The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively perform basic fire fighting operations as part of a firefighting team. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to understand and apply the principles of fire behavior; building construction; water distribution systems; fixed fire protection systems; ventilation; hose streams; fire prevention; and inspections, ladders, and rescue techniques. (National Fire Protection Association Standard 1001 for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications). Major topics covered in the course are the fire department organization, communications, incident command system, ropes and knots, fire behavior, safety, fire prevention, personal protective equipment, fire extinguishers, respiratory protection, ventilation, hose lines, forcible entry, search and rescue procedures, and ladder and sprinkler systems. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion classroom exercises, audio/ visual material, graded practical exercises, midterm and final examinations, series of practical examinations, and skills check off and homework assignments, all evaluated by the instructor for satisfactory completion.
