History of Firefighting
Becoming a firefighter entails much more than simply knowing the mechanics of firefighting. The fire service is rich with tradition and has developed into a sophisticated and varied profession. The fire service uses a paramilitary hierarchical command structure to ensure its mission fulfillment. A system …
Building Construction
Buildings go up, and fires can bring them down. To understand the effect of fire on the structural integrity of a building, it is necessary to understand and consider the construction of that building. Knowing how a building is built allows firefighters to look for …
Fire Service Communications
Fighting a fire requires the coordination of numerous resources and people. Different crews and equipment fill various functions on the fire ground, many of which occur simultaneously or must not start until something else has been accomplished. Ensuring a smooth interaction between all the firefighting …
Cancer Awareness
While concerns regarding the exposure to carcinogens are common to both career and volunteer firefighters, the volunteer and combination fire service have some specific challenges that are different and need to be addressed. Volunteers regularly transport contaminated PPE and other gear in their personal vehicles, …
Fire Behavior
This course describes the behavior of fire, and it explores the relationship between various types of fuels and the combustion process. The four stages of fire growth are presented. Emphasis is placed on recent research studies that have demonstrated how fire growth is influenced by changes …
Firefighter Safety
Firefighting is risky business. The firefighter’s most important responsibility is to finish the shift or the call in the same (or better) condition than he or she began it. Coming home safely means knowing one’s job, understanding the risks one faces as a firefighter, and …
PPE and SCBA
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and fire fighter personal protective equipment (PPE) are central to ensuring the safety of fire fighters operating at a fire ground. In this chapter, the fire fighter will become familiar with the proper use of both SCBA and PPE. After students …
Fire Mobilization
The purpose of the State-wide Fire Mobilization Plan (hereafter known as the Plan) is to provide local first responders with easy access to large quantities of resources or specialties that may be needed in a major fire, disaster or other major emergency or event in the …
Hazardous Materials Awareness
This independent study course is intended to provide a general introduction to hazardous materials that can serve as a foundation for more specific studies in the future. The course has four lessons which are contained within. No prior knowledge of the subject is required or …
