fourth component which is a chain reaction and is produced continuously. 

Forms of combustion 

A combustible element enhances combustion if it has the following characteristics; division state of the material and the supply of the oxidizing agent. There are five reactions to burning depending on the velocity. They include spontaneous combustion which is a chemical reaction between organic materials where the temperatures can reach the ignition point without any external heat. Slow burning is sufficiently produced under low temperatures where there is no emission of light. It can include fermentation and oxidation of metals. Live combustion is where strong light emission is generated that is incandescent and has flames. Deflagration involves live burning whereby the propagation velocity is higher than the speed of sound. Explosion involves live combustion with a propagation velocity in which the mixture of gases and air has the right conditions. It is a sudden and violent occurrence that is exercised in an area where it occurs and destroys the area and produces a loud noise. Any combustion produces smoke, flames, heat, and gasses (Bruegman, 2009). 

Classes of fire 

There are four classes of fire, i.e., Class A which involves solid combustibles which are of organic origin. Class B includes liquid combustibles or solids that can quickly be turned into liquids. Class C relates to gaseous combustibles while Class D involves metal combustibles. Knowledge of the classes of fire is helpful in the selection of an appropriate strategy that is applicable for extinguishing any fire. Each category is extinguished differently. 

Fire extinction methods 

There are four different methods used to extinguish fire depending on the fire classes. Cooling is a conventional method and involves lowering the temperatures of the elements under combustion including the environment below the ignition level. Smothering/extinguishing consists of the isolation of the combustible components and air or reducing their concentration in the background. Dilution or elimination of the combustible element involves the separation of the combustible items from the fire environment or heat source. Control of flames or chain reaction interruption consists in modifying the chemical reaction by altering the release of free radicals that are produced in the combustion thus delaying its development. 

Extinguishing agents 

There are different extinguishing agents whose actions are different and applicable to the four elements and used for the manufacture of the various interventions devises, for example, portable extinguishers, detection designs as well as networks which are considered the means for first interventions The fire class determines an appropriate agent as well as the characteristics of the combustible elements. Portable extinguishers networks and detection devices are means of early intervention. The user must decide whether or not they are adequate for the type of fire depending on the extinguishing agent. The user should also consult the inscription on the device to determine the fire classes the inspection date, the capacity and the user instructions. 

Portable extinguishers have dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, foam, water and Halons as the extinguishing agents. Fire detectors and sprinkler systems contain water as the extinguishing agent. The devices are available at different locations and are to be used for first intervention by the users of the installation or the first fire intervention team. An emergency plan regulates the location and identification of the devices including the evacuation route. 

Safety signs and symbols 

Safety signs are mostly related to panic generators and fire situations. There are some that indicate firefighting equipment while others suggest the means of evacuation. Different colors and form can be used including symbols and graphics. Such symbols can be used to indicate emergency exit and stairs, fire horse and extinguishers, direction arrows. Different signs can, therefore, be used in diverse situations. They must be placed at strategic locations where individuals can easily spot them. Safety signs are necessary factors which help to indicate the desired route that should be followed for evacuation purposes thus avoiding personal accidents while reducing panic. 

In any fire ground operations, the firefighter must be aware of conditions that need respiratory protection. They also must know the uses and limitations of SCBA, its components and emergency procedures used. They should also be aware of the physical requirements of the wearer and the breathing techniques. The wearer should have the skill and ability to control breathing, replace the cylinder, and use SCBA to exit using restricted passages. In case of a failure by the SCBA or the air is depleted, they must be able to initiate and complete the emergency procedures. Lastly, the firefighter should be able to complete the downing procedures of the SCBA. A firefighter should be able to mount and dismount methods on fire apparatus. They must be able to respond to hazards and ways of avoiding any harm from the use of the fire apparatus. There are also prohibitions on operating close to the fire apparatus. The last component is the type of personal protective equipment and how to use them. A firefighter should have the desired skills to be able to use the different pieces of the safety equipment while being able to demonstrate the right-hand signal as they guide the apparatus. 

While operating at the established work areas, the firefighter should be aware of the traffic hazards, electrical as well as other risks available at the scene. They should also be conversant with their protective clothing including traffic warning equipment. They should have the requisite skills to operate in high traffic areas, wear protective clothing while establishing a protective work environment while demonstrating traffic controls. 

According to NFPA, the firefighters should be conversant with the construction of the common walls, doors, and windows in departments and service areas. They must also understand the operations of doors, windows, and locks. It is also necessary to understand the dangers that can arise when one forces entry using doors, windows, and walls. The skills required include transport if the hand and power tools, operation of the tools, ability to force entry using assorted methods and tools 

Exiting a hazardous area as a team requires knowledge of personnel accountability system, emergency evacuation methods, the constituents of a haven and the elements that indicate the presence of a hazard. Lastly, the team must be knowledgeable about emergency procedures if the3re is the loss of air supply. At this juncture, the fire-fighters must be able to operate as a team especially in vision obscured conditions, be able to trace and follow a guideline. They also need to conserve air supply and have the requisite skills for evaluating an area for hazards. Lastly, they should be able to identify a haven. 

