This online firefighter education program provides students with the knowledge needed to become professional firefighters. The course features interactive learning material that helps students understand content better and it can be completed at the students pace. Students are permitted to take up to one year to complete the online learning program, however the program can usually be completed within three to six months. Experienced Fire Service Instructors are available through the Moodle learning platform to assist students regularly. There are four National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) levels covered in this content, they are: 

• NFPA 1001 Level I - Basic Professional Firefighter Qualification
• NFPA 1002 Level II  - Advanced Professional Firefighter Qualification
• NFPA 1072 Awareness - Awareness Level Hazardous Materials Response
• NFPA 1072 Operations - Operations Level Hazardous Materials Response

The online program consists of the following 27 chapters in an interactive learning format:

In order to receive the opportunity to be tested by the Pro Board® students must complete the practical learning component on site in addition to the successful completion of the online learning program. The on-site training required for accreditation is not included in this course and students must register for it separately. 

For further information regarding the Pro Board®, visit www.theproboard.org

Fern Creek Fire & EMT Recruit Class 25-01

General information                           

Description

This course is designed to prepare Fire/EMT students with basic Firefighter I & II skills to perform at a competent level under the general direction of instructors and fire company commanders. This course will also have certifications for IFSAC Firefighter I & II, and Hazardous Materials Technicians. The curriculum will follow the “AAOS Emergency Care & Transportation if the Sick & Injured, 12^th edition, “Essentials of Firefighting 8”, “Kentucky Fire Commission IFSAC Skills Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations”

Expectations and goals

Understand the roles and responsibilities of an Emergency Medical Technician and a Firefighter.

Become proficient as an Emergency Medical Technician and a Firefighter.

Obtain National Registry and State Emergency Medical Certifications.

Obtain certifications in IFSAC Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.

Obtain certifications as Hazardous Materials Technician.

Special Operations Awareness.

Course materials

Required materials

Fern Creek Fire and EMS will provide and use the following curriculum “AAOS Emergency Care & Transportation if the Sick & Injured, 12^th edition, “Essentials of Firefighting 8”, “Kentucky Fire Commission IFSAC Skills Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations”

Optional materials

May be provided by specialty instructors.

Assessment

Emergency Medical Technician written exams and practical skills.

Firefighter chapter testing, knowledge, skills, and abilities, IFSAC skills

Practical skills assessments.

IFSAC testing conducted by the Kentucky Fire Commission Staff.

Introduction to the Fire Service & Firefighter Safety: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify the mission of the fire service, describe how fire departments are organized, and understand various regulations that apply to firefighters; describe fire department SOPs, rules, and regulations that affect a Fire fighter ; explain ways that fire departments may interact with other organizations and agencies; explain the roles and duties of a Firefighters; describe fire and life safety initiatives aimed at reducing firefighter illnesses, injuries, and fatalities; describe the aspects of NFPA 1500 related to firefighter safety and health; summarize general guidelines for operating safely at structural fire scenes; summarize safe practices for riding in fire service vehicles and apparatus.

Communications: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the different types of communication that occur in the fire department; explain the procedures for receiving non-emergency calls; describe the types of communications systems and equipment used to receive and process emergency calls; explain the procedures for receiving and dispatching emergency calls; describe radio equipment and procedures used for internal fire department communications; handle emergency and non-emergency phone calls; use a portable radio for routine and emergency traffic.

Building Construction: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to understand how building construction features and materials will contribute to fire spread as well as how heat affects structural components and materials; differentiate among types of building construction; describe the construction of floors, ceilings, and walls; explain how basements and stairs may impact firefighting operations; describe the construction and operation methods of different types of doors; describe the construction and operation methods of different types of windows.

Building Materials, Structural Collapse & Effects of Fire Suppression: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify the effects of fire on building materials, describe structural collapse considerations, and explain the effects of fire suppression activities on building materials; explain considerations to be taken when establishing collapse zones; describe actions that should be taken when structural collapse is imminent; describe building conditions and fire suppression activities that can impact fire spread and structural stability.

