The Training Room

Firefighter Online Training Resources

 

Fire Engineering – Training Days

Training Days: Firefighter Training on Falling into a Body of Water

Firefighters must know what to do if they happen to fall into a body of water wearing full turnout gear. Tom Kiurski describes fire training in his department that teaches firefighters about the buoyancy of their gear.

Training Days: Thermal Imaging Cameras

Tom Kiurski discusses a recent fire training evolution he conducted with his department that allowed firefighters to get hands-on experience with thermal imagining cameras (TICs) in a realistic setting.

Training Days: Firefighter Rescue Drills

Tom Kiurski discusses how he helped conduct the Denver drill and a RIT drill for firefighter training in his department.

Training Days: Training at a Vacant House

Tom Kiurski writes about how his department secured a home about to be torn down for firefighter training evolutions, including a laddering scenario and some ventilation practice.

 

Simulations

Fire Engineering Simulation: Row Home Kitchen Fire (or Meth Lab)

Fire Engineering Simulation: Bus Accident Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)

Fire Engineering Residential Fire Simulation: High-Rise Dormitory Fire

Fire Engineering Simulation: Bedroom Fire

Fire Engineering Simulation: Deli Fire

Pump Operator Simulation: The Basics

Commercial Taxpayer Fire Simulation

Hazmat simulation: Automobile vs. Tank Car

Residential fire simulation: Wood frame, asphalt siding

December Simulation: Fast Food Restaurant Fire

November Simulation: Row house fire

October simulation: Garage fire

Fire Engineering Simulations: It's Your Call

 

Fire Engineering – Training Articles

Conflicting Radio Reports on the Fireground - Fire Engineering
... chief and a citywide tour commander. He is the former chief-in-charge of the Training Division. Terpak lectures around the country ...

Ten Tips to Prepare for the Next Alarm - Fire Engineering
... (Photos by author.). 2 Check your own SCBA at the start of each shift. Some departments rely on the driver/operator to do so for each position. ...

Attacking a Brownstone Fire - Fire Engineering
Attacking a Brownstone Fire. Dec 1, 2010. By MICHAEL M. DUGAN. Scenario: On YOUR arrival, a large volume of fire is showing on the ...

Advanced School Bus Extrication - Fire Engineering
... techniques to remove windows, windshields, and doors on school buses are considered more basic, but they, too, require additional training in addition to what ...

Size Up Before You Search - Fire Engineering
... The insufficient staffing levels in many departments have led to delays in conducting interior searches as more emphasis is placed on using the available ...

Searching Single-Family Dwellings - Fire Engineering
... All departments must conduct realistic, creative, and challenging search operation drills to prepare firefighters for the difficulty of private dwelling ...

Drill: Fire in the Attic Space - Fire Engineering
... The other problem departments have with buildings like this is communication as it pertains to the fire’s location. Is it on the third floor or in the attic? ...

What Are Your Weak Links? - Fire Engineering
... WEAK LINKS. After the symposium, I began thinking, “What weak links do other departments have
ť Here are some weak links that could lead to mission failure. ...

Keeping the Pressure On - Fire Engineering
... He is the author of the forthcoming FireNotes: Engine Company Operator (Fire Department Training Network). More Fire Engineering Issue Articles. ...

Creating Your Own Training Facility - Fire Engineering
... In a nutshell, fire departments need a training facility because practice makes perfect, prevents mistakes, and brings firefighters home to the firehouse and ...

Drill: Private Dwelling Fire - Fire Engineering
Drill: Private Dwelling Fire. Mar 1, 2010. By MICHAEL M. DUGAN. Scenario: Your engine company arrives on-scene at a building fire and ...

Instructional Demonstrations - Fire Engineering
Instructional Demonstrations. Feb 1, 2010. By KURT GLOSSER. Most fire service training focuses on enabling firefighters to perform certain tasks. ...

Inspect Your Nozzles - Fire Engineering
... He is featured in Training Minutes on engine company operations on www.FireEngineering.com. He is the founder of liveburntraining ...

