COURSE OFFERINGS
TOOL SCIENCE (LECTURE)
This course is an in-depth review on the origins of fire service hand tools, how to adapt and overcome fire department culture, and how modern design and tactics can improve mission efficiency and overall outcome. In this lecture we will identify the origins of common fire service hand tools and how they have fueled the
adaptive mentality responsible for creating and sustaining tool use, techniques and fire ground
tactics. We will discuss how to adapt and overcome culture that is common throughout the fire service. “100 years of
tradition unimpeded by progress” Resonates with us all because of our resistance to change. It is important to put emphasis on the fact that the old salt is not wrong.
Topics included in this lecture are:
- The practice of job completion regardless of circumstances
- Reverse the process , tasks should drive tool design vs tool design driving tactic to
accomplish tasks.
- Identify task driven tool attributes and physics that should be used to accomplish the job.
- All hand tools are designed to overcome resistance
- Comfort is secondary to speed and
effectiveness.
- Vertical Vent - Chopping/Cutting
- Forcible entry / Striking
- Forcible Entry / Leverage Engagement
SEARCHABLE VS. SURVIVABLE (LECTURE)
In this lecture we will be covering statistics and sharing videos to drive home points of why and when we search as well as the importance of the search size up.. We will touch on ways to improve search methods as well as efficiency. Topics covered include:
-Importance of sizing up your search
- Searchable spaces
- Isolation and Communication
- How bias and terminology affect our actions
- Search Mechanics and Methodology
This course is about how we search, why we search and what’s the best way to affect our search, increasing our odds not only to locate a victim but remove them in the most efficient manner. We will be covering data from the UL, USFA and Firefighter Rescue Survey.
Let us not forget that life IS and ALWAYS will be our number one priority! It should not be the mindset of “what’s good for us” but rather we MUST concentrate our efforts on what is best for THEM!
At the end of the class the participant should be able to go home with knowledge found from recent studies by the UL as well as the statistics being compiled throughout the country and function in a capacity that is more efficient and practical in relation to “the search” on a typical residential structure fire. Students should understand that they may need to customize what they learned to their staffing levels of where they work.
SEARCHABLE VS. SURVIVABLE (HOT)
In this class the students will perform several vital skills that are essential to success when it comes to search. They will understand the importance of a proper size up in relation to the search and will make every decision during their evolutions based on their own assessments of the situation. The students will have the opportunity to practice and develop techniques that not only improve upon basic skills already learned, but also enable them to operate more efficiently as a team and utilize critical thinking skills to complete tasks.
Before moving onto full scale scenarios under smoke and fire conditions the students will be rotated through stations to include:
- Victim removal techniques/ drags and carries
- Search Techniques/with & without hose lines
- Search Size up drills
- Crew efficiency/Communicating
- Mask up drills
- Forcible Entry
In today’s fire environment we simply do not have much time. We must have a system in place for quick decision making of our searches in relation to our fire environment. We must identify our searchable spaces immediately. There is no singular mode of operation but rather multiple methods we can employ to enhance the survivability for the unprotected occupant. The first step in removing our victims is to actually locate them. This course will allow the students to use their own judgment based on skills learned to better put the focus on where they are most likely to be successful when assigned to search. Our efforts should be directed to have the greatest chance of rescuing our victims and removing them in the most efficient manner. To accomplish this we must make educated decisions that support an aggressive search culture.
BUILD YOUR CULTURE: PROFESSIONALISM OR MINAMALISM
This is not your typical culture class. We will not be providing our students with a “how to” approach in regards to taking action, rather we urge them to put emphasis on the importance of a mindset that will motivate you to keep pushing forward. This course is for firefighters by firefighters and puts the focus on experiences and lessons learned in regards to the impact culture has within our organizations. It is a raw and uninhibited approach to a discussion designed for audience participation where everyone has value and input. During our time we will touch on many topics that we are facing in today’s fire service. It is strongly encouraged that the students share their experiences in regards to the culture and its impacts that support actions of professionalism or minimalism. Remember, culture can be advantageous or destructive, it is up to us to decide!
Prepared To Fight Fire Training Program
This is an 8-week transformative training program designed to develop ambitious candidates into fit-for-duty firefighters through vetted fitness and health guides.
The #1 goal of the Prepared To Fight Fire 8-week Training Program is to help candidates rank in the top 15% of their class.
We’re able to help candidates become the “top recruit” by focusing on the two Fit For-Duty Fire Pillars…
#1- Fitness
Physical entrance exams like the CPAT reinforce the basic requirements of being fit for the job.
The training and conditioning portion of this program, tailored for all fitness levels, will ensure you reach peak performance to not only succeed in fire school but show up as a top recruit in the hiring process.
Once hired, you’ll also be more equipped to accomplish all physical requirements of the job safely, successfully, and with an edge over other rookies.
#2- Health
As a career firefighter, one can expect frequent exposure to high-stress situations that are debilitating to the human body and mind over time.
Things like sleep deprivation, dehydration, and malnutrition are common in the field and result in a critical need for firefighters to prioritize their health.
This program will help you optimize your physical and mental performance on the job by dialing in the necessary habits for health:
Nutrition, Hydration and Sleep.