HomeMy WebLinkAboutTFFD Probationary Firefighter Knowledge Development Handbook Edited 2-2023
Twin Falls Fire Department
PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTER
Knowledge
Development Handbook
INTRODUCTION
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSIBILITIES
1. As a firefighter, it is important to clearly understand that it is your personal responsibility to
prove to the satisfaction of your officers that you qualify for this position. Your officers will
guide you but will not push you through. They will assist in every way possible by instructing,
explaining, demonstrating, and answering your questions. Officers will not coax, urge, or
otherwise persuade you to succeed. You must provide the initiative. You must prepare yourself
for all performance drills and evaluations.
2. This training program represents the minimum scope of the basic knowledge and practical skills
that must be acquired by a firefighter to complete the probationary period. It is the expectation
that all sections will be completed prior to taking the final exam.
3. Your knowledge and skills will be evaluated by your Battalion Chief, Company Officers, and/or
Training Officer throughout this period.
4. Your answers to questions and inventories must be your own. Copying is only cheating yourself.
5. To maintain uniformity, you will prepare your own personal “Reference Handbook” as follows:
a. This handbook will be included in your provided three-ring binder.
b. Each section will be completed on the computer and printed on standard paper. You will
be provided with a hard copy of the knowledge development handbook to write your
answers in, but the final form will be put into an electronic copy and submitted to
Training. You are strongly encouraged to use a department computer to complete the
handbook. Use of the computer will develop greater computer literacy.
c. Provide sectional dividers with identification tabs so that each section may be easily
referred to.
d. Each section will be confined to the material and information pertinent to that section.
e. The firefighter will provide resource references for answers to all questions. This does
not need to be a formal reference list, however putting IFSTA if it is out of the book,
name of website or magazine, or a weblink to an article.
6. Handbooks will always be available for your reference or inspection and examination by your
Company Officer or the Training Officer.
7. After completing of performance drills, the firefighter will get the necessary sign-off from the
Company Officer.
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8. Your Company Officer is the best source of information and will help in every way possible.
COMPANY OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Company Officer is responsible to see that the firefighter is trained for all evaluations.
2. When inspecting the handbook, examine for the following:
a. Progress in completion
b. Correctness and quality of information
c. Legibility and neatness
3. Other drills and learning sessions are at the discretion of the Company Officer for other subjects.
All questions regarding the format and administration of this handbook may be referred to the Training
Officer.
I have read and understand the process for completion of this handbook.
Probationary Firefighter
(Print) _______________________________________
(Sign) _______________________________________
PFF’s Company Officer
(Print) _______________________________________
(Sign) _______________________________________
Reviewing Training Officer
(Print) _______________________________________
(Sign) _______________________________________
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FIRE DEPARTMENT AND CITY ADMINISTRATION
1. What is the TFFD mission statement and values statement? Where is it located?
2. What is the meaning of “One City”?
3. Where is the City Handbook located? What does it cover?
4. What is the City policy on drug use and alcoholic beverages?
5. What is the Collective Bargaining Agreement? Where is it located? What fire department issues
does it address?
6. What is the chain of command within the department? Within the City?
7. What is the proper dialog when answering the phone at the fire station?
8. Where are the phone numbers for the substations and cell phones? City phone list?
9. What actions should you take if you receive a complaint from a citizen by phone?
10. What is the unwritten policy on personal phone calls while on duty?
11. What is the unwritten policy regarding a request for another employee’s personal phone number?
12. How do you obtain training materials or request a class through the department?
13. What should a probationary firefighter say to the media if asked any questions?
14. Who should speak to the media?
15. Provide an organizational flow chart of our department. Provide a brief description of the
responsibilities of each of the following ranks that apply:
a. Fire Chief
b. Battalion Chiefs
c. Fire Investigators
d. Training Officer
e. Captains
f. Firefighters
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FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. Where do you access fire department policies and procedures?
2. Summarize the department’s uniform policy for firefighters. Describe when it would be
appropriate to wear different parts of the uniform (dress down to t-shirt, wear a red KLIM coat,
etc.). Describe procedure for getting replacement uniform clothing if damaged.
3. Summarize the department’s grooming policy.
4. What is the department policy on physical fitness?
5. Summarize the department’s policy on apparatus checks. Who should you tell if a problem is
found? How would you document a problem?
6. What are the proper procedures to follow if you are sick for a work shift?
7. How does the disciplinary process work?
8. Describe how you would be called in the event of a large incident, and how to report for duty on
callback.
9. What is the department policy for use of electronic communication (email, text) and the internet?
10. What is the process for creating new policies in our department? Who authorizes them?
11. What should you do if you are injured on duty or exposed to a blood borne pathogen?
12. What is the name of our training management system? How do you access it?
13. What is your responsibility if you know a violation of the policies or procedures?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Administration and Policies
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Demonstrate how to access the City Handbook
Demonstrate where to locate department and City
phone numbers
Demonstrate where to locate fire department
policies and procedures
Demonstrate how to answer a fire station phone
and dial out using a fire station phone
Demonstrate how to use TimeclockPlus (clock in
and out, approve hours, request time off)
Demonstrate how to use TargetSolutions
Draw/design an organizational flow chart for
department structure
Demonstrate how to access the Collective
Bargaining Agreement
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FIREFIGHTER SAFETY
1. What is the department policy that covers firefighter health and safety? Summarize.
2. What is the department policy regarding use and care of personal protective equipment?
3. What is the minimum safety equipment for responding to a structure fire? Hazardous materials
incident?
