FIR003 - Fire Ground Operations I

Subject Title
Fire Ground Operations I

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 two sections: A) Incident Management System i. Introduction to the Incident Management System ii. Introduction to Size-Up iii. Introduction to Decision Making iv. Introduction to Fire Cause Determination v. Introduction to Post Incident Analysis and Review and B) Fire Ground Communications

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. Incident Management System

i. Introduction to the Incident Management System

1. describe the need for an Incident Management System in emergency response
2. describe the objectives, benefits and purpose of an Incident Management System
3. describe the levels of command within an Incident Management System and the role of each command level
4. describe the analysis and decision making process used by officers on the emergency scene
5. identify the tactical priorities used by the Incident Commander to help develop strategy
6. identify the benchmark code words used to signify the attainment of a tactical priority
7. describe the role of the firefighter in an Incident Management System
8. describe the firefighter safety practices in the Incident Management System

ii. Introduction to Size-Up

1. describe the process of scanning, assessment and size-up in an emergency situation

iii. Introduction to Decision Making

1. describe the problem solving process and different decision making models
2. describe the decision making process used by command officers to plan their strategy on the fire ground
3. describe the strategies and tactics used by command officers

iv. Introduction to Fire Cause Determination

1. describe the role of the firefighter in determining fire cause
2. describe the incidence of arson
3. describe the legal and ethical considerations involved with on scene responsibilities of the firefighter
4. describe observations that should be noted on route to a fire
5. describe how to make observations upon arrival at the fire scene
6. describe how to recognize abnormal situations before and during fire suppression that would assist in determining the origin and cause of the fire
7. describe how to identify information pertaining to potential witnesses (at the fire scene and listen to their comments) regarding origin and cause of the fire
8. describe how to recognize, collect and preserve evidence from a fire during a scene examination
9. describe indicators that a fire may be of incendiary origin
10. describe indicators of fire spread
11. describe the ways to locate the fire's point of origin

v. Introduction to Post Incident Analysis and Review

1. describe the purpose and benefits of post incident analysis and review
2. describe the procedure involved, roles of participants and required documentation
3. list the expected outcomes of conducting a review
4. describe the role of critical incident stress management in post incident analysis

B. Fire Ground Communications

This section deals with fire ground communications and the role of the firefighter.
1. describe fire department radio procedures including radio language (10 code/common language)
2. describe methods of alerting fire department personnel
3. describe the standard information transmitted to and from an emergency situation

Specific Skill Learning Outcomes

A. Incident Management System

i. Introduction to the Incident Management System

1. perform fire safety practices within the Incident Management System

ii. Introduction to Size-Up

1. demonstrate size-up skills required to assist in operational decision making by using supplied information and observations such as weather, time of day and type of occupancy so that the fire can be quickly and effectively extinguished

iii. Introduction to Decision Making

1. demonstrate problem solving skills in a specific fire situation

iv. Introduction to Fire Cause Determination

1. demonstrate observation skills related to incendiary fire before, during and after firefighting
2. demonstrate collecting, preserving and recording evidence
3. demonstrate securing a fire scene
4. demonstrate establishing and maintaining a fire watch

B. Fire Ground Communications

1. operate mobile and portable radios including receiving or transmitting messages, using correct departmental procedures including radio language (10 code/common language) so that messages are clear and concise

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