Setting up of the ground ladders requires that the participants know the different parts of a ladder, the hazards attributable to the placement of the ladder and the constituents of a stable foundation for ladder placement. The team should also be aware of the ladder angles for the different tasks and must be mindful of the safety limits about the degree of angulations. They should also know the constituents of a reliable structural component for top placement. 

The participants should be able to carry, extend, raise and lock flies. They should also be able to determine that the wall or roof can support the ladder. They must judge the height requirements of the extension ladder while placing it in a manner that eliminates any hazards. 

Downed electrical wire 

Participants must be aware of electrical hazards, the environment and other hazards including personal protective gear and traffic warning equipment. It is desirable that they have the skills to establish danger zones, wear protective clothing and also demonstrate traffic control skills. 

The team must have the necessary knowledge in a forced entry into a structure. They should be aware of the basic construction of the doors, windows and the walls. They also need to be mindful of the operations of the doors and windows and the dangers associated with forced entry through the walls, doors, and windows. They must have the skills and ability to carry hand and power tools, operate such devices and force entry using assorted methods or even tools. For exit purposes, the team must have knowledge of accountability system, establish communication procedures, identify emergency evacuation and what constitutes a haven. The team must have the requisite knowledge of the elements that indicate a hazard and emergency procedures in case of limited supply. The skill and ability at this level include operating as a team, locating and following guidelines, conserving air supply, determining the potential hazards and identifying safe havens (Fulgenzi, Noakes & Skidgel, 2008). 

Conducting a search and rescue in a structure 

The team should know the use of powerful entry tools in a rescue operation. They should also be able to use the ladders and be aware of the psychological effects of working in obscure conditions and how to manage the adverse effects. They should also be able to determine whether the area is tenable while engaging primary and secondary search techniques. They should be empowered on the methods to use and the indicators that can be used to locate victims. They should also be allowed with the knowledge on how to remove the victims and respiratory protection. 

The participants should be able to use the SCBA to exit any restricted passage, set and use different types of ladders and be able to rescue the firefighters using functioning respiratory protection or those whose SCBA is not working. They should also be able to retrieve individuals with no respiratory protection. The team should be able to assess the area of the incident to determine how tenable it is and be able to demonstrate the removal of the injured from a hazard using carriers, drags, and stretchers. 

The firefighter should be able to attack an interior structure fire and to do this; they must be aware of the principles of the fire streams, the nozzles, and the precautions that they should follow the potential results, building condition, and exposure protection. The firefighter must also understand the potential long-term effect of exposure to different combustion products. Other considerations include the physical state in which the fuels are and the conventional type of accident. The role of the backup teams also needs to be stated (Fulgenzi, Noakes & Skidgel, 2008). 

The firefighters must perform horizontal and vertical ventilation on a structure where different knowledge, skills, and abilities are required. They need to overhaul the scene of the fire while conserving the property as a team member. Any firefighter should have the knowledge and skills for connecting a fire department pumper to a stable water supply. The team needs knowledge and skills for extinguishing class A, B and C fires, using portable fire extinguishers. The emergency scene should also be illuminated, and all building utilities must be turned off. Firefighters should be empowered on how to combat ground fires (Fulgenzi, Noakes & Skidgel, 2008). 

Prevention, preparedness, and maintenance 

Conduct fire safety survey in a private residence. The knowledge involved here include organizational policies as well procedures, the potential causes of fire and their prevention, the need for fire safety survey and fire education programs for the public. Any study in a private dwelling should involve the completion of the forms, recognizing the hazards and then matching the findings to previously approved recommendations then communicating the results. Presenting the fire safety information requires knowledge of the materials and how they are used. It also needs the basic presentation skills and the approval of the department. Clean and check the equipment 

References  

Bruegman, R. (2009).  Fire Administration I . Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson / Prentice Hall. 

Fulgenzi, B., Noakes, M. & Skidgel, M. (2008).  Study guide for Essentials of firefighting, 5th ed . Stillwater, Okla.: Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University. 

Gersh, B. (2008). Emergency Duties and Deaths from Heart Disease among Firefighters in the United States .  Yearbook of Cardiology , 2008, pp.312-313. 

NFPA 1001, standard for fire fighter professional qualifications. (2013). Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. 

Pinsky, B.  Developing a Fire Service Training Program .  Fireengineering.com . Retrieved 26 January 2018, from http://www.fireengineering.com/content/dam/fe/online-articles/documents/FEU/FEU-PinskyApril13.pdf 

Stowell, F. & Murnane, L. (2013).  Essentials of fire fighting and fire department operations . Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Brady Pub. 

Windisch, S., Seiberl, W., Hahn, D. & Schwirtz, A. (2017 ). Physiological Responses to Firefighting in Extreme Temperatures Do Not Compare to Firefighting in Temperate Conditions .  Frontiers in Physiology , 8.