4. What do the terms evacuate, withdraw, and abandon mean on an emergency scene?
5. What is the department policy regarding operating motor vehicles?
6. What is the department policy regarding seatbelts?
7. What is a Rapid Intervention Crew? When is it used?
8. What is a Mayday? How should it be implemented? What are the responsibilities of the other
resources on scene?
9. How do you use the emergency button on the portable radios? When should it be used?
10.9. Describe the materials and construction of turnout gear. How do we care for it? What
should be done if it is damaged?
11.10. What type of SCBA does our department use?
12.11. How do we refill empty air bottles?
13.12. What is the procedure for placing an SCBA out of service?
14.13. What are the specifications of our SCBA?
a. Capacity of air bottle (volume, pressure, estimated working time)
b. Construction of air bottle and pack
c. PASS alarm and low air alarm
d. Bypass operation
e. Bottle gauge and regulator gauge accuracy
15.14. What is the policy regarding SCBA use on scene? What is an IDLH environment?
16.15. When is it safe to doff your SCBA on a fireground?
17.16. What tools do we use to ensure the atmosphere is safe?
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18.17. What does PASS stand for?
19.18. How is a PASS activated and deactivated? When should you activate it?
20.19. How does physical conditioning affect the usefulness of an SCBA?
21.20. What is air management? What are the different techniques for air management?
22.21. What should you do in the event you run out of air in a fire environment?
23.22. What is the procedure if you find a civilian in an IDLH environmentenvironment, and
they are choking and coughing?
24.23. What is firefighter survival? What techniques can be used to assist in firefighter survival?
What does it mean to be “hard to kill”?
25.24. What is the purpose of gross decontamination after firefighting? How is it accomplished?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Firefighter Safety and SCBA
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Explain materials and construction of turnout
gear and other safety equipment
Demonstrate how to care for soiled turnouts and
other safety equipment
Demonstrate inspecting SCBA prior to use and
how to use all functions of the SCBA
Demonstrate donning turnouts (max 60 sec.)
Demonstrate donning SCBA (max 75 sec.)
Demonstrate air management techniques while
using SCBA
Demonstrate how to call a Mayday using radio
Demonstrate using RIC pack on a downed
firefighter that is out of air (blacked out)
Demonstrate using RIC pack on a downed
firefighter with a failed mask
Demonstrate following a hoseline out of a
structure (blacked out)
Demonstrate obstacle and confined space
navigation with SCBA (blacked out)
Demonstrate ladder bailout on Denver drill prop
Demonstrate removing a downed firefighter from
the Denver drill prop
Demonstrate stripping and preparing a downed
firefighter for medical transport
Demonstrate single firefighter forcible entry of an
inward swinging door
Demonstrate various drags of a downed
firefighter
Demonstrate tying a bowline around waist while
wearing turnouts and SCBA
Demonstrate gross decontamination after
firefighting
Locate and demonstrate use of the 4 gas detector
Locate and demonstrate use of the CO detector
Locate and demonstrate use of the HCN detector
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FIRE BEHAVIOR AND TACTICS
1. Define the following terms:
a. Fire
b. Combustion
c. Flash Point
d. Ignition Temperature
e. Oxidation (list examples of slow and fast)
f. Pyrolysis
2. Define the following units of heat measurement:
a. British Thermal Unit (BTU)
b. Fahrenheit
c. Celsius
d. Calorie
3. List and explain the components of the fire tetrahedron.
4. List the methods of heat transfer and give examples of each.
5. Define “surface to mass ratio” as it relates to solid fuels.
6. If a fire is smoldering, what are the two methods that may be used to completely extinguish it?
7. Define specific gravity. How does it relate to tactics involving flammable liquids?
8. List and explain the five stages of fire.
9. What is a flashover? What is a backdraft? How can they be prevented?
10. What are the factors that influence fire behavior in a structure setting?
11. Define vapor pressure.
12. Define BLEVE and what causes it.
13. What are the four byproducts of combustion?
14. Define vapor density. What makes vapor density a concern when dealing with unburned
hydrocarbons?
15. What does flammable limit mean? What does explosive limit mean?
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16. How does a fire extinguisher operate? How does it extinguish a fire?
17. What are the types of extinguishers and what fuels do they work on?
18. What types of foam are carried on the engine? What fuels do they work on?
19. What sizes and types of hose are used in the department? What are their limitations? This is not
about specific gallonage, brand, etc. More about single jacket, double jacket, sizes, general water
flow, etc.
20. What are the different hose loads used in the department? What are the advantages and
disadvantages of each?
21. Describe the high-rise pack. When would it be used? How is it loaded?
22. What types of nozzles are used in the department? What are their benefits and limitations? This
is not about specific gallonage, brand, etc. More about fog, combo, smoothbore, sizes, general
water flow, etc.