Trimming a Window - Fire Engineering
... Editor’s note: For a video demonstration of trimming a window, go to www.fireengineering.com and view “Training Minutes—Season 3.â€
ť. ...

Garden Apartment and Townhouse Fires - Fire Engineering
Garden Apartment and Townhouse Fires. Nov 1, 2009. By TOM DONNELLY. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, when housing was in incredible ...

Making Preconnects Work - Fire Engineering
... We have to do more with less, like a lot of departments. ... Windsor Heights (IA) Fire Department, and field instructor for the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau. ...

Train for School Bus Emergencies - Fire Engineering
... during the training? Each rescue truck should have at least 25 nine-inch metal-cutting blades for every saw. Are surrounding departments’ radios interoperable ...

Training for Railroad Emergencies - Fire Engineering
Training for Railroad Emergencies. Jun 1, 2009. By JEFF SIMPSON. ... He is the lead FDIC HOT instructor for the Training for Railroad Emergencies—Advanced class. ...

The Orientation Pause - Fire Engineering
The Orientation Pause. May 1, 2009. By DAVID DeSTEFANO. Lost and disoriented firefighters are among the most common reasons for FAST ...

Rapid Reps at the Recruit Academy - Fire Engineering
... These departments all send recruits to this comprehensive 16-week academy where instructors are also these departments’ training officers. ...

Fire Engineering – Firefighters Support Foundation

Firefighter Training Program: New Free Fire/EMS Response to Civil Unrest Training Available

Civil unrest events are becoming more prevalent and FD and EMS units are playing a greater role in responding to them. Presented by August Vernon, this free firefighter training program consists of a 40-minute video and customizable PowerPoint presentation.

New Free Emergency Incident Rehabilitation Program Available

The Firefighters Support Foundation’s (FSF) newest training program, Emergency Incident Rehabilitation, is now available free by download. This program consists of a 30-minute video presentation and a 90-slide PowerPoint presentation.

New Free A New Way to Lift Video Seminar Available

The Firefighters Support Foundation has released its newest free program, A New Way to Lift, in which presenter James Shaw explains how to use the principles of Tai Chi and other eastern disciplines as well as the principles of sound biomechanics to lift heavy objects from the odd positions that firefighters encounter every day.

New Free Meth Labs, Meth Lab Response, and Meth Users Program Available

The Firefighters Support Foundation has released Meth Labs, Meth Lab Response, and Meth Users. This free one hour video program and 100-slide PowerPoint presentation familiarizes public safety personnel about: how to recognize a lab if you are approaching one or are in one, how to recognize a dangerous meth user, the chemicals used in clandestine meth manufacture, and what to do if you encounter a user or lab.

Free Firefighter Training: When A Child Dies on A Call

The Firefighters Support Foundation (FSF) offers a 20-minute firefighter training program presented by Dr. Anne Bisek that deals with first responder psychological issues when a child dies during an incident.

Free Firefighter Training: Dealing with a Line-of-Duty Death

Download a free 50-minute video program from the Firefighters Support Foundation in which Dr. Ellen Kirschman discusses issues regarding firefighter line-of-duty deaths (LODDs).

Free Firefighter Training: Bombs, Bomb Response, and Suicide Bombers

This free training program from Firefighters Support Foundation includes more than a dozen open-source documents full of information on handling all aspects of this kind of event, from communications to hazmat to tactics, as well as videos on bombing response.

Free Firefighter Training: Response to Mass Shooting Events

Mass shooting events are becoming more common, and the response to them involves every public safety agency for miles around. This free training program from Firefighters Support Foundation details the actions that firefighters and EMS agencies can take to prepare themselves for this all-too-likely event, and the actions they can take when the event occurs.

Free Firefighter Training: Evidence Preservation

This free firefighter training program from the Firefighters Support Foundation addresses all aspects of preserving evidence at fire, medical, and rescue scenes.

Free Firefighter Training: When to Seek Theraphy

In this free 30-minute training program from the Firefighters Support Foundation, Dr. Anne Bisek, a psychologist practicing in Fremont, California, discusses questions she has found that first responders often have about seeking therapy.

