chapter 01

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning

Introduction to Fire Protection 3rd EditionRobert Klinoff

Introduction to Fire Protection3rd Edition



Chapter 1

Fire Technology Educationand the FirefighterSelection Process



Objectives

• Explain the differences between a community college certificate, an associate degree, and a four-year degree in fire technology

• List the advantages of obtaining a certificate or degree

• Assess your career potential in the fire service• Give examples of work ethics



Objectives (con’t.)

• Explain the need for sensitivity to diversity inside and outside the workplace

• Describe the different levels and availability of training programs

• Give examples of different types of personnel development programs

• List the steps in the selection process and important aspects of each



Objectives (con’t.)

• List ways you can prepare for the selection process

• Explain the purpose and importance of the probationary period

• Identify the steps in setting SMART goals



Introduction

• Firefighting technology curriculum involves technical training and manipulative training– For firefighter jobs and for non-firefighter jobs

• Technical training– Specifications of equipment

– Necessary calculations to operate equipment

• Manipulative training– Operation of tools and equipment



College Fire Technology Programs

• Certificate programs• Associate’s degree• Bachelor’s degree• On-site programs• Distance learning programs



Purpose of Education

• Increasing chances for employment• Completion of probationary period• Professional development• Preparation for promotion• Pay incentives



FESHE

• Began with conference in 2000• Attended by fire service leaders from across the

country• Created experience-based model in 2002• Integration of training and education



Core Curriculum for Associate Degrees

• Building Construction for Fire Protection• Fire Behavior and Combustion• Fire Prevention



Core Curriculum for Associate Degrees (con’t.)

• Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply• Fire Protections Systems• Principles of Emergency Services



Noncore Courses

• Fire Administration I• Occupational Safety and Health• Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services• Hazardous Materials Chemistry



Noncore Courses (con’t.)

• Strategy and Tactics• Fire Investigation I• Fire Investigation II



Figure 1-1 National professional development model. (Courtesy of FEMA)



NFA DDP

• Advanced Fire Administration• Analytical Approaches to Public Fire Protection• Applications of Fire Research• Community and the Fire Threat• Disaster and Fire Defense Planning



NFA DDP (con’t.)

• Fire Dynamics• Fire Prevention Organization and Management• Fire Protection Structures and Systems Design• Fire-Related Human Behavior• Incendiary Fire Analysis and Investigation



NFA DDP (con’t.)

• Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials• Personnel Management in the Fire Service• Political and Legal Foundations of Fire

Protection



Other College Programs

• Public administration• Risk management• Industrial hygiene



Other College Programs (con’t.)

• Law• Emergency medicine• Chemistry



Career Potential Assessment

• Character• Team player• Preparation and adaptability• Job stress• Physical fitness

Are you ready?



Work Ethics and Human Relations

• Work environment• Loyalty• Dedication to duty• Accept hardships• Able to follow orders

– No freelancing

– Positive safety attitude



Training Programs

• Pre-service training– Explorers

– Volunteer firefighter

– Reserve/cadet

• Emergency medical technician• Paramedic



Training Programs (con’t.)

• Find training at:– Local fire department

– Training associations

– Professional organizations



Training Programs (con’t.) • In-service

– Academy

– Station/Battalion/Department

– State

– National



Personnel Development Programs

• Preparing for promotion• Mentoring• Firefighters as “generalists”• Firefighters as “specialists”



Selection Process

• Varies with jurisdiction• Begins with recruitment• May involve prerequisites

– High school diploma or GED

– Firefighter I

– Emergency medical technician (EMT)

– Paramedic (EMTP)



Selection Process (con’t.)

• Application process– Advertisement of opening

– Notification services

– Completion of application



Written Examination

• Reading comprehension• Mathematics• Mechanical aptitude• Weighing written vs. oral examination

– Note: Preparation texts are available



Skills Test

• Tests for job-related mental ability– Listening

– Recalling facts

– Taking directions

– Interpreting written and oral materials/instructions



Oral Examination/Interview

• Evaluates:– Education

– Work experience

– Communication skills

• Preparation is very important



Physical Ability/Agility

• CPAT– Event 1: stair climb

– Event 2: hose drag

– Event 3: equipment carry

– Event 4: ladder raise and extension



Physical Ability/Agility (con’t.)

• CPAT– Event 5: forcible entry

– Event 6: search

– Event 7: rescue

– Event 8: ceiling breach and pull



Physical Ability/Agility (con’t.)

• Firefighter Combat Challenge• Work capacity test for wildland firefighters

– Federal wildland firefighters

– Arduous fitness level

• Applicant must carry a 45-pound pack three miles in 45 minutes or less– Equivalent to a pace of four miles per hour



Background Investigation

• Personal information• Questionnaires to friends, relatives,

coworkers, etc.• Polygraph (lie detector test)• Final interview after successful completion



Medical Examination

• Good general physical condition free from defects– Heart

– Back

– Hearing

– Vision



Probationary Period

• Last step in selection process, lasting six months to a year

• May contain goals and testing• Consists of final manipulative exam and final

written exam



Goal Setting

• Must start with clearly defined goals• Requires both planning and hard work• Begin planning now • Hiring processes are competitive



Goal Setting Process

• SMART: Simple, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic, Timely– Write goals down as a personal contract

– Current actions have future implications

– Prepare for CPAT or other physical ability test



Goal Setting Process (con’t.)

• Base goals on job requirements• Seek mentors• Don’t let failure stop you• Adapt and overcome• Celebrate success



Goal Setting Process (con’t.)

• Steps to achieving goals– Visualize

– Write them down

– Take action



Summary

• Process of becoming a firefighter– Seek fire service-related education

– Practice for written/oral examinations

– Prepare for physical ability/agility tests

– Meet medical requirements

chapter 01

Education

integration of training

firefighter selection

search event

rescue event

technology education

ged firefighter

protection hydraulics

protection structures