Chapter 1 Fire Science Education and the Firefighter Selection Process
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Transcript of Chapter 1 Fire Science Education and the Firefighter Selection Process
Chapter 1
Fire Science Education and the Firefighter Selection Process
Introduction
FIRE SCIENCE CURRICULUM
•Designed to produce comprehensive background
•Technical training
•Fire suppression and prevention
•Hands-on training may or may not be included
Learning Objective 1Differences in Fire Science Programs
FIRE SCIENCE–RELATED COURSES
•FEMA has a list of higher education programs
•Range from associate to doctoral level
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
•Set number of accredited core courses
•Attests to a body of knowledge in the fire science area
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE
•Requires more general education units
•Some courses transferable to a four-year college
•FESHE Model core six-course curriculum
•FESHE Model curriculum noncore courses
Learning Objective 1Differences in Fire Science Programs
BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM
•FESHE Model Curriculum at a Distance Program•Four-year college degree programs•NFSPC Bachelor’s Group
Learning Objective 1Differences in Fire Science Programs
Learning Objective 2
Advantages of Regionally Accredited Institutions
PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION IN FIRE SERVICE
•More effective member of the fire service community
•May help achieve promotions after employment
•Direct dollar value in the workplace Retirement value
• May be a condition of probationary period
OTHER COLLEGE PROGRAMS
•Public administration•Specialized study (emergency management, law,
etc.)•Firefighter certification NFPA 1001 Firefighter Professional Qualification Primarily manipulative with some technical
instruction
Learning Objective 2
Advantages of Regionally Accredited Institutions
Learning Objective 3
Availability of On-Line Science Programs
ON-LINE PROGRAMS
•Available from numerous schools of higher learning•Associate through master’s degrees may be earned
ADVANTAGES•Student does not need to live in close proximity•Duty schedule may not allow for traditional classroom
EXAMPLES
•NIMS courses offered by FEMA in an on-line format Emergency Management Institute
• International Association of Fire Fighters Virtual Academy Distance learning or extended university programs
Learning Objective 3
Availability of On-Line Science Programs
Learning Objective 4
Assess Your Career Potential in the Fire Service
BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER
•Person of highest moral and ethical character
•Represent one of the proudest professions there is
• Expected to act at great personal risk to save lives and property of others
EXPECTATIONS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
•No matter the disaster the fire department is there•Public expects high level of professionalism•Entails a certain amount of danger and excitement•Suffer the same ills and problems as the rest of society•Must show compassion•Must be skilled in dealing with people
Learning Objective 4
Assess Your Career Potential in the Fire Service
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
•Allowed to talk confidentially with a counselor•Available for alcohol and drug abuse treatment•Critical incident stress debriefings
FIREFIGHTERS AS TEAM MEMBERS•Willing to give up personal desires to benefit the
team•No one can perform the job alone
Learning Objective 4
Assess Your Career Potential in the Fire Service
CAREER-LONG COMMITMENT TO PHYSICAL FITNESS
•Being unfit endangers you, co-workers, and the public•Physically demanding profession
CHANGING ROLE OF THE FIRE SERVICE•Firefighter is expected to be an educator and
technician•Firefighters participate in community programs
Learning Objective 4
Assess Your Career Potential in the Fire Service
Learning Objectives 5 and 6
Work Ethics and Sensitivity to Diversity
HUMAN RELATIONS AND WORK ETHICS
•Must be prepared to deal with diversity in workplace Women and minorities are a large part of the force•Affirmative action and equal opportunity Prohibit discrimination•No tolerance for harassment Sensitivity must be shown to all groups All customers treated with dignity and respect
FIREFIGHTER ATTRIBUTES
•Loyalty•Dedication•Accepting hardship without complaint•Being able to follow orders•Ability and willingness to follow orders•Willing to accept personal responsibility•Having a positive safety attitude
Learning Objectives 5 and 6
Work Ethics and Sensitivity to Diversity
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training Programs
PRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS
•Available through the following: Explorers Volunteer firefighting Reserve/cadet program National Junior Firefighter Program Colleges and training associations
Cont.
PRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS
•Goal is to teach actual skills necessary•Ladders, extinguishers, salvage, SCBA, and hose
lays•Medical training EMT or paramedic training is beneficial for gaining
employment• Programs sponsored by fire departments,
associations, or professional groups
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training Programs
IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS
•Developed to train active firefighters• Start with academy, move on to station, battalion,
department, area, state, and national level• Often require department-sponsored
attendance due to worker’scompensation coverage
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training Programs
ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM
•First level of training for new firefighters Provides courses required by law Observation of physical and mental performance
• Evaluated on performance of written tests and drills
Dismissed if department standards are not met
Homework and studying required to perform well
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training Programs
TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
•Numerous schools offer technical training programs• National Fire Academy and Emergency Management
Institute Year-round courses in Emmitsburg, MD Expert instructors from all over the country No tuition; must be sponsored by their department
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training Programs
Learning Objective 8
Types of Personnel Development Programs
PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
•Develop an understanding of how department works•Trained one to two ranks above current position•May be assigned a mentor
GENERALISTS TO SPECIALISTS
• Modern firefighter must be a generalist• May have extensive training in one area of operations
Learning Objectives 9 and 10
Steps in the Selection ProcessSELECTION PROCESS STEPS
•Recruitment/application
•Written examination
•Skills test
•Oral examination/interview
•Physical agility/ability Cont.
SELECTION PROCESS STEPS
•Background check
•Final oral exam
•Medical examination
•Probationary period Last step in the selection process
FPS 1-23
Learning Objectives 9 and 10
Steps in the Selection Process
Learning Objective 11
Purpose and Importance of Probationary Period
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
•Academy program can be part of probationary period
•After academy, firefighter goes to assignment at station
•May last up to 12 months
PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS
•Expected to perform independent study
•May not have full civil service protection
•May be removed if unable to perform duties
• May be a comprehensive combination written/manipulative test at end of probation
Learning Objective 11
Purpose and Importance of Probationary Period
Learning Objective 12
Steps in Setting SMART GoalsSETTING GOALS
•Clearly define the goals•Create a road map to success
GOAL SETTING WITH SMART• Simple• Measurable• Accountable• Realistic• Timely
Summary• Process of becoming a firefighter starts by seeking
an education in the fire science field
• Prospective firefighter must prepare for all areas of the selection process
• Be properly prepared for all phases