23. Given the following fire situations, choose and explain the proper hose evolution for an initial
attack:
a. A car fire with a gasoline tank rupture and no exposures
b. A fire deep within a single-story residential structure 50’ from the engine
c. A room and contents fire in a second-floor apartment 150’ from the engine
24. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of solid and fog streams.
25. Define four methods by which foam prevents or controls a hazard.
26. List and explain the methods of using foam for fire extinguishment.
27. What is thermal layering? What happens when it is disrupted?
28. What is fuel loading inside a structure?
29. What is the maximum GPM that can be flowed from a 1 ¾” hose line? 2 ½”?
30.29. When should a ground monitor be used?
31.30. What should be done with a section of hose that is out of service?
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Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or
numbering
32.31. What should be inspected on a section of hose before reloading it onto the apparatus?
33.32. Choose a historical fire with fatalities. Write a two (2) page summary of what went
wrong, what could have been differently, and how it has impacted the current fire service.
33. What are the incident priorities? Why are these important?
Formatted: Font: Times New Roman
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Fire Behavior and Tactics
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Demonstrate how to use an ABC extinguisher
and what to do after it is discharged
Demonstrate how to use a water extinguisher
Demonstrate how to refill a water extinguisher
after use
Locate and demonstrate how to use all of the
nozzles used by the department
Demonstrate deploying a crosslay and advance
into a structure
Demonstrate deploying a front bumper line and
extinguishing a vehicle fire
Demonstrate reloading a triple fold crosslay
Demonstrate reloading a modified minuteman
Demonstrate how to use the deck gun
Demonstrate how to use a ground monitor
Demonstrate dressing and operating a hydrant for
a residential lay
Demonstrate dressing and operating a hydrant for
a commercial lay
Extend and reload the 2 ½” blitz linestretch bed
Demonstrate reloading 2 ½” and 54” supply hose
Demonstrate and explain thermal layering and
extinguishment using the burn box
Demonstrate the techniques for applying foam
using a hoseline
Locate and demonstrate the use of the three types
of thermal imaging cameras (TIC)
Demonstrate a search and rescue evolution where
a victim is found and removed
Demonstrate how to deploy and reload a high-
rise pack
Demonstrate how to initiate and execute VEIS on
a structure
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ROPES, KNOTS, AND LADDERS
1. What types of ropes are carried on the apparatus? When should they be used?
2. Why are ropes and knots important?
3. List and give examples of the knots that should be used on the fireground.
4. What knots should be used for life safety and why?
5. Define the following:
a. Standing end
b. Working/running end
c. Bight
d. Loop
e. Knot
f. Bend or Hitch
6. What is the purpose of “dressing” and “setting” a knot?
7. What knots are used for hoisting equipment? What should be used to keep equipment controlled
while hoisting?
8. What knot is used to make a loop out of webbing?
9. What are the uses for webbing on the fireground?
10. Define the following parts of a ground ladder:
a. Butt/Heel/
b. Tip
c. Beam
d. Rung
e. Bed
f. Fly
g. Halyard
h. Pulley
i. Hooks
j. Pawls/Dogs
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k. Heat sensor
l. Climbing angle index
m. Truss block
11. List and define the types of ladders used within the department.
12. What lengths of ground ladders are used in the department?
13. When should ladders be tested or taken out of service?
14. How should ground ladders be inspected and maintained?
15. How is proper climbing angle determined when using a ground ladder?
16. What is the proper technique for heeling a ground ladder?
17. When should a ladder be heeled or tied off? What are the concerns with tying off?
18. What is the proper technique for working off of a ground ladder?
19. How many people should be on a ground ladder at any given time?
20. What are the hazards that should be evaluated before throwing a ladder?
21. How many ladders should be placed on a building with firefighters operating on the roof? On a
two-story residence?
22. How should a ground ladder be placed in the following situations:
a. Ventilating a second-story window
b. Making access to the roof for ventilation
c. Entering a second-story window for VEIS
d. Removing a victim from a second-story window
e. Entering a basement from a ground level window
23. How can ladders be used during RIC operations?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Ropes and Knots
Date of Officer (print and P F
Evolution
Completion initials) () ()
Demonstrate inspection and maintenance
procedures for all types of ropes
Tie a bowline
Tie a clove hitch
Tie a figure eight on a bight
Tie a figure eight follow through
Tie a square knot
Tie a becket bend
Tie a snap bowline
Tie a butterfly knot
Tie a bowline around a conscious victim
Tie an overhand bend (water knot) in webbing
Tie a hasty harness (seat harness)
Demonstrate how to hoist a pike pole/roof
hook
Demonstrate how to hoist an axe
Demonstrate how to hoist a chainsaw or
circular saw
Demonstrate how to hoist a hoseline (charged)
Demonstrate how to hoist a hoseline (dry)
Demonstrate how to hoist a roof ladder
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Ladders
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Demonstrate inspection and maintenance
procedures for all types of ground ladders
Demonstrate two-firefighter low shoulder carry
Demonstrate two-firefighter deployment of an
extension ladder
Demonstrate single firefighter low shoulder
carry
Demonstrate single firefighter straight ladder
raise
Demonstrate two-firefighter flat raise of an
extension ladder
Demonstrate two-firefighter beam raise of an
extension ladder
Demonstrate how to tie and dress a halyard
Demonstrate how to achieve proper climbing
angle
Demonstrate how to carry a roof ladder up
extension ladder and deploy on roof
Demonstrate how to use the attic ladder
Demonstrate how to use the folding ladder (both
types)
Demonstrate how to carry tools up the ladder
(chainsaw, pike pole, axe, halligan)
Demonstrate how to lock into a ladder
Demonstrate how to climb a ladder
Demonstrate how to heel a ladder
Demonstrate how to accompany a conscious and
able victim down a ladder
Demonstrate how to bring an unconscious
victim down a ladder
Demonstrate how to tie off a ladder (tip and
heel)
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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND SYSTEMS
