Textbook/Other Materials

Supplementary reading:
IFSTA’s Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 1^st edition,and NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, 2003 edition, available from NFPA at www.nfpa.org.

Additional material required:
Performance Standards that must be completed and documented by the student at their department prior to attending class. Skill Sheets 1-5 are used to document the 16 hour training.

Please note: Test questions are taken from the instructor's lecture AND the assigned reading. While some questions from the assigned reading may not be covered during class due to time constraints, students are responsible for knowing and understanding ALL information assigned in the syllabus.

Instructor materials:
Teaching Outline and PowerPoint: Rev. 11/2003
 

Course Description/Objectives

Description:
A course designed to provide the structural fire fighter with the additional knowledge and skills to successfully operate aerial apparatus. Included in this course is a section of performance standards that must be completed and documented by the student at their department prior to attending class.

Goals:
The purpose of this course is to specify, in terms of performance objectives, the minimum requirements for professional service as an apparatus operator/driver. This course shall cover the requirements for the Apparatus Operator/Driver: Aerial level of progression.

Objectives:

• Perform the routine tests, inspections, and servicing functions specified in the following list so that the operational readiness of the aerial apparatus is verified.
  Cable systems (if applicable)
  Aerial device hydraulic systems
  Slides and rollers
  Stabilizing systems
  Aerial device safety systems
  Breathing air systems
  Communication systems
• Perform the practical driving exercises specified so that each exercise is performed safely without striking the vehicle or obstructions.
• Operate a fire department aerial apparatus over a predetermined route on a public way so that the vehicle is safely operated in compliance with all applicable state and local laws, departmental rules and regulations, and the requirements of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, Section 4-2.
• Maneuver and position an aerial apparatus so that the apparatus is properly positioned for safe aerial device deployment.
• Stabilize an aerial apparatus so that power can be transferred to the aerial device hydraulic system and the device can be safely deployed.
• Maneuver and position the aerial device from each control station so that the aerial device is properly positioned to safely accomplish the assignment.
• Lower an aerial device using the emergency operating system so that the aerial device is safely lowered to its bedded position.
• Deploy and operate an elevated master stream so that the stream is effective and the device is operated safely.
   

Course Schedule

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

 Day One:
Introduction and Orientation, Driver Operator Skills/Types & Construction of Aerial Apparatus, Inspection and Maintenance, Review NPFA 1002 and NFPA 1500 as they apply to the AOA
Day Two:
Driving Aerial Apparatus, Positioning Aerial Apparatus, Theoretical Hydraulic Calculations–AO handbook Chapters 8, Fireground Hydraulic Calculations–Chapter 9
Day Three:
Stabilizing Aerial Apparatus, Operating Telescoping & Articulating Aerial Equipment, Practical Exercises for Stabilizing and Positioning
Day Four:
Aerial Apparatus Strategies and Tactics, Practical Exercises for Fire Attack Offensive & Defensive, Masterstream/Water Supply Applications
Day Five:
Aerial Apparatus Testing Procedures, Practical Maintenance Exercise with AOA testing, Review and Critique, Certification Exam

 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 student 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:
Letter grades are assigned according to the following system for all certification courses for which students have registered.
A – Excellent (90-100)
B – Good (80-89)
C – Average (70-79)
Satisfactory grades for certification are A, B, or C.  A mark of AU is assigned for course work performed as an audit.

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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