Free Firefighter Training: After Action Self-Evaluations

This free training program from the Firefighters Support Foundation presents a disarmingly simple continuous-improvement method that is widely used in the business world but so far hasn't been much adopted by the public safety sector.

Free Firefighter/EMT Self-Defense Program Available

The Firefighters Support Foundation’s (FSF) newest training program, Self-Defense for Firefighters and EMTs, is now available free by download.

Fire Engineering – Firefighters Support Foundation - Downloads

Emergency Incident Rehabilitation

Meth Labs Response

Self Defense for EMTs and Firefighters

After Action Self-Evaluations

Dealing with a Line-of-Duty Death (LODD)

Preparation for and Response to Mass-Shooting Events

Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) Overview

Fire/EMS Response to Civil Unrest

A New Way to Lift

When a Child Dies on a Call

When to Seek Therapy

Evidence Preservation

Bombs, Bomb Response, and Suicide Bombers

More PDF Downloads

  • New Hazmat Danger for First Responders
    There's a new "designer" way to commit suicide that poses great danger for all first responders. This document gives you the details.
  • Mumbai Learning Points
    The terrorist attack on Mumbai provided several learning points of all public safety personnel.
  • Explosions and Explosives Calls
    Here's a short summary of what to do and what to look for as you approach and and you respond to calls for explosives and explosions.

All files are absolutely free to download or view. For more information, visit the Firefighters Support Foundation Web site.

 

Training Days: School Bus Accident
Take one donated bus, block the main door with a crashed car, mix in some smoke and moulaged high school students, and you have the makings of a great drill. Tom Kiurski describes a school bus crash drill his department conducted.

Construction Concerns: Remodeling
When houses and other buildings are remodeled, modern manufactured construction materials are often used instead of the materials used in the original construction. Greg Havel examines firefighting hazards in structures that have undergone remodeling jobs.

 

Fire Engineering University
Take firefighter training courses and earn continuing education credits online at www.fireengineeringuniversity.com.

 

IAFF Online Learning Modules

Pandemic Influenza
As a first responder, you will need to know how to protect yourself against a pandemic flu outbreak. This module explores the characteristics of the Avian and pandemic flu, how to protect yourself against influenza and offers tools for assisting your department in developing a plan for a potential pandemic in your community.

First Responder Operations: Every Call Is a Potential HazMat Incident
This introductory module is first in a series designed to teach you an approach to handling emergency incidents that will reduce your risk to the lowest possible level when dealing with hazardous materials.

NFPA 1710: A Standard for Every Professional Fire Department
In this module, you will learn how NFPA 1710 establishes minimum requirements for a safe and effective emergency
response system to protect professional fire fighters, emergency medical responders and the communities they serve.

Fitness on the Front Line: Staying Prepared
Every day, you make choices that affect your health and job performance. This module will follow a fire fighter through a shift during which you can explore some of those choices.

Weapons of Mass Destruction: An Introduction
In this module, you'll learn that WMD incidents are most often HazMat incidents caused by malicious intent. You'll also learn to recognize the additional concerns a WMD incident adds to a traditional HazMat incident identify the four main types of WMD incidents and recognize your community's susceptibility.

Getting the Most From Your Gear
This second module in the FRO series covers the proper use and limitations of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Structural Fire Fighter Protective Clothing (SFPC).

How Toxins Attack: You, Your Crew and Your Family
In order to understand how to avoid toxic exposure, you need to know how and where it occurs. This module shows you how to help prevent secondary contamination at work and at home.

Routine Personal Decontamination: Getting Clean and Staying Healthy
This module explains when and how first responders should decontaminate after routine calls. (This module is currently undergoing technical updates)

Reporting Exposure: How a Sheet of Paper Can Help Guard Your Health
No one likes talking about potential health problems, but you should think of exposure reports like automotive insurance: you don't want to get in a wreck, you try to avoid a wreck, but you still have insurance, just in case. This module describes why, when and how first responders should file exposure reports to insure their health.

