Fire fighting has been identified by OSHA as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. With this in mind there is not another course where safety is more important, One mistake could have fatal consequences in this field not only on the scene but during training also. Safety is practiced through a number of different practices in the classroom and during practical evolutions. Students are taught to practice just as it is the real thing. We attempt to make the setting as realistic as possible to prepare students for the work setting. We use National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards as a guideline. Safety is taught and emphasized throughout the course while practicing each skill.
NFPA 1500 is the standard for health & safety for fire fighters. We use this standard for maintenance and cleaning fire fighter gear. In an effort to better address the cleaning of gear we are planning to purchase a new washer and dyer designed to wash and dry gear in a safe effective manner. We use soap water solution to wash all self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) masks.
During CPR a 1:10 bleach solution is used to sanitize manikins following use and alcohol is used between each students use. Students are issued their own personal CPR mask following certification of this course.
Tool and equipment safety is practiced and taught for each. Students practice the use of ladders, running and using chain saws, lifting and carrying victims, hoisting items, turning off the power to a structure and turning off gas lines. Students are taught to monitor the amount of carbon monoxide in the air before removing any SCBA in an area that is considered to be potentially hazardous.
We also bring in professional firefighters as instructors and they emphasize the importance of a safe atmosphere for all students, whether in training or 'on-the-job'.
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