1. List and define the five (5) types of building construction.
2. For each type of building construction, list three (3) visual indicators that can be used during
size-up to help determine what type of construction was used.
3. For each type of building, list three (3) hazards as they apply to firefighting.
4. How does occupancy type influence fire behavior and suppression? Give examples.
5. What impact does building construction have on fire development and behavior? Give examples.
6. What impact does fire have on building construction?
7. What impact does fire suppression have on building construction?
8. Identify five (5) indicators of imminent building collapse.
9. Define the following terms as they relate to building construction:
a. Party wall
b. Fire wall
c. Partition wall
d. Cantilever/unsupported wall
e. Load bearing wall
10. Identify the temperature at which structural steel fails.
11. What are some hazards that can be dangerous while working on the exterior of the building?
12. What is a dead load? What is a live load? Give examples of each.
13. What is fuel load? Why is it important?
14. What challenges are presented by healthcare and nursing home facilities? Give examples.
15. What challenges are presented by industrial facilities? Give examples.
16. What document dictates how building are constructed as related to the fire service?
17. You come across a building condition that appears unsafe while on a medical call in an
apartment complex. What resources do you have to verify that the condition is a violation?
18. How should you document a confirmed violation?
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19. Explain how an automatic fire alarm gets transmitted from a building to dispatch.
20. What is a fire alarm panel? What is an annunciator? Where are they typically found?
21. What are the five (5) basic components of a fire alarm system?
22. How can you determine which detector operated in a fire alarm system if no smoke is present?
23. How do you clean and inspect a residential smoke detector? What indicators dictate the need for
replacement?
24. List and briefly define the major components of an automatic sprinkler system.
25. What is a retard chamber and what is its purpose?
26. How can you determine if an OS&Y, wall valve, and PIV is open or closed?
27. What is a fire department connection (FDC)? What does it accomplish?
28. What are two (2) indicators that a dry sprinkler system has charged while conducting a
walkaround of a structure?
29. What precautions should be taken if we shut off a fire sprinkler system? Who should be notified?
30. You were ordered to connect the hoses to an FDC. What should you look for?
31. What is a standpipe? How are they operated?
32. How does an elevator work during a fire? What should an elevator be used for during a fire?
33. Where are the elevator keys located? What is their purpose?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Building Construction and Systems
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Visually identify all five (5) types of building
construction as found in the department’s response
area
Conduct a walkaround size-up of three (3) different
building types and identify the hazards present
Demonstrate where to find information about
specific building code violations
Demonstrate the proper procedure for documenting
a confirmed violation
Demonstrate how to reset a fire alarm panel
Demonstrate how to clean and inspect a residential
smoke detector
Demonstrate knowledge of a sprinkler system
Demonstrate how to determine if a dry sprinkler
system has charged
Demonstrate how to shut off and drain a fire
sprinkler system
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FORCIBLE ENTRY
1. Define forcible entry as used in the fire service.
2. List and briefly describe the forcible entry tools that are carried on the apparatus.
3. What is the difference between invasive and non-invasive forcible entry?? When should each be
used?
4. What is the policy general recommendation regarding forcible entry used in a non-emergent
situation?
5. What is the policy general recommendation regarding forcible entry used in an emergent
situation?
6. What is the definition of “softening the structure”? Give examples.
7. Why is forcible entry important during structure fires? How can it influence fire suppression?
8. What challenges do commercial buildings have when performing forcible entry? Give examples.
9. What should you do if you have forced entry into a building and are now leaving the scene?
10. What is the Knox Box system? What is our policyare the steps for using it?
11. What is a vehicle lock-out? What is a vehicle lock-in?
12. What indicators would be present for us to do invasive measures to get into a vehicle? Non-
invasive? Give examples.
13. Who must be present before we leave the scene of a vehicle lock-in?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Forcible Entry
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Demonstrate invasive forcible entry of an inward
swinging door
Demonstrate invasive forcible entry of an outward
swinging door
Conduct a walkaround of one (1) commercial and
one (1) residential structure and describe softening
the structure
Demonstrate non-invasive forcible entry techniques
that can be used in non-emergent situations
Describe or demonstrate forcible entry techniques
on a locked gate
Describe or demonstrate forcible entry on a window
in a structure
Demonstrate non-invasive forcible entry into a
locked vehicle
Demonstrate invasive forcible entry into a locked
vehicle
Demonstrate forcible entry through a garage door
with rotary saw
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VENTILATION
1. Define ventilation as used in the fire service.
2. List and briefly describe the types of ventilation, along with their hazards, advantages, and
disadvantages.