Fire Dynamics: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to explain the basic principles of fire science, describe the stages of fire development, and the reaction of building construction to fire; describe how thermal energy impacts fire behavior; explain the function of fuel within the combustion process; explain the function of oxygen within the combustion process; explain the self-sustained chemical reaction involved in flaming combustion.

Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to distinguish between types of personal protective clothing and equipment and explain how to safely use various types of protective clothing and equipment; describe the inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of PPE; describe conditions that require the use of respiratory protection equipment; identify SCBA components; describe the procedures for donning and doffing SCBA; describe methods of refilling, replacing, and storing SCBA cylinders; describe safety considerations for working in and exiting a hazardous atmosphere while wearing SCBA. Practical: Introduction to gear: coats, pants, helmet, gloves, hood, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Work with gear on; crawling, climbing, breathing on SCBA with mask, in non-air-conditioned areas. Gear weight is approximately 40-50 lbs.

Extinguishers: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to recognize different classifications and types of portable fire extinguishers and select the appropriate fire extinguisher for the situation at hand.

Ropes & Knots: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe various uses for life safety and utility rope and differentiate between types of knots. The student shall also be able to describe the procedures for cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining rope; identify types of knots; describe the procedure for hoisting various tools and equipment; explain how ropes and knots are used during rescues and in other emergencies.

Ground Ladders: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify types of ladders and the parts of a ladder. They shall also describe safe practices for using, carrying, and placing a ground ladder. Students shall be able to describe methods for raising and lowering a ladder, working from a ladder, and assisting victims down a ladder; describe the process of cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining a ladder. Practical: Lifting, carrying, raising, and climbing ladders as a team. Outdoor activity. Ladders of different weights and sizes. 100’ climb of aerial apparatus.

Forcible Entry: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to recognize different types of forcible entry tools and describe methods for forcing entry through doors, windows, and walls; explain considerations for forcible entry tool safety; explain how to carry forcible entry tools; describe how to clean and maintain forcible entry tools. Practical: Tools used for forcing a door. Prying and swinging forcible entry type tools.

Ventilation: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the purpose of ventilation and explain the process for ventilating flat or pitched roofs; describe safety considerations related to tactical ventilation; describe ventilation tools and equipment; describe considerations related to the ventilation of basements and other special compartments. Practical: Use a chainsaw to cut plywood on a roof simulator. Carrying or lifting a chainsaw to the roof of a three-story building. Climbing ladders.

Fire Hose: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the characteristics of hoses, and understand how to inspect, care for, and maintain fire hose. They should also be able to differentiate between different types of hose rolls and loads. Practical: Lifting, draining, rolling, and carrying of fire hose.

Hose Operations & Hose Streams: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe water supply, methods used to deploy hose, and methods used to advance hose. Students shall also be able to explain how to operate types of hose lines, nozzles, and master stream devices. Practical: Flow water with hose lines as a team and individually.

Maintenance & Testing Responsibilities (with Forcible Entry & Fire Hose): After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe procedures for maintaining equipment and service testing fire hose. Practical: Lifting, moving, and carrying light generator and light stand. Rolling and carrying hose.

Structural Search & Rescue: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to explain practices for firefighter survival during interior operations and describe search and rescue operations. Students shall also be able to describe MAYDAY protocols, evacuation, and rapid intervention operations; describe air-monitoring operations; describe rapid intervention crew equipment and duties. Practical: Crawling with 45 lbs. of gear on. Outdoor and inside (air-conditioned area) activity. Dragging of up to 200 lbs. with teammate and as an individual. Carrying and lifting manikins in gear. Gear on for all activities.

Fire Suppression: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to explain fire suppression methods for structure fires, vehicle fires, exterior fires, and ground cover fires; Explain the science behind fire suppression; Explain the role of firefighters in supporting fire protection systems during fire suppression; Explain the duties of firefighters related to building utilities. Practical: Full gear with SCBA. Advance hose lines flowing water. Extinguish vehicle fires.

