Firefighter Recruit Training Program
New recruits receive 12 weeks of training to develop competencies in core areas including fire suppression, emergency medical services first response, vehicle extrication, technical rescue and dangerous goods response. Recruit training occurs when new personnel are hired.
Topics covered:
- Orientation and safety
- Fire behaviour
- Building construction
- Personal protective equipment
- Self-contained breathing apparatus
- Extinguishers
- Ropes and knots
- Search and rescue
- Vehicle extrication
- Forcible entry
- Ladders
- Ventilation
- Water supply/basic pump operation
- Fire hose
- Fire streams
- Fire control/flashover
- Salvage/overhaul
- Protecting evidence and fire cause determination
Frontline Firefighter Training
Firefighters are provided with advanced, refresher, and re-certification training in core areas on an on-going basis.
Topics covered:
- Live fire scenarios
- Vehicle extrication
- Incident command refresher
- Technical rescue
- Dangerous goods
- Safety officer roles
- Wildland fires
- Flashover
- Ventilation
- Driving
- Apparatus operations
- Rehabilitation sector officers
- Rapid intervention
- Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
- First response medical aid
Teams of firefighters are trained to perform specialty operations including technical rescue, dangerous goods response and river and river ice rescue.
Eighteen to 20 members of each platoon are trained in technical rescue involving rope rescue, confined space rescue, vehicle and machinery rescue and some water rescue. Technical rescue training occurs on a quarterly basis with testing completed annually.
The dangerous goods team consists of approximately 120 specifically trained firefighters. It serves all of northern Alberta and responds to incidents involving unknown substance spills, volatile or hazardous material spills, illegal drug labs and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agent releases. The 10-week dangerous-goods training program consists of classroom lectures, incident scenarios, industry visits and practical training with live fire and product at Fire Etc. , the fire training school in Vermilion.
At least 20 firefighters per platoon are trained to participate on the river and river ice rescue teams. The river rescue team receives training in boat and rescue operations through classroom, dry land and river practical sessions. Rescue training covers topics including site assessment, operational planning and self, throw, reach and go rescues. Boat operations training is based on Canadian Boating regulations and includes vehicle inspection and safety, launching and loading and watercraft operation. A watercraft operator requires 20 to 24 hours of training with annual re-certification required.
Senior Firefighter and Officer Training
Senior firefighters and officers eligible for promotion receive five to six weeks of training.
Topics covered:
- Station and chief officer roles and responsibilities
- Leadership skills
- Organizational skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Media relations
- Incident command
- Safety codes
- Station and fire district routines
- Computer skills
- Emergency planning
- Legal issues
- Customer service
- Diversity and ethical training
- Occupational health and safety issues
- Fire prevention and investigation