3. What tools can be used for ventilation on the apparatus?
4. Your crew is ordered to perform vertical ventilation. What tools do you need to accomplish the
order?
5. How many cubic feet of steam will a gallon of water generate at 212 degrees Fahrenheit and 14.7
psi atmospheric pressure? Why is this important to know in relation to ventilation?
6. What must be in place before ventilation is started?
7. What are the areas of a roof that offer strong construction? What areas may be hazardous?
8. What should you do before stepping off of a ladder and onto a roof? Is this always reliable?
9. Define metal gusset plates and wood trusses. At what temperature do they fail?
10. What are the indicators that a roof may not be viable for vertical ventilation?
11. What is the proper procedure for completing a vent hole in a roof?
12. What is a trench cut? When would it be used?
13. What is the proper way to louvre a vent cut? What circumstances dictate the louvre direction?
14. What is flow path? Why is it important? How can we control it?
15. How does ventilation impact fire behavior? How does it impact flashover and backdraft?
16. What is VEIS? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
17. When should VEIS be used? When should it be avoided?
18. Explain what roles these items may have in ventilation:
a. Construction of the building
b. Layout of the building
c. Nature of the contents
d. Potential for life safety (interior and exterior)
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e. Arrangement of the fuel (interior and exterior)
f. Arrangement of the vertical openings
g. Ceiling height
h. Location of the fire
i. Wind direction and weather conditions
j. Knowledge of how long the fire has been burning
19. Explain the value and techniques for hydraulic ventilation. When should it be used? When
should it be avoided?
20. What communication should take place regarding ventilation? Why is it important?
21. When is ventilation of a building complete?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Forcible Entry
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Locate all of the tools that can be used for
ventilation on the apparatus and explain their uses
Demonstrate how to operate and effectively set up
the gas ventilation fan (Ramfan)
Demonstrate how to operate and effectively set up
the electric fan
Demonstrate how to use the electric fan as a smoke
ejector
Demonstrate hydraulic ventilation techniques
Gather necessary tools for vertical ventilation and
deliver them to the roof using a ladder
Demonstrate starting and operating a chainsaw
Demonstrate starting and operating a circular saw
(Cutter’s Edge/Stihl)
Demonstrate vertical ventilation using hand tools
on the roof prop
Demonstrate vertical ventilation using a chainsaw
on the roof prop
Demonstrate vertical ventilation using a circular
rotary saw (Cutter’s Edge/Stihl) on the roof prop
Demonstrate using the radio for proper
communication while ventilating
Demonstrate maintenance and changing the chain
on a chainsaw
Demonstrate maintenance and changing the blade
on a circular rotary saw (Cutter’s Edge/Stihl)
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VEHICLE EXTRICATION
1. What is vehicle extrication?
2. What is the PPE that should be worn for extrication?
3. List tools that can be used for extrication. Briefly explain their uses and limitations.
4. How many resources will respond for a confirmed extrication?
5. Which extrication tools are on which apparatus? List tools for E1, E2, E3, E6, E7, and L1.
6. Define scene safety at a vehicle extrication scene. Include who is in charge, how apparatus and
equipment are used and placed, as well as personal safety.
7. What does “securing the vehicle” prior to an extrication evolution mean? How can it be
accomplished?
8. Who is responsible for patient care on an extrication? What can we do to make the extrication
less traumatic on the patient?
9. What is cribbing? How is it used?
10. List and explain ten (10) safety considerations for vehicle extrication.
11. Provide a diagram of any passenger vehicle. Indicate the following parts of the vehicle:
a. “A”, “B” and “C” pillars/posts
b. Steering column
c. Rocker panels
d. Fire wall
e. Location of all possible air bag systems
12. What is airbag system? List all of the areas they can be found in modern cars. Explain how they
deploy and how they ensure passenger safety.
13. When is an undeployed airbag considered to be “disarmed” or “safe”?
14. What are the potential injuries to passengers from airbags? What are they for firefighters?
15. What is an “alternative fuel vehicle”? What special hazards does it present to the rescuer?
16. What do we have to help with stabilization of a vehicle on its side or roof? What are their
limitations?
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17. What should be in place prior to extrication operations on a vehicle extrication?
18. When should wheel chocks be used on a vehicle involved in an incident?
19. What impact do environmental circumstances (weather, time of day, topography) have on
vehicle extrication? What can we do to mitigate them? Give examples.