 

NIOSH Safety Quizzes

Fire Fighter Safety issues. If you want the specific answer, or view the full report, simply click on the individual publication listed with each question or go to the NIOSH fire fighter home web site for any relevant publication.

Safety Quiz Instructions page for new quizzes.

 

 

Training Modules:

USFA Web-based course on lightweight construction

Training Media:

Ventilation

Natural Ventilation

Positive Pressure Ventilation

Flashover

backdraft

Backdraft1

Backdraft2

Backdraft3

Chicago Ridge House Fire Flashover

Flashover in Texas 2007

Backdraft & Flashover

Backdraft in Vermont

Houston Firefighter Mayday 1

Houston Firefighter Mayday 2

Fire Engine sounds horn. Get out!!!

Saving Firefighter Ryan

Safety Quiz #1

Safety Quiz #14

Safety Quiz #27

Safety Quiz #40

 

 

Safety Quiz #2

Safety Quiz #15

Safety Quiz #28

Safety Quiz #41

 

Safety Quiz #3

Safety Quiz #16

Safety Quiz #29

Safety Quiz #42

 

Safety Quiz #4

Safety Quiz #17

Safety Quiz #30

Safety Quiz #43

 

Safety Quiz #5

Safety Quiz #18

Safety Quiz #31

Safety Quiz #44

 

Safety Quiz #6

Safety Quiz #19

Safety Quiz #32

Safety Quiz #45

 

Safety Quiz #7

Safety Quiz #20

Safety Quiz #33

Safety Quiz #46

 

Safety Quiz #8

Safety Quiz #21

Safety Quiz #34

Safety Quiz #47

 

Safety Quiz #9

Safety Quiz #22

Safety Quiz #35

Safety Quiz #48

 

Safety Quiz #10

Safety Quiz #23

Safety Quiz #36

Safety Quiz #49

 

Safety Quiz #11

Safety Quiz #24

Safety Quiz #37

 

 

Safety Quiz #12

Safety Quiz #25

Safety Quiz #38

 

 

Safety Quiz #13

Safety Quiz #26

Safety Quiz #39

 

 

 

Everyone Goes Home – Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives

Driving Safety Is an Attitude

Have You Taken the Seatbelt Pledge?

Reading Smoke

Mayday and Rapid Intervention Teams

You Can Prevent Line-of-Duty Deaths

Not Worth the Gamble

Fit to Fight

Knocking Down Cultural Barriers

Big City, Small Town - LODDs Affect Us All

His Experience - Your Opportunity

2008 Presentation Archive:

» Courage to Be Safe® - A Trainer Responds: View | Download
» Peer Pressure Touches All of Us: View | Download
» Improving Your Theory of the Situation: View | Download
» Avoiding Disorientation Hazard: View | Download
» It's All in Our Hands - View | Download
» Fire Is - View | Download
» Lessons: Under Utilized Opportunities - View | Download
» A Presentation of Hope - View | Download
» Can We Change? Will We Benefit? - View | Download
» 10 Cones of Hwy. Safety - View | Download
» Driving Apparatus - Part 1 - View | Download
» Driving Apparatus - Part 2 - View | Download
» NIOSH Report: Firefighter LODD (TN) - View | Download
» NIOSH Report: Firefighter LODD (LA) - View | Download
» MRSA: Super bugs Against the Fire Service - View | Download

2007 Presentation Archive:

» The Same Mistakes - The Same Results - View | Download
» Attitude Awareness & Driving - View | Download
» Root Causes of FF Injuries & Deaths - View | Download
» The Time is Now...Empowerment - View | Download
» Changing the Nation's Fire Svc. (Part I) - View | Download
» Changing the Nation's Fire Svc. (Part II) - View | Download
» Turn Out For Life - View | Download
» Safety Through Leadership (Part I) - View | Download
» Safety Through Leadership (Part II) - View | Download
» Initiative 1: Overview and Culture - View | Download
» Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives 1 - 4 - View | Download
» Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives 5 - 8 - View | Download
» Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives 9 - 12 - View | Download
» Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives 13 - 16 - View | Download

