FIR001 - Introduction to the Fire Service and Life Safety Programs

Outline information
Semester
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Last revision date 2024-01-29 01:08:32.482
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:07.212

Subject Title
Introduction to the Fire Service and Life Safety Programs

Subject Description
This subject provides an overview of the Ontario Fire Service, the professionalization process for firefighters in Ontario, fire and emergency services organizations, and the roles and responsibilities of employees. In particular, it focuses on the knowledge, attitudes and skills required of a professional firefighter. In addition, legislation and firefighter safety practices are emphasized. This subject is divided into three sections: A) Professionalization Process and the Role of the Firefighter in Ontario, B) Fire/Emergency Services Organization, and C) Fire Behaviour and the Chemistry of Combustion.

Credit Status
One credit in 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. Professionalization Process and the Role of the Firefighter in Ontario

1. describe the historical development of the Ontario Fire Service to present day status
2. discuss the paradigm of Progress Report, standards for all roles in the fire service, Professional Standards Setting Body, Certification, Endorsement Review Board and the role of the Office of the Fire Marshal Trainer/Facilitator
3. describe current trends, emerging issues, new directions, and evolving roles in the fire service and emergency services
4. describe the ethical, legal and safety requirements of today's professional firefighter
5. describe the provincial and municipal legislation pertaining to the establishment, governance and operation of municipal fire departments
6. describe the responsibilities and requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as Health and Safety Guidelines for Ontario's fire service as they apply to fire departments
7. discuss how the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA) impacts on the province, the Office of the Fire Marshal and the responsibilities of municipalities
8. discuss how other provincial legislation such as the Highway Traffic Act and municipal by-laws affect the fire/emergency services department and firefighters
9. describe the relationship between the fire department and municipal councils and the relationship with the Office of the Fire Marshal
10. describe the role of the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Office of the Fire Marshal and the Ontario Fire College
11. identify and describe the roles of unions and professional associations in the fire service
12. describe the provincial ministries and municipal services that interact with fire departments
13. describe the composition of the fire service across the province of Ontario
14. identify the roles and responsibilities associated with recruits through to first class firefighters
15. identify components of employee selection and general hiring practices including best practices for a successful interview
16. describe the fitness requirements for firefighters and an individualized health fitness maintenance program
17. describe strategies and techniques to gain employment as a full-time firefighter
18. describe the specific stress factors experienced by the firefighter
19. describe the role of the Health and Safety Guidelines for Ontario's fire service when functioning in the role of the first responder at emergency situations
20. begin the initial steps in the professionalization process as a new recruit in order to meet the ethical, legal, and safety requirements inherent in professional practice
21. describe methods of maintaining professional currency
22. describe the Ontario Fire Service Education Plan and Career Path

B. Fire/Emergency Services Organization

1. describe the goals, responsibilities and accountability of municipalities in providing fire and life safety to their communities
2. describe the organizational structure of a full-time, composite and volunteer department
3. identify the organizational structure and functional divisions in a fire/emergency services department
4. identify the role of the Chief Officer and management in the fire department
5. describe the roles and responsibilities and accountabilities of various fire department personnel
6. identify the roles and responsibilities associated with recruit through to first class position of firefighter
7. describe the various ways citizen's report a fire or other emergency requiring a tiered response
8. describe staff, facilities, operations and equipment located in a fire service dispatch/communication centre
9. describe integrated fire department communications systems

C. Fire Behaviour and Chemistry of Combustion

1. define fire
2. explain the elements of the fire triangle and the fire tetrahedron and their relationship to one another - fuel - oxygen - heat - molecular chain reaction
3. describe the five sources of heat energy
4. describe the effects of heat on solid, liquid and gaseous fuels
5. define these terms relating to fire:
A. flash point
B. fire point
C. ignition temperature
6. define and describe the stages of fire
7. define the four methods of heat transfer
8. describe the nature of the products of combustion produced during a fire
9. describe the factors that influence the production of toxic gases
10. identify the most common combustion gases produced during a fire and describe their source and effect on fire
11. describe the physical properties of each of the common combustion gases
12. define the following terms relating to fire:
A. backdraft
B. flashover
C. rollover
D. pyrolsis
13. identify the four classes of fire and give two examples of fuels in each class
14. describe the burning characteristics of the four classes of fire
15. describe common fire service extinguishing agents
16. describe the extinguishing agents appropriate to each class of fire along with the advantages/disadvantages of each
17. describe the ways different types of building construction affect fire behaviour
18. identify structural features which influence fire spread and safety
19. describe the influence of the following factors on total fire safety:
A. location of building
B. occupancy
C. exterior exposure
D. potential for mechanical damage to fire protection material

Specific Skill Learning Outcomes

A. Professionalization Process and the Role of the Firefighter in Ontario
- use critical thinking skills to analyze an emergency situation case scenario
- research career options within the fire service and develop a personal education plan and career path for the next ten years

Academic Integrity
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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
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Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
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