20. What tools can be used to lift a vehicle off of someone who is trapped? What are their
limitations?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Vehicle Extrication
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Locate all of the hand tools that can be used for
extrication on the apparatus and explain their uses
Demonstrate how to set up, start, and operate the
gas-powered hydraulic tools
Demonstrate how to operate the electric hydraulic
tools
Locate and demonstrate how to operate the
reciprocating saw
Demonstrate how to stabilize a vehicle with
cribbing
Demonstrate how to stabilize and lift a vehicle
with the Rescue Jacks
Demonstrate how to use high pressure airbags to
lift a vehicle
Demonstrate how to use a window punch
Demonstrate how to remove a windshield from a
vehicle
Demonstrate how to remove a door from a vehicle
Demonstrate how to remove the roof of a vehicle
Demonstrate how to do a dash roll
Locate and operate the portable lighting on the
engines
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SALVAGE, OVERHAUL, AND FIRE INVESTIGATION
1. What is salvage? What is overhaul? Why are they important?
2. How should you arrange a room prior to coveringapplying a salvage cover?
3. List four (4) methods of removing water from a building.
4. When should salvage and overhaul begin? List the safety precautions to follow during salvage
and overhaul.
5. At what point should residents or owners be allowed into the scene?
6. How does salvage and overhaul affect fire investigation? What can be done to protect evidence?
7. Who are the fire investigators for TFFD? When is an investigation warranted?
8. What is the purpose of fire investigation?
9. Why is important to preserve the fire scene as best as possible?
10. How can a firefighter help preserve a potential crime scene during fire suppression operations?
11. After suppression is completed, how should a fire scene be secured?
12. What is the chain of custody for evidence? What is it important to not break the chain? How is it
preserved?
13. What is an accelerant? What are the signs that an accelerant has been used in a structure fire? In
a car fire?
14. What is an incendiary device? Give an example of one and how it could be used.
15. A witness approaches you at a fire scene and gives you information about the cause. What
should you do?
16. The media approaches you and asks for information about the cause. What should you do?
17. Why is it important that every firefighter carefully document the role they played in suppression
if a fire is deemed a crime scene?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Salvage, Overhaul, and Fire Investigation
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Locate all of the supplies that can be used for
salvage and overhaul on the apparatus and explain
their uses
Locate and deploy a salvage cover – one firefighter
Deploy a salvage cover with two firefighters
Properly fold a salvage cover for deployment
Deploy and fold a floor runner
Make a water chute using a salvage cover
Make a catch basin using a salvage cover
Explain techniques used for salvage prior to
overhaul
Demonstrate techniques for protecting evidence at a
crime scene
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RADIOS, DISPATCH, AND MAPPING
1. What type of radios are used in the department? Are they digital or analog?
2. What is the department policy for radio use? What is the proper way to contact another resource
using a radio?
3. What channels does our department use?
4. What is the emergency button on a portable radio? What happens when it is pressed?
5. Take a tour of our dispatch center (coordinate with your captain) and observe how it operates.
After the tour answer the following questions:
5.
a. What entities are dispatched by TwinCom?
b. What is “C.A.D.”?
c. Is there a backup dispatch center?
d. Explain the terminology “emergency response”, “non-emergency response”, and
“cancel”.
e. Briefly explain criteria-based dispatch.
f.e. Briefly explain the Mobile Data Computer (MDC) and how it connects with dispatch.
g.f. What is the non-emergency phone number for TwinCom??
6. What different mediums do we have to find directions to a call?
7. How are the maps updated in our department? Who is responsible? How would you notify them
in the event that you find an incorrect address?
Formatted: Font: Times New Roman
8. Where are map books located?
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or
9. What are the addresses of the four fire stations?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Radios, Dispatch, and Mapping
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Demonstrate how to use a portable radio to
communicate with another resource on scene
Demonstrate how to use a portable radio to
communicate with dispatch
Demonstrate operation of a portable radio to select
channels, banks, and emergency button
Demonstrate operation of a mobile radio to select
channels and adjust volume
Arrange and tour TwinCom dispatch
Demonstrate how to use the map book to find five
(5) addresses in Twin Falls City Limits
Demonstrate how to use the map book to find five
(5) addresses in the Twin Falls Fire Protection
District
Demonstrate how to document and notify of an
incorrect address
Demonstrate basic knowledge of the grid system
used in the Fire Protection District
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INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND ASSISTING AGENCIES
1. What is the Incident Command System (ICS)? Why is it so important for emergency scene
management?
2. When is ICS used? Give examples.
3. Define the following and give one (1) example:
a. Single Resource
b. Task Force
c. Strike Team
d. Group
e. Division
f. Branch
4. What does the term “unity of command” mean during an emergency incident?
5. What is Unified Command? When would it be used in our emergency response?
6. What should you do when given an order from someone in the chain of command above you that
conflicts with your immediate supervisor?
7. What is the span of control? What happens if the incident grows beyond the span of control?
8. What is a staging area? How is it established? When would it be necessary? Give examples.
9. Explain the Passport Accountability system. Include passport colors, set up, when it should be
used, and how the Incident Commander (IC) would use them on their status board.
10. Who has the authority to immediately stop an incident operation?
11. What agencies would be used for mutual aid? What are their designation numbers (if
applicable)?
12. How would you contact Magic Valley Paramedics (MVP) to request their response to an
incident?
12.
13. What is the function of the Medical Supervisor (MED10)? Should you take orders from them
over your company officer?
