Rural Fire Fighter Training Program Information:

GENERAL

The Rural Fire Fighter Training Program is designed to be an introductory fire fighter training program which incorporates core elements from the NFPA Standard 1001 training criteria. The Rural Fire Fighter Training Course provides the student with fundamental basic fire behavior knowledge and the fire suppression skills required to function as a rural fire fighter. It will give the trainee a baseline practical and theoretical skill level which can be bridged by the addition of training modules from the British Columbia Basic Firefighter training program to receive accreditation.

RESPONSE CRITERIA

Rural Fire Fighter Training is based on the following Fire Department response criteria:

• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) training is not required for the course.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with Worksafe BC regulations and NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program (2007) are required
• Interior attack lines and fire fighter entry into Immediate Danger to Life or Health (IDLH) environments as stated in `known life hazard` as defined under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.156 is not required.
• Fire fighters are instructed in fire suppression techniques which allow them to effectively use portable Ultra High Pressure (UHP) fire suppression systems, portable stored energy Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS), portable CAFS extinguishers or handlines flowing up to 125 gpm.

GOALS

The training program examines fire behavior characteristics in a typical residential (compartment) structural environment. Emphasis on training the fire fighter to recognize basic fire behavior indicators, predict the development of the fire, and implement the appropriate fire suppression techniques is the goal of the program.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The training program is specifically designed for volunteer firefighters and officers in small rural communities. This is an introductory fire fighting course which is designed for both novice and experienced fire department members.

PREREQUISTES

Prior to entering Rural Fire Fighter Training Program the participant shall meet the following requirements:

• Minimum educational requirements established by the authority having jurisdiction.
• Minimum age requirements of 18 years of age.
• Fitness requirements for entry Rural Fire Fighter participants shall be established by the authority having jurisdiction.
• Participants shall meet the medical requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.

CLASS SIZE

The classroom presentation and hands on training elements of the course restricts the class size to 10 participants for Level 100 Training and 14 participants for Level 200 Training programs. Class size is dependant upon the number of fire suppression systems incorporated. Larger classes may be accommodated, but this requires the use of additional instructors to insure a safe and effective learning environment.

CREDIT AND CERTIFICATION

Bridging the Rural Fire Fighter Program to achieve Basic Fire Fighting Certification:
The Rural Fire Fighter Training Program is not designed to meet specific certification requirements. This course does however meet part of the core requirements for NFPA 1001 Standard Fire Fighter I as described in the British Columbia Basic Fire Fighter Certification criteria.

The Rural Fire Fighter Training Course is a precursor to achieving Basic Fire Fighter accreditation. Students receive a Certificate of Participation upon completion of the course. Bridging courses taken via the Basic Fire Fighter Train the Trainer program will enable the Rural Fire Fighter to take the required additional components of the British Columbia Basic Fire Fighter Training.

To achieve certification, individuals must successfully complete the applicable written examinations and practical evaluations administered by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), Fire and Safety Division for the NFPA 1001 Standard, Fire Fighter I.

COURSE SCHEDULE

The 32 hour course is generally delivered over four consecutive days and combines classroom instruction, case studies and hands on training with designated fire suppression equipment.

VIEW LEVEL 100 TRAINING COURSE SCHEDULE

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Appropriate Risk Management control measures are learned through recognition of the stages of fire development in confined structures. The systematic identification and evaluation of these fire ground indicators enables the fire fighter / Incident commander to select a safe course of action (mode of attack) which is proportionate to the particular situation. It is critical that firefighters and fire ground incident commanders possess the knowledge and have the ability to apply risk-based analysis to fire ground tactics.
• The learned fire attack strategy is then implemented through clearly defined Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs).
• This approach to a risk-managed fire ground provides direction and guidance for fire fighters which allows for a basic framework of fire fighter safety. This enables the administration/employer to adopt the Standard Operating Guidelines which will aid in addressing liability concerns.
• The Incident Commander has clearly defined operational guidelines which provide a framework for tactical fire suppression operations. This action provides for the personal protection of first responders from exposure to unnecessary risks on the fire ground.

Administrators and employers must understand that a basic level of fire ground experience and structured regular practical training sessions are required to provide adequate fire protection services in its most basic form. A volunteer organization cannot maintain a state of fire suppression readiness without a consistent core training program.

STUDENT TRAINING MANUAL

Remote Fire Fighting Solutions provides clients with the Rural Fire Fighter Level 100 Student Training Manual. This manual contains the required criteria and reading materials for the course.

INSTRUCTORS

Our training instructors are accredited fire educators in British Columbia; all training instructors have a minimum 20 years fire fighting experience in professional/composite fire services.