Overhaul, Property Conservation & Scene Preservation: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe firefighters’ roles during overhaul, salvage, and scene preservation; Describe the duties that firefighters must perform to protect and preserve a fire scene. Practical: Lifting and folding tarps, removal of drywall with tool overhead in gear.

Technical Rescue Support & Vehicle Extrication Operations: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe different types of rescue situations, the hazards involved in those situations, and the firefighter’s responsibility in vehicle extrication and rescue incidents; identify tools used at technical rescues; identify vehicle construction methods and components; describe vehicle stabilization operations; describe techniques used to access victims at a vehicle extrication incident. Practical: Outdoor activity. Full gear. Lifting a tool up to 60 lbs. Working with tools to open and remove parts of cars.

Foam Fire Fighting, Liquid Fires & Gas Fires: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe firefighting foam production and operations. They will also be able to describe operations involving liquid and gas fuel fires.

Incident Scene Operations: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the process for initiating incident operations and transferring Command. Students will also be able to explain how unit operations are coordinated and how post-incident reports are used.

Fire Origin & Cause Determination: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the roles and responsibilities of firefighters and fire investigators regarding fire origin and cause determination, and evidence preservation.

Fire Prevention/Community Risk Reduction: After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to explain the importance of fire and life safety programs, fire and life safety surveys, fire and life safety presentations, and pre-incident planning.

Electrical Emergencies: Class on electrical hazards associated with dealing with high voltage wires and how to deal with emergencies associated with the first responder.

Wildland & Ground Fires: After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will know the various methods of combating wildland fires, as well as the tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to safely operate at the scene of such incidents. They will learn how to suppress a ground fire and deploy a fire shelter.

Fire Suppression & Auto Fires (Fire Control): After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will be able to distinguish between offensive and defensive strategies, and they will understand the special considerations for fires in large buildings, basements, concealed spaces, above ground level, lumberyards, energized equipment, and flammable gases and liquids. Students will also have the skills to operate hose lines; use fire streams; conduct indirect, direct, and combination fire attacks, operate master stream devices; and extinguish vehicle fires.

NFPA states that vehicle fires are one of the most common fires in the United States. With the advent of airbags, side impact protection, hybrids, and other alternative fueled vehicles, these “common” fires have become anything but routine. Fire recruits learn both basic and advanced skills to mitigate these common, yet highly hazardous and potentially deadly events.  Skills such as forcible entry, hose and nozzle streams, and fire control are reinforced while students learn to safely extinguish a passenger vehicle fire emergency using live fire training.

E.M.S.: emergency medical care performance capabilities to include infection control, CPR, bleeding control, and shock management.

Report Writing: Focuses on proper reports for state and local levels. Also helps students learn how to be more effective in relaying information using the pen and their thoughts.

Emergency Control of Natural Gas/Natural Gas burn: Studies the hazards of natural gas, explosive ranges, and properties of same. Also explores the dos and don’ts of dealing with natural gas.  Focuses on firefighting duties of first-in engine company to a scene.  Consists of classrooms and of natural gas live fire training.

Flammable Liquids & Foam: This class deals with the chemistry of foam for fire suppression. Topics include concentrated foams, mixing, eductors, limitations, understanding fog nozzles, aspirating nozzles, and foam tubes. Includes hands-on live fire training field exercise.

Liquified Propane Gas: Focuses on useful handling of hazardous materials incidents involving flammable gases. Students will learn about tank construction, the properties of liquid propane gas, proper tactics for dealing with liquid propane gas, and will receive live fire training with liquid propane gas on site. Consists of live fire training.

Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations: Recognition and identification of hazardous materials, labeling, placarding, scene control, and use of D.O.T. Response book.

High Rise: Covers construction, fireground management, tactical considerations, elevators, life safety, ventilation, and water supply.