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Formatted: Font: Times New Roman
Formatted: Normal, Line spacing: single, No bullets
or numbering
14. List the base location of each Medic Unit:
a. Medic 1
b. Medic 2
c. Medic 3
d. Medic 4
e. Medic 5
f. Medic 6
g. Medic 10
15. When would we provide a rider or driver for MVP? If you are driving the ambulance for them,
what should you consider? Who decides if you should drive with lights and sirens?
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PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Incident Command and Assisting Agencies
Date of Officer (print and P F
Evolution
Completion initials) () ()
Demonstrate how to check the accountability
at the start of the tour
Explain the organization of the accountability
board in Battalion 1
Demonstrate how to report to the IC using
proper radio communication
Demonstrate how to report to a staging area
Locate and if applicable, demonstrate use of the following in an MVP ambulance:
IV tray and supplies
Airway supplies
Emergency lights (operation, when to use)
Siren (operation, when to use)
Backboards and stairchair
Radios
Controls in the patient care area
4 lead, 12 lead, and pulse oximeter
Immobilization supplies
Trauma bag (layout, commonly used items)
- 35 -
WILDLAND FIRE SUPPRESSION
1. What is wildland? What is wildland/urban interface (WUI)? Provide pictures of three (3)
locations of each and explain why you chose them.
2. What PPE should be worn for wildland firefighting? How should it be cared for?
3. What PPE should be worn when using a chainsaw for wildland firefighting?
4. List the tools that are carried on the engines that can be used for wildland firefighting
5. List the hand tools that are carried on the brush trucks as well as how to maintain them.
6. List the 10 standard fire orders. Why are these important?
7. List the 18 watch out situations. Why are these important?
8. What is an escape route? What is a safety zone? When should these be identified?
9. Prepare a diagram of a simple wildland fire and label the following parts:
a. Origin
b. Heel/Rear
c. Head
d. Right/Left Flank
e. Island
f. Pocket
g. Finger
h. The black
i. The green
j. Spot fire
10. Define and explain fuel types. Why is this important to understand?
11. How does weather affect a wildland fire? Give examples.
12. How does topography affect a wildland fire? Give examples.
13. What is direct attack? What is indirect attack? Give examples of each.
14. Explain a progressive hose lay and how our hose packs are set up.
- 36 -
15. What is a fire shelter? When should it be used? How would you prepare to deploy your fire
shelter?
15.
16. What should you bring inside your fire shelter with you? What should you abandon? Who
decides when to exit a fire shelter?
17. Why is communication critical during a wildland fire?
Formatted: Underline
18. Find an example of one (1) frontline wildland firefighter fatality. Explain what went wrong and
what we can learn from that example.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or
- 37 -
PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Wildland Fire Suppression
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Locate and demonstrate use of the following tools and explain when they would be used
Pulaski
McCloud
Combi-tool
Shovel
Chainsaw (PPE, operation, maintenance)
Backpack pumps
Demonstrate how to deploy a fire shelter in realistic
conditions (ventilation fan blowing, thirty (30)
seconds) and how to reload it
Demonstrate how to deploy and reload wildland hose
packs
Demonstrate size up of hazards of three (3) wildland
or wildland/urban interface locations
Demonstrate how to construct handline with hand
tools
- 38 -
SPECIALTY RESCUE AND OPERATIONS
1. What is the difference between a rescue and a recovery? How do the priorities change for each?
2. What types of ropes does our department use for rope rescue? What are their limitations?
3.2.Describe how rope is inspected and cleaned. What is the procedure for taking a rope out of
service?
4.3.What is a prusik? What is it used for?
5.4.What types of carabiners does our department use?
6.5.What type of webbing is used for rope rescue? What are its limitations?
7.6.List the meaning and purpose of color designations for webbing.
8.7.What should be considered when selecting an anchor point?
9.8.What is edge protection? Why is it important? List four (4) items that can be used for this
purpose.
10.9. As a probationary firefighter, what is your role on the scene of a rope rescue incident?
What are your limitations?
11.10. What is water rescue? What are your limitations in participating in a water rescue?
12.11. What are the four methods of water rescuedoes the phrase “reach, throw, row, go” mean?
Which ones techniques doesdo our department use?
13.12. What water rescue equipment is carried within our department?
14.13. What PPE should be worn for a water rescue?
15.14. What actions should you take if you fall into water wearing turnouts and/or an SCBA?
16.15. What are hazardous materials? What hazards can they pose to the community? To
responders?
17.16. As a probationary firefighter, what is your role on the scene of a hazardous materials
(hazmat) incident? What are your limitations?
- 39 -
18.17. What levels of PPE can be used on a hazmat incident? Who/what decides what level to
wear?
19.18. What is decontamination and what types are there? Explain and give examples.
20.19. List the four primary routes by which hazardous materials may enter the body.
21.20. Explain the NFPA 704 placard system. Define the colors and numerical rating.
22.21. What does the acronym SDS stand for as related to hazmat? Where would one be found
on an incident?
23.22. What is the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)? What benefits does it offer on
scene? What are the limitations?
24.23. List the types of air monitors/gas detectors that our department uses and briefly describe
each.
25.24. Briefly describe the department’s policy for responding to residential carbon monoxide
(CO) detector activations.