Firefighter Spot – Home of the Best Firefighting Video

Training Section

Extinguisher Goes Off in Cab
http://www.firefighterspot.com/2007/...inguisher.html

FDNY Apparatus Close Call
http://www.firefighterspot.com/2007/...ueeze-and.html

Tractor Trailer VRS Fire Engine
http://www.firefighterspot.com/2007/...r-trailer.html

Air Bag Close Call During Car Fire
http://www.firefighterspot.com/2007/...o-air-bag.html

Overhaul Bad Communications Close Call
http://www.firefighterspot.com/2007/...lose-call.html

Size Up is Great, But No Gear???
http://www.firefighterspot.com/2007/...u-wearing.html

Click here for all of them:
http://www.firefighterspot.com/search/label/Mishap

 

Firefighter Close Calls

STRUCTURAL

APPARATUS/VEHICLE/HIGHWAY

WILDLAND

TRAINING/DRILLS

HAZMAT

RESCUE/EMS

MISCELLANEOUS

The Secret List

Weekly Fire Drills

Fire Radio Communications

Safety and Survival

Videos

Vent Enter Search

Building Construction

Gear

Inside Functions

Outside Functions

Pockets

Product Reviews

Props

Random

Special Ops

Tips

Videos

 

Fire Quizzes – Based on exams and quizzes from firefighter exam preparation guides

Firefighter Basics – Quiz 1

Firefighter Basics – Quiz 2

Fire Behavior Quiz 1

Fire Behavior Quiz 4

Water Supply Quiz

Fire Hose & Appliances Quiz

Ropes & Knots Quiz

Ropes & Knots Quiz 2

Salvage, Overhaul, & Fire Cause Determination Quiz

 

ENGINE COMPANY

The Attack Handline, Part 1 by Captain Charles A. Gibbs

The Attack Handline, Part 2 by Captain Charles A. Gibbs

TRUCK COMPANY

First In Truck by Brian Bastinelli

Truck Company Work, Is It Worth The Commitment? By Bryan Kelly

Casement Windows by Captain Charles A. Gibbs

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Operating in Computer Data Centers Part 1 By Chuck Strouse

Why Study Building Construction By Captain Charles A. Gibbs

Building Fire and Structural Failure By Captain Charles A. Gibbs

Roof Collapse By Captain Charles A. Gibbs

Has the Fire Service Truly Embraced Automatic Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems By Richard Merck

SIZE UP

When Does Size-Up Truly Begin? By Bryan Kelly

Knowing Your Due By Tim Hanson

Knowing Your Due, Part 2 By Chuck Strouse

RAPID INTERVENTION TEAMS

Rapid Intervention Team Basics by Bryan Kelly

RIT- For The Special Service or Not? By John Gorman

COMPANY OFFICER

The Company Officer, Part 1 By Captain Charles A. Gibbs

FIRE PREVENTION

Fire Prevention Techniques By John Gorman

GENERAL

Resolutions by Brian Bastinelli

Applied Research Techniques By John Gorman

What’s In Your Toolbox by R.B. Weaver

 

Magnesium: A Primer

Magnesium metal and alloys are highly flammable in their pure form when molten, as a powder, or in ribbon form. Burning or molten magnesium metal reacts violently with water. Magnesium powder is an explosive hazard.

Magnesium is a highly flammable metal, but while it is easy to ignite when powdered or shaved into thin strips, it is difficult to ignite in mass or bulk. Once ignited, it is difficult to extinguish, being able to burn in both nitrogen  (forming magnesium nitride), and carbon dioxide (forming magnesium oxide and carbon). On burning in air, magnesium produces a brilliant white light. Thus magnesium powder (flash powder) was used as a source of illumination in the early days of photography. Later, magnesium ribbon was used in electrically ignited flash bulbs. Magnesium powder is used in the manufacture of fireworks and marine flares where a brilliant white light is required.

