Firefighters must know how to operate and use various tools and equipment to respond to fires effectively. It includes using ladders, ropes, fire extinguishers, and forcible entry. Compressed air foam (CAF) and ultra-high-pressure pumps are two significant developments in fire suppression. This course explores the complexities of how these technologies can be applied to a fire scene to improve fire suppression capabilities.
Contents
Incident Command
The incident command system allows first responders to work together and resolve incidents. It is based on unity of effort and standardization, essential for emergency responders who often encounter large-scale, multi-agency situations. Incident commanders are responsible for conducting a size-up, developing an incident action plan to mitigate the situation, assigning resources to execute the plan, and building a command structure to manage the plan. It is done based on the three incident priorities, strategic goals, tactical objectives, and resource needs.
In addition, the IC must make decisions on the safety of firefighters and members of other agencies responding to an incident. It can be tricky, but the IC always seeks opportunities to reduce risk and protect responders. Training to prepare first responders for ICS-style operations is essential, especially for large-scale, multi-agency incidents. Several courses are available, but the most intensive are ICS-300 and ICS-400. I can discover the many procedures necessary on how do I become a firefighter in Texas, learn about extra credentials to consider, and analyze income and job outlook information to aid in choosing my future profession.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a vital part of firefighting training. It could increase occupant tenability and lessen smoke and heat conditions, especially from the ground to a height of approximately four feet, or the so-called “survivability zone.” In a structure, ventilation can be achieved by using existing openings, such as windows and skylights, or by creating new exhaust vents (often in the roof structure). Mechanical fans may also be used to achieve positive pressure ventilation. Another technique is hydraulic ventilation, in which a conical hose stream aimed around an opening, such as a window or door, entrains smoke and increases the exhaust rate from the room.
First Observer
As a firefighter or fire officer, your first observations of the fire scene are crucial to helping fire investigators do their job. It is especially true for fires requiring multiple responders or located on or near an urban interface. An excellent first observation of the fire scene will help the investigators understand the fire’s origin and what caused it to spread. A thorough first observation will also help fire investigators keep the evidence they need to make the correct conclusions. For this reason, the first observer in firefighting training is an essential role. Not only will a well-trained first observer be able to see the smoke that comes off of a fire, but they’ll also be able to point the fire investigator in the right direction to find their way to the source of the flames.
Hazardous Materials
A firefighting hazmat training course is one of the most vital aspects of a career in fire service. Hazardous materials emergencies can arise in any community and various industries, including hydrocarbon spills, illicit drugs, manufacturing facilities, etc. Most fire departments have a primary hazmat education that allows firefighters to recognize potential hazardous material hazards, begin appropriate actions to resolve a chemical threat and alert their immediate agency partners. Most state certifications require these classes at the awareness and operations levels, giving firefighters the knowledge to react safely to a hazardous materials emergency before an outside agency responds.
