FIR002 - Introduction to Firefighting

Subject Title
Introduction to Firefighting

Subject Description
This subject provides an overview of basic components of fire ground operations within the structure of an incident management system. Content focuses on fire ground operations such as safety practices, search and rescue, and property conservation. Common techniques, tools, equipment and their use are incorporated. Specific knowledge, attitudes and skills of the firefighter are included. This subject is divided into four sections: A) Firefighter Safety Practices, B) Firefighter Protective Clothing and Equipment i. Protective Clothing ii.Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, C) Fire Apparatus i. Operate Emergency Vehicles ii. Application of Hydraulics iii. Pre and Post Incident Inspection and D) General Rescue: Principles and Practices.

Credit Status
One credit toward the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Ontario College Certificate

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

A. Firefighter Safety Practices

1. describe the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) as it applies to fire departments
2. describe the applicable sections of legislation, standards, guidelines and regulations and how they relate to firefighter safety practices
3. describe the duties of employers, supervisors and workers in order to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
4. describe the common elements in a fire department safety policy
5. describe the elements of a fire ground safety system such as Incident Safety Officers, role of Departmental Operational guidelines and the role of the firefighter in applying safety practices
6. describe firefighter safety practices in an Incident Management System including the role of the Incident Commander, rapid intervention teams, personal accountability systems, entry control, emergency evacuation system, and rehabilitation of firefighters
7. describe the departmental procedural guidelines that promote safety in the fire station and on the fire ground such as self assessment and rescue actions for firefighters at risk and safety precautions when riding department vehicles
8. identity the building services that have to be controlled during an emergency and the role of the firefighter in electrical emergencies
9. describe the components of a tool and equipment safety program
10. describe the impact of injuries and accidents on fire departments and individuals and list the components and benefits of a physical fitness and health training and maintenance program
11. describe resources available to fire departments to reduce injuries caused by critical incident stress, overexertion and other workplace hazards

B. Firefighter Protective Clothing and Equipment

i. Protective Clothing

1. describe the standards set for personal protective clothing required for Ontario firefighters
2. describe the purpose, types and level of protection afforded by each article of personal protective clothing
3. describe the limitations of personal protective clothing
4. describe the procedures for donning and doffing personal protective clothing
5. describe the procedures for maintaining, storing, cleaning and inspecting personal protective clothing
6. describe the injuries that can occur when wearing protective clothing

ii. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

1. identify hazardous respiratory environments
2. describe the physiological effects of combustion gases on firefighters
3. identify appropriate sections of codes, standards, guidelines and acts which apply to users of SCBA
4. describe the various types of SCBA
5. identify and describe the component parts and characteristics of a positive pressure SCBA
6. describe the limitations of positive pressure SCBA
7. describe the emergency systems incorporated into positive pressure SCBA according to departmental guidelines
8. describe the factors which influence working time when wearing SCBA
9. describe the procedures for inspecting, cleaning, storing and maintaining SCBA according to manufacturers' instructions and departmental procedures
10. describe procedures for checking, donning, operating and doffing SCBA
11. describe safety and emergency procedures and methods when wearing SCBA based on manufacturers' specifications and departmental procedures

C. Fire Apparatus

i. Operation of Emergency Vehicles

1. identify provincial laws that govern the safe driving and operation of fire apparatus
2. describe the exclusions from the Highway Traffic Act that fire apparatus are permitted while responding to an emergency

ii. Application of Hydraulics

1. define the term "hydraulics" as it applies to the fire service
2. list the reasons for studying hydraulics
3. define common terminology used in fire department hydraulics
4. describe the properties of water
5. describe the methods of delivering water to the pump
6. describe types of pressure in a water system
7. describe common hose lays

iii. Pre and Post Incident Inspection

1. describe the procedures to conduct a pre and post incident equipment inspection
2. describe the steps required to conduct a specific operational check of each fire apparatus
3. describe the daily routine for maintaining and operating fire apparatus in accordance with recognized standards and manufacturers' supplied information
4. describe the procedures to return fire apparatus to service
5. describe the procedures for taking inventory, stowing and securing equipment on/in apparatus at both the station and fire scene, including items such as ladders, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hoses and appliances
6. describe the procedures to clean fire apparatus such as cab interiors, body panels, windows and other areas by using appropriate cleaning equipment and agents
7. describe the procedures to grease and lubricate apparatus components such as door hinges, control valves, and levers using appropriate lubricants
8. describe the procedures to perform light vehicle maintenance such as replacing light bulbs, wipers and fuses, and touching up painted surfaces

