[IPAC-List] How is reading material used in training fire recruits, nationwide?

[keith.poole at phoenix.gov]

Here is the info I got from our Fire Department, in short I'd say, Yes, 
reading is still a substantial portion of the academy.

"Historically, we have issued our recruit firefighter a primary text book 
that is used in conjunction with other training materials (internal 
manuals; handouts; study guides).  It serves as a reference source for 
concepts that are common throughout our industry.  A significant emphasis 
is placed on our own materials; as you can probably imagine, most 
departments have operational procedures and equipment that require a more 
narrow focus, one that in some cases, contradicts what is found in general 
text books.  We do use those texts within the didactic portion of a 12 
week training course and students are tested on a broad range of topics. 
The State of Arizona, previously through the State Fire Marshal's Office 
(SFMO) managed a certification program that was accredited through the 
International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).  Our recruits 
were required to pass the Firefighter I and II exams; the text book we 
used was one of three text books used as a source for these two exams. 

        Finally, a majority of our 12 week class consists of hands-on 
skills.  After covering the material in the classroom, the recruits move 
to an outside setting where various skills or evolutions are first 
demonstrated.  This is mainly hoselays, ladders, search & rescue, 
extrication, and use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).  The 
recruits then are required to successfully perform the same tasks. Towards 
the end of the program, they will have to successfully complete final 
exams that cover written material (as described above) and those same 
skill competencies."

Keith Poole
Human Resources Supervisor
City of Phoenix Human Resources Dept
Employment Services
(602) 262-7140
keith.poole at phoenix.gov

"Phoenix - 2009 All-America City"



Joel Wiesen <jwiesen at appliedpersonnelresearch.com> 
Sent by: ipac-list-bounces at ipacweb.org
05/27/2010 09:48 AM

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[IPAC-List] How is reading material used in training fire recruits, 
nationwide?






Many years ago I visited a large Fire Department Training Academy and 
was told that they, basically, had dispensed with written training 
materials, relying instead on oral and hands-on presentations of the 
information and related hands-on practice.

Can any one tell me if this is the case nowadays in any large Fire 
Departments?

On the other hand, are there large FDs that require fire recruits to 
learn material from a written text without associated lecture and 
hands-on presentations and practice?

Thx.

Joel


-- 
Joel P. Wiesen, Ph.D., Director
Applied Personnel Research
62 Candlewood Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583-6040
(617) 244-8859
http://appliedpersonnelresearch.com




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