10-503-189Intro to Firefighting
Course Information
Description
This course introduces the student to the organization and management of a fire and emergency services department and the relationship of government agencies to the fire service. Emphasis is placed on fire and emergency service, ethics, and leadership from the perspective of the company officer.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Explain the roles of national, state, and local organizations in fire and emergency services
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explain the history and culture of the fire service
    describe the major organizations that provide emergency response service and how they interrelate
    describe the scope, purpose, and organizational structure of fire and emergency services

  2. Explain fire department recruiting and organization
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    examine the fire fighter recruit program
    illustrate general fire department organization
    identify the responsibilities and qualifications for specialized positions within fire departments, such as training officers, fire investigators, and technical rescue teams

  3. Compare training and education requirements for different careers in fire service
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explain the value of higher education to the professionalization of the fire service
    recognize the components of career preparation and goal setting
    identify fire protection and emergency-service careers in both the public and private sector
    identify the primary responsibilities of fire prevention personnel including code enforcement, public information, and public and private protection systems

  4. Analyze the basic components of fire as a chemical chain reaction and the major phases of fire
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explain the chemical chain reaction process in combustion, identifying the role of fuel, oxygen, heat, and chain reactions in the fire tetrahedron
    differentiate between the four classes of fire based on fuel types and appropriate suppression methods for each
    analyze the progression and characteristics of the four major phases of fire development
    evaluate how fire behavior changes during each development phase with the corresponding tactical considerations for firefighters
    examine how building construction, ventilation, and fuel load affect fire dynamics and spread within structures

  5. Describe the common types of fire and emergency service facilities, equipment, and apparatus
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    categorize the various types of fire stations based on staffing models, geographic location, and specialized functions
    explain the purpose, specifications, and capabilities of different fire apparatus such as engines, ladder trucks, rescue vehicles, and specialized equipment
    differentiate between personal protective equipment (PPE) types and their appropriate applications
    analyze how facility design, equipment selection, and apparatus deployment impact emergency response effectiveness and safety

  6. Compare effective management concepts for various emergency situations
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify the primary responsibilities of fire prevention personnel
    define code enforcement, public information, and public and private protection systems
    recognize the components of career preparation and goal setting

  7. Describe the importance of wellness and fitness as it relates to emergency services
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify cancer prevention strategies specific to the fire service, such as decontamination procedures, proper PPE usage, and early detection methods
    evaluate the impact of physical fitness on job performance, injury prevention, and career longevity
    develop strategies to address common mental health challenges in emergency services, such as stress management, PTSD prevention, and available support resources.
    explain how nutrition, sleep, and other lifestyle factors contribute to firefighter readiness and overall operational effectiveness