2008 Lt. Brad Hutcherson Memorial Fire School Courses
This one day event will hold several different opportunities for those that attend. There will be seven (7) different courses offered with very respected and experienced Instructors teaching in each area. All are certified and will present participants with a certificate at the completion of each course. There ill be something for everyone regardless of age, rank, years of service, etc. There will be classroom sessions, hands-on drills, and table top scenarios to increase your knowledge, skills, and abilities. The following courses will be offered on Saturday, November 15, 2008:
You Make The Call
Instructor: Chief Travis Ford
Do you understand how to read and react to what you see as a first arriving decision maker, Incident Commander, or Safety Officer on the fire ground? This eight (8) hour class will help you understand how to read changing smoke conditions in different structures and make basic fire ground strategic and tactical decisions based on what you see. Ensuring "Everyone Goes Home" from the emergency scene will be a primary focus.
New Techniques in Vehicle Extrication
Instructor Scott Shaw
This eight (8) hour course, which is mostly hands on, will show emergency responders the latest techniques to deal with pin-ins and entrapments in today's passenger vehicles. After a walk through demonstration of these skills, the students will perform learned techniques while focusing on safety and efficiency. The latest information about Hybrids and new vehicle safety systems will also be covered. Turn out gear or other PPE appropriate for vehicle extrication operations is a must to participate.
Rural Water Supply
Instructor Captian Joe Polenzani
Maintaining an adequate water supply is a critical part of safe and effective fire ground operations. This class is designed for fire departments that utilize long hose lays and/or tanker shuttles to provide water for fire suppression. Though primarily used in rural areas, these techniques may also be necessary for operation in communities where there is an inadequate water supply. All participants will be required to wear bunker pants with boots, helmet, and gloves during hands-on training. Personnel working on roadways or at dump/fill sites must also wear a high-visibility safety vest.
First Arriving Company Operations
Instructors Dave Gallagher and Jeff Gallagher
The goal of this 8 hour class is to enhance the overall proficiency of first arriving personnel in fire suppression and rescue. This will be done by improving skills in initial size up, stretching the first hand line, laddering and entering an involved structure, and risk assessment & safety. Full PPE and SCBA are required for this interactive class.
Firefighting Strategy & Tactics
Instructor Ken Nelms
This eight (8) hour class covers more than "putting wet stuff on the red stuff". It begins with pre-response planning, training, and having an Incident Action Plan (IAP). Firefighting Strategy and Tactics deals with a variety of topics like resource management, Who's in Charge, Apparatus Placement, Size-Up, Attack Modes, Needed Fire Flows, Hose Line Selection and Placement, Truck Work, and Property Conservation. There are several important considerations to address when Firefighting Strategy and Tactics come into play. Participants will be challenged through classroom discussion and role playing scenarios with a special emphasis placed on Fire fight Safety.
Flashover Recognition & Survival
Instructors Dave Brasells and Trey Nelms
This four (4) hour course will combine classroom with hands-on. We will cover the science of fire, its behavior, the signs of flashover, recognizing these dangers, and how to prevent/survive this potentially deadly occurrence. Class will move outside and enter the Flashover Simulator where we will observe multiple flashovers. Each participant must bring full PPE including SCBA with face piece. It is recommended that you bring an extra SCBA cylinder (all cylinders should have a current hydrostatic test date). All participants shall meet the NFPA 1500-5-3.9 facial hair standard. If you DON'T want to get hot, sweaty, or see HEAVY fire....this class is NOT for you. Recommended to any interior attack firefighter and a must for the company officer directing the fire attack. This class will be combined with SCBA Confidence to complete the eight (8) hour day.
S.C.B.A. Confidence
Instructors Dave Brasells and Trey Nelms
This four (4) hour class will focus on your knowledge of the SCBA and how to save yourself in a bad situation while wearing it. Things can go wrong on the fire ground, and your ability to work through a problem may make the difference in a significant injury or death. Topics discussed will be calling a MAYDAY, LUNARS reports, negotiating obstacles such as studs, wires, and small openings, low profile and reduced profile maneuvers. This course will give you practical knowledge and piece of mind to effect the outcome of a firefighter emergency. All participants must bring approved PPE including SCBA with face piece. It is recommended that you bring an extra SCBA cylinder (all cylinders should have a current hydrostatic test date). All participants shall meet the NFPA 1500-5-3.9 facial hair standard. This class will be combined with Flashover Recognition and Survival to complete the eight (8) hour day.