D. General Rescue: Principles and Practices

1. describe the procedure for sizing up an incident and overall situation involving rescue
2. describe the procedures and methods of stabilizing a scene requiring rescue operations
3. describe the methods for conducting a victim(s) search
4. describe different types of entrapping mechanisms and common principles and procedures of stabilization in rescue operations
5. describe how to assess and stabilize victim(s) in rescue situations by utilizing emergency patient care supplies and equipment
6. describe methods of providing means of egress from the entrapping mechanism and removing the stabilized victim(s) in rescue operations
7. describe common principles and procedures used to communicate with rescue team members using communications systems and terminology
8. identify the generic principles, practices and primary goals of the rescue process and operations
9. describe the personal protective clothing and equipment required in rescue operations
10. describe commonly used tools and equipment used in rescue(s) (manual and/or powered)
11. identify members of the emergency rescue team including their roles and responsibilities
12. identify safety, ethical, professional and legislative considerations of concern during rescue operations
13. describe the mental and physical conditions in which victim(s) are found during rescue operations
14. describe the occupational stress factors in rescue that effect the mental, physical and emotional states of the rescuer

Specific Skill Learning Outcomes

A. Firefighter Safety Practices

- perform fire safety practices within the Incident Management System

B. Firefighter Protective Clothing and Equipment

i. Protective Clothing

- don and doff firefighter protective clothing including such issued items as coat and pants, helmet, flash hood, boots and gloves so that they are correctly adjusted or fitted
- maintain, store, clean and inspect firefighter protective clothing including such issued items as coat and pants, helmet, flash hood, boots and gloves so that integrity of protective clothing is maintained

ii. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

- check, don, operate and doff self-contained breathing apparatus in 75 second according to manufacturers' specifications and department policies so that optimum respiratory protection is provided in a hostile environment
- demonstrate the procedures for inspecting, maintaining, cleaning and storing SCBA according to manufacturers' instructions and departmental procedures
- demonstrate emergency and safety procedures for apparatus malfunction according to manufacturers' instructions and departmental guidelines

C. Fire Apparatus

iii. Pre and Post Incident Inspection:

- clean fire apparatus such as cab interiors, body panels, windows and other areas by using appropriate cleaning equipment and agents so that the vehicle presents a positive public image and vehicle life is extended
- grease and lubricate apparatus components such as door hinges, control valves, and levers using appropriate lubricants so that unnecessary wear is reduced and the component is operational
- perform light vehicle maintenance such as replacing light bulbs, wipers and fuses, land touching up painted surfaces so that out-of-service time is minimized and the apparatus is maintained

D. General Rescue: Principles and Practices

- size-up a rescue incident and overall situation, anticipating alternative courses of action, noting hazards and environmental conditions
- stabilize a scene requiring rescue operations by taking necessary safety precautions, including crowd or traffic control and isolating hazards using warning devices, adequate lighting and scene stabilization procedures so that a safe working area is ensured
- conduct a search for victim(s) using appropriate equipment and rescue procedures so that the search is systematic and comprehensive
- stabilize entrapping mechanisms in rescue operations by using appropriate equipment and rescue procedures so that during the extrication, the entrapping mechanism remains stationary and minimize the potential for injuries to rescuer or victim(s)
- assess and stabilize victim(s) in rescue situations utilizing emergency patient care supplies and equipment so that life-threatening conditions are identified and treated, reassuring the victim(s), while properly securing and removing from the entrapping mechanism with minimum risk of further injury
- provide a means of egress from the entrapping mechanism by using rescue specific equipment and removing the stabilized victim(s) in rescue operations so that additional injuries are minimized during the removal process
- communicate with rescue team members using communications systems and terminology so that rescue evolutions are carried out safely and effectively

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.