26.25. You are on scene of a medical call and the CO detector activates. What should you do?
27.26. Explain the use of zones on a hazmat incident. What operations belong in each zone?
28.27. What is a confined space? What does it mean for it to be “permitted”?
29.28. As a probationary firefighter, what is your role on the scene of a confined space rescue?
What are your limitations?
30. Familiarize yourself with the trench rescue trailer. Understand the names of the equipment and
supplies that are used for trench rescue.
31.29. What is a trench rescue? What hazards are present in a trench rescue?
32.30. What is shoring? What are strongbacks? Explain how both are used in trench rescue.
- 40 -
PERFORMANCE SKILLS – Specialty Rescue and Operations
Date of Officer (print P F
Evolution
Completion and initials) () ()
Demonstrate basic location knowledge of the
equipment carried on Rescue 2
Demonstrate how to load and operate the MPD and
Petzl ID
Explain the differences between the rope bags and
systems on Rescue 2
Demonstrate how to choose an appropriate anchor
Demonstrate how to use all types of pulleys on
Rescue 2
Demonstrate how to use a prusik and explain the
uses in rope rescue
Locate and demonstrate use of the confined space
ventilation fan
Demonstrate how to operate and maintain the
portable generator on Rescue 2
Locate and demonstrate how to use a water rescue
throw bag
Locate and demonstrate use of the hazardous
materials (hazmat) supplies carried on the engine
Demonstrate basic location knowledge of the
equipment carried in the hazmat trailer
Demonstrate knowledge of PPE related to hazmat
incidents
Demonstrate how to perform gross
decontamination
Demonstrate how to locate five (5) different
chemicals in the Emergency Response Guidebook
Demonstrate how to operate the air monitors that
are used within the department (4 gas, CO, HCN)
Demonstrate basic location knowledge of the
equipment carried in the trench trailer
- 41 -
APPARATUS FAMILIARIZATION
As a probationary firefighter, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the apparatus and
equipment used in the department. You should be able to locate equipment and have basic knowledge of
each apparatus at the end of your first year. Each vehicle will have a section that will provide you with
information to gather and an outline to follow. The goal is for you to be able to locate any piece of
equipment or hose line, operate or maintain it, and describe its specifications and uses. Each piece of
apparatus could have an independent sign off for knowledge of equipment location and familiarity. This
could replace having pictures and diagrams of compartments and equipment? Just food for thought.
Battalion 1
Manufacturer Year Built
Off-road
Fuel Type
Capability
Provide a list of the equipment carried on Battalion 1 and the location of the equipment.
Engine 1
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side, driver’s side, and rear of Engine 1, illustrating
all doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep
inventory list and drawings together.
- 42 -
- 43 -
Ladder 1
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Length of
Aerial
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side, driver’s side, and rear of Ladder 1, illustrating
all doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep
inventory list and drawings together.
Brush 1
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side and driver’s side of Brush 1, illustrating all doors
and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of each
numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep inventory
list and drawings together.
- 44 -
Aid 1
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the passenger’s side, driver’s side, and patient care area of Aid 1,
illustrating all doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the
contents of each numbered compartment. Keep inventory list and drawings together.
Engine 6
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side, driver’s side, and rear of Engine 6, illustrating
all doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep
inventory list and drawings together.
- 45 -
Engine 2
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side, driver’s side, and rear of Engine 2, illustrating
all doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep
inventory list and drawings together.
Tender 2
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Pump
Capacity
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side and driver’s side of Tender 2, illustrating all
doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep
inventory list and drawings together.
- 46 -
Rescue 2
Manufacturer Year Built
Off-road
Fuel Type
Capability
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side, driver’s side, and rear of Rescue 2, illustrating
all doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Keep inventory list and drawings together.
Brush 2
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side and driver’s side of Brush 2, illustrating all doors
and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of each
numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep inventory
list and drawings together.
Trench Rescue Trailer
Provide a list of the equipment carried in the Trench Rescue Trailer and the location of the equipment.
- 47 -
Engine 3
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side, driver’s side, and rear of Engine 3, illustrating
all doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep
inventory list and drawings together.
Tender 3
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Pump
Capacity
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side and driver’s side of Tender 3, illustrating all
doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep
inventory list and drawings together.
- 48 -
Brush 3
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side, driver’s side, and rear of Brush 3, illustrating all
doors and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of
each numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep
inventory list and drawings together.
Hazardous Materials Pickup/Trailer
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Provide a list of the equipment carried in the Hazardous Materials Pickup and Trailer and the locations
of the equipment. Be familiar with how to operate and maintain the generator.
- 49 -
ARFF 4
Manufacturer Year Built
Fuel Type Shop #
Water Tank Number of
Capacity Seats
Feet of Attack Feet of
Hose Supply Hose
Provide a neatly prepared drawing of the officer’s side and driver’s side of ARFF 4, illustrating all doors
and compartments. Number each door and prepare an inventory list that details the contents of each
numbered compartment. Include each hose line (size, length, nozzle type if applicable). Keep inventory
list and drawings together.
- 50 -