AFC web address: www.alabamafirecollege.org 

Textbook/Other Materials

Supplementary reading:
NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, 2002 edition, available from NFPA at www.nfpa.org. 

Special Equipment Required:
NFPA compliant turnout gear, SCBA and spare bottle and PASS device

Instructor materials:
Volunteer Fire Fighter Teaching Outline: Rev. 10/2003

Course Description/Objectives

Description:
The Volunteer Fire Fighter Certification course is designed to prepare the student to perform most fireground functions under the supervision of an officer or fire fighter. This highly structured course is taught through both classroom lectures and hand-on training. Successful completion of all written exams, practical exercises, and a passing score on the state exam is required for certification.

Goals:
The purpose of this course is to specify, in terms of performance objectives, the minimum requirements for professional service as a fire fighter. This course shall cover the requirements for the Fire Fighter I level of progression. 

Objectives:   

• Initiate the response to a reported emergency so that all necessary information is obtained, communications equipment is operated properly, and the information is promptly and accurately relayed to the dispatch center.
• Receive a business or personal telephone call so that proper procedures for answering the phone are used and the caller’s information is relayed.
• Transmit and receive messages via the fire department radio so that the information is promptly relayed and is accurate, complete, and clear.
• Use SCBA during emergency operations so that the SCBA is properly donned and activated within one minute, the SCBA is correctly worn, controlled breathing techniques are used, emergency procedures are enacted if the SCBA fails, all low-air warnings are recognized, respiratory protection is not intentionally compromised, and hazardous areas are exited prior to air depletion.
• Respond on apparatus to an emergency scene so that the apparatus is safely mounted and dismounted, seat belts are used while the vehicle is in motion, and other personal protective equipment is correctly used.
• Force entry into a structure so that the tools are used properly, the barrier is removed, and the opening is in a safe condition and ready for entry.
• Exit a hazardous area as a team so that a safe haven is found before exhausting the air supply, others are not endangered, and the team integrity is maintained.
• Set up ground ladders so that hazards are assessed, the ladder is stable, the angle is proper for climbing, extension ladders are extended to the proper height with the fly locked, the top is placed against a reliable structural component, and the assignment is accomplished.
• Attack a passenger vehicle fire operating as a member of a team so that hazards are avoided, leaking flammable liquids are identified and controlled, protection from flash fires is maintained, all vehicle compartments are overhauled, and the fire is extinguished.
• Extinguish fires in exterior Class A materials so that exposures are protected, the spread of fire is stopped, collapse hazards are avoided, water application is effective, the fire is extinguished, and signs of the origin area(s) and arson are preserved.
• Conduct a search and rescue in a structure operating as a member of a team so that ladders are correctly placed when used, all assigned areas are searched, all victims are located and removed, team integrity is maintained, and team members’ safety, - including respiratory protection – is not compromised.
• Attack an interior structure fire operating as a member of a team so that team integrity is maintained, the attack line is properly deployed for advancement, ladders are correctly placed when used, access is gained into the fire area, effective water application practices are used, the fire is approached safely, attack techniques facilitate suppression given the level of the fire, hidden fires are located and controlled, and the correct body posture is maintained, hazards are avoided or managed, and the fire is brought under control.
• Perform horizontal ventilation on a structure operating as part of a team so that the ventilation openings are free of obstructions, tools are safely used, ladders are properly used, ventilation devices are properly placed, and the structure is cleared of smoke.
• Perform a vertical ventilation on a structure operating as part of a team so that ladders are properly positioned for ventilation, a sufficient opening is created, all ventilation barriers are removed, structural integrity is not compromised, products of combustion are released from the structure, and the team retreats from the area when ventilation is accomplished.
• Overhaul a fire scene so that structural integrity is not compromised, all hidden fires are discovered, fore cause evidence is preserved, and the fire is extinguished.
• Conserve a property as a member of a team so that the building and its contents are protected from further damage.
• Connect a fire department pumper to a water supply as a member of a team so that connections are tight and water flow is unobstructed.
• Extinguish incipient Class A, Class B, and Class C fires so that the correct extinguisher is chosen, the fire is completely extinguished, and proper extinguisher-handling techniques are followed.
• Illuminate the emergency scene so that designated areas are illuminated and all equipment is operated within the manufacturer’s listed safety precautions.
• Turn off building utilities so that the assignment is safely completed.
• Combat a ground cover fire operating as a member of a team so that threats to property are reported, threats to personal safety are recognized, retreat is quickly accomplished when warranted, and the assignment is completed.
• Perform a fire safety survey in a private dwelling so that fire and life-safety hazards are identified, recommendations for their correction are made to the occupant, and unresolved issues are referred to the proper authority.
• Present fire safety information to station visitors or small groups so that all information is presented, the information is accurate, and questions are answered or referred.
• Clean and check ladders, ventilation equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), ropes, salvage equipment, and hand tools so that equipment is clean and maintained according to manufacturer’s or departmental guidelines, maintenance is recorded, and equipment is placed in a ready state or reported otherwise.
• Clean, inspect, and return fire hose to service so that damage is noted and corrected, the hose is clean, and the equipment is placed in a ready state for service.
   

Instructional methods: Classroom instruction and hands-on practical evolutions 

Course Schedule

(Tentative, subject to change depending on the progress of the class) 

Block One:
Orientation and Safety, Fire Behavior, Building Construction, Personal Protective Equipment, Portable Extinguishers, Ropes and Knots, Fire Department Communications, Forcible Entry 

Block Two:
Rescue and Extrication, Ladders, Ventilation, Water Supply, Sprinkler & Alarm Systems

Block Three:
Fire Hose, Fire Streams, Loss Control, Prevention & Public Education, Fire Control

Block Four:
Hazmat Regulations, Def & Stats, Hazmat Properties and Hazards, Hazmat Identifications, Incident Management Elements, Strategic Goals & Tactical Objectives, PPE, Containment & Decon, Incident Specific Strategies& Tactics, Terrorist & Other Criminal Act, Fire Control

Course Policies

Tardiness:
Students must adhere to class schedules. Students are required to be punctual for all classes and class activities. Classes will begin promptly at the scheduled time unless specific instructions are given otherwise.

Class participation: 
This course will involve discussion, questions and answers on the materials, and case study. Class participation is expected from all students. 

Safety:
Safety of the students is top priority to the Alabama Fire College. Students must adhere to safety regulations while attending a class on or off the Fire College campus. At the Fire College campus, safety instructions are posted in every classroom, as well as escape routes and tornado actions. 

Academic misconduct:
Academic misconduct or dishonesty such as cheating and plagiarism is not permitted in class. Suspected cases of academic misconduct will be reported to the Executive Director. Conduct detrimental to the fire service on or off campus will not be tolerated. We will investigate any complaints, and if the complaint is valid the student will be dismissed and his/her agency will be notified. 

Grading:
Grades are assigned according to the following system for all certification courses for which students have registered. 
Excellent (90-100)
Good (80-89)
Average (70-79)

Certification:
There will be an examination for state certification provided by the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission. An overall score of 70% is required to the successful completion of this examination. Re-tests may be taken after 30 days and within 12 months of the date of course completion. The Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission is accredited by the National Professional Qualifications System (NPQS). The Executive Director has generously decided to fund national registration and certification for all successful students, so each student will automatically receive certification from the NPQS upon successful completion of the course and exam. 

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