Structure burns: Live fire training evolutions. Class incorporates all skills taught for firefighting: suppression, safety, rescue, ICS, hose handling, PPV, water supply, etc. All hands-on live fire training.  Full gear with SCBA. Extinguish fires in the burn building. Climbing ladders, moving hose lines, flowing water, crawling, and building searches.

Fire Detection, Protection & Suppression Systems: After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will be able to describe the components and functions of a fire alarm and the basic types of fire alarm initiation devices. Students will also be able to identify various sprinkler heads and indicating valves. They will also be able to describe and identify automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, and specialized extinguishing systems.

Fire Ground Survival: The purpose of the Fire Ground Survival program is to ensure that training for Mayday prevention operations is consistent between all firefighters, company officers, and chief officers. Firefighters must be trained to perform potentially life-saving actions if they become lost, disoriented, injured, low on air, or trapped. These training exercises must be consistent throughout the fire service. Practical: Crawling, climbing, and searching through the building.

Incident Command System: This class combines command strategy with organizational procedures and is designed to be used for structural firefighting incidents and other related emergency incidents. It is also used for other types of emergency incidents.

NIMS: National Incident Management System class: ICS 100, 200 & 700. This is a self-study requirement.

Commonly used Acronyms in EMS/Fire Operations:

BLS- Basic Life Support

ALS- Advanced Life Support

CPR- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

AED- Automatic External Defibrillator

BVM- Bag Valve Mask

MCI- Mass Casualty Incident

IFSTA- International Fire Service Training Association

IFSAC- International Fire Service Accreditation Congress

SFRT- State Fire Rescue Training

ICS- Incident Command System

PAR- Personal Accountability Report

PPV- Positive Pressure Ventilation

LDH- Large Diameter Hose

TIC- Thermal Imaging Camera

IDLH- Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health

PPM- Parts Per Million

NIMS- National Incident Management System

PPE- Personal Protective Equipment

SCBA- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

RIT- Rapid Intervention Team

MVA- Motor Vehicle Accident

Course schedule

EMT Classes will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from February 3 thru April 7, 2025, 0800-1400

Exam Schedule EMT test highlighted in Blue, Firefighters Red

Holton Fire Department – Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Course

The Holton Fire Department Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Course is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare emergency responders to recognize, evaluate, and safely respond to hazardous materials incidents. This course meets the requirements of NFPA 472/1072 and is aligned with OSHA 1910.120 (HAZWOPER) standards.

Participants will learn to identify hazardous substances, understand risk assessment principles, and implement defensive response actions to protect themselves, the public, and the environment. The course includes both Awareness- and Operations-level instruction, with practical, scenario-based training.

Course Topics Include:

• Hazard identification using the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

• Recognition and classification of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats

• Use of DOT placards and container identification

• Scene safety and isolation procedures

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) overview

• Decontamination procedures and responder safety

• Evidence preservation and criminal/terrorist activity awareness

• Incident command and communication roles

Course Features:

• Fulfills Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI) certification requirements

• Delivered by certified instructors with hazardous materials response experience

• Combines classroom instruction with hands-on skill stations and simulated scenarios

• Ideal for fire, EMS, law enforcement, and emergency management personnel

Eligibility:
Open to individuals sponsored by a fire or emergency response agency. Participants should be physically capable of performing required skills and be 18 years or older at the time of testing.

Course Duration:
Approximately 24–32 hours of instruction, typically delivered over several evenings and/or weekends.

Location:
Holton Fire Department, Holton, Kansas

This course provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for safe and effective response to hazardous materials incidents and is a required component for Firefighter I certification.

This course is part of the Indian River County Fire Rescue Officer Development Program.

You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course for ATPC 2720 Company Officer and receive credit for course completion on FCDICE.

FF I&II Start Date:  Monday November 3rd, 2022  / FF I&II Completion Date:  Saturday June 24th, 2023 

EMT Start Date:  Monday July 31st, 2023 / EMT Completion Date: December 16th, 2023