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 FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING
Firefighters must continually train, because many of the emergencies we are expected to respond to do not occur very often and can be very serious in nature. In 2006, South Euclid firefighters spent a total of 5,703 hours training, which is an average of 172 hours of training per firefighter. Several firefighters had well over 200 hours of training and one firefighter had over 300 hours of training. Just to put this into perspective, the initial fire training at the Fire Academy is only 256 hours. In our profession, we must continually train to handle the wide variety of emergencies we might encounter.
In addition to the totals below, there were some special accomplishments in 2006, both by individuals and the department.
Live Structure Fire
In May, the entire department and a few members of neighboring fire departments conducted training at 2032 S. Green Road. This was a large house that was being razed to make room for a new pediatric physician’s office. The department conducted simulated fire attacks, ventilation drills, search and rescue drills, and rapid intervention drills. On May 22, 2006, the entire department conducted live fire scenarios. The training involved setting fires in various places in the house and conducting coordinated fire attacks. The training enabled our firefighters to train in live fire conditions, which is hard to accomplish. All the training was conducted according to national safety standards, resulting in one minor injury. The training was very valuable and makes our department better equipped and trained to respond to fires.
EMS Training
SEFD members receive extensive training in emergency medical responses. Every two months Dr. Spaner, who is our medical controller, reviews our previous calls looking for improvement and covers new material. Members are also required to complete extensive medical continuing education to keep their paramedic certifications and EMT certifications. Hillcrest Hospital also assists in monthly training. In addition, each shift conducts EMS training on a variety of topics.
Quick Drills
Shifts conduct a “quick drill” on every shift day. These are 15 – 20 minute drills on a wide variety of topics. This training is important to cover the little things and review items or tools rarely used. Shifts use this opportunity to take turns leading the training, and even the new firefighters will be conducting training.
Primary Topic
This is a selected topic that each shift covers. The class usually takes one or two days and there is one per month. Topics in 2006 included Multi-Company Response, Building Construction, NIMS, Search & Rescue and Team Oriented Evaluations.
Secondary Topic
These are once a month topics that support the primary topic. They often relate to tools and equipment or a specific tactic or strategy.
2006 Statistics
Total number of classes............................................................................ 755 Total number of attendees.................................................................... 4,473 Total number of hours........................................................................... 5,703.64 Classes not taken at SEFD, excluding continuing education.................. 101.00 Total number of hours of classes not taken at SEFD........................... 1,299.19 EMS training total hours....................................................................... 1,123.12 HASRT training total hours..................................................................... 210.50 Inspection and preplanning total hours.................................................... 262.36 Live burn total hours................................................................................ 272.00 Operational training................................................................................... 78.48 Primary training total hours.................................................................. 1,212.01 Quick drills total hours............................................................................ 645.33 Secondary training total hours................................................................. 261.07 Shift training total hours.......................................................................... 290.08 All other training total hours...................................................................... 49.50 Most number of training hours by one individual................................... 359.40 Most number of training sessions by one individual............................... 178
Instructors
Our classes are taught by a wide variety of instructors. Most of the classes are taught by shift officers. The shift officers are state certified instructors. They use their own lesson plans or lesson plans provided by the training bureau. In addition to the shift officers, shift members also conduct training such as Quick Drills and EMS training. They often have to research their material or rely on previous lessons and experience. Outside instructors are also used. Hillcrest Hospital provides a lot of EMS training to keep us current on methods and treatments. When members attend training outside the department, they often are receiving training from nationally recognized instructors. The success of our program is dependent on the dedication of our officers and instructors.
Cost of Nozzle - $600
Cost of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus - $4,000
Cost of one set of “Irons” - $375
Knowing how to use these tools at a house fire -
PRICELESS !!!
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