Magnesium is flammable, burning at a temperature of approximately 2500 K (2200 °C, 4000 °F), and the autoignition temperature of magnesium is approximately 744 K (473 °C, 883 °F) in air. The extremely high temperature at which magnesium burns makes it a handy tool for starting emergency fires during outdoor recreation. Other related uses include flashlight photography, flares, pyrotechnics, fireworks sparklers, and incendiary bombs.

Vermont Backdraft Shows Potential For Disaster

 

Hydrogen Cars: A Primer For Firefighters

There are currently about 200 hydrogen-fueled vehicles in the United States – mostly in California. Most of these vehicles are buses and automobiles powered by electric motors. They store hydrogen gas or liquid on board and convert the hydrogen into electricity for the motor using a fuel cell. Only a few of these vehicles burn the hydrogen directly (producing almost no pollution).

Hydrogen vehicles are starting to move from the laboratory to the road. One California family has recently leased a hydrogen car for personal use. The U.S. postal service, a package delivery company, a few Florida Park rangers, and a few private utility companies are also using hydrogen vehicles. It will probably be at least 10 years, though, before you can walk into your local car dealer and drive away in an affordable hydrogen-powered car.
Even then, you will need a place to refuel your hydrogen car. Currently, there are about 25 hydrogen-refueling stations nationwide. This is the so-called “chicken and egg” problem that hydrogen developers are working hard to solve. Namely: who will buy hydrogen cars if there are no refueling stations? And who will pay to build a refueling station if there are no cars and customers?
One possible solution is to eliminate refueling stations entirely. Automobile manufacturers have already designed a refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator for your garage that works off electricity.  Consumers would simply refill their cars with hydrogen each night while it is parked.

CloseCall and Safety101 - Invaluable!

At the recent Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) Annual Safety Forum in Orlando, FL Fairfax Battalion Chief John Gleske (BC02/A) delivered a two-part seminar on incident safety. They were titled Safety 101 & Close Call/Hazard Investigation ~ The following topics covered were: Risk Management/Risk Analysis, PPE Inspection, Size-up, Enroute Considerations, Arrival Considerations, On scene Operations, Communications, Accountability, Rehabilitation, and Post Incident Critiques. The second half of the program discusses how to set up a close call/hazard investigation program with an outline to describe the benefits of the program.

Safety 101 (23mb) --- Close Call/Hazard Investigation (8mb

 

Trapped!

An excerpt of the LA Times article found here - As flames roared up the incline, they opened the nozzle, but found, to their horror, that no water was coming out. The hose had burned through, as had the others they tried.

With no place to escape and the fire about to overtake them, someone gave the order "Deploy your emergency packs" -- metallic, fireproof coverings called "shake 'n' bakes" by the firefighters. The eerie sight of the huddled firefighters was captured in a photo that appeared in Tuesday's edition of The Times. It was the first time the emergency packs had been deployed by firefighters in Orange County.

Click here to view a slideshow and audio of the FF's during this incident. Pay particular attention to the communication.

 

Additional Training Links

Maryland Fire Rescue Institute
Great source for training information and lesson plans for fire instructors.

Vincent Dunn
Homepage of Vincent Dunn - Deputy Chief - FDNY (Retired)

Firehouse Training LIVE
Have a guest instructor teach
a class right through your computer! Live and archived training sessions hosted by Firehouse. COM. Great website to use in training drills with your department!

U.S. Fire Administration
United States Fire Administration

National Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System
Reports of firefighter near misses from around the country.

Responder Safety
Created as a Committee of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association, the Institute serves as an informal advisory panel of public safety leaders committed to reducing deaths and injuries to America's Emergency Responders.

Rico Fire Safety
The RICOFIRERESCUE web site and the hands-on courses are a not for profit organization dedicated to proactive training in the areas of firefighter rescue and survival.

Fire Engineering
Fire Engineering Magazine - Training the Fire Service

Firehouse.com
Firehouse Magazine's online resource for firefighters.

 

 

Union Fire Company