Pre-Service Firefighter - Course Descriptions
Fall Semester
• CM1903 Communications I – Model A
Communications I is a practical course designed to help strengthen both oral and written skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of learning methods and communication formats. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions and style. Students will also develop discipline-specific documents as well as learn the basics of portfolio assembly and presentation.
• FF1021 Introduction to Fire Service
This module provides an overview of the Ontario fire services, the professionalization process for fire fighters 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 fire fighter. In addition, legislation and fire fighter safety practices are emphasized.
• FF1022 Emergency Patient Care I
The emphasis of this course is placed upon developing assessment skills for use in planning the stabilization and management of patients in a variety of medical/trauma situations. Students will be introduced to patient assessment, pathological processes and the management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients. Assessment is taught using a “hands on” approach that involves demonstration, performance and practice to hone skills. Practical sessions will follow the same outline as theoretical components of the course to assist in reinforcing knowledge and skills.
• FF1024 Fire Ground Operations I
This course provides an overview of fire ground operations within the structure of an incident command system. Common techniques, tools, equipment and their use are incorporated. Specific knowledge, attitudes and skills of the fire fighter are emphasized. The final component of this course covers common ropes and knots used to raise and lower fire-fighter equipment in emergency and non-emergency situations. Types, sizes and uses of rope are highlighted. Practical experience focuses on tying common knots and raising and lowering fire fighting equipment.
• FF1031 Fire Behaviour and Chemistry of Combustion
This module provides an overview of fire and its behaviour from ignition point to extinguishment as a result of lack of fuel or oxygen. Fire is studied from both a physical and chemical standpoint. Stages and classes of fire and recognizable events are studied as well as methods of heat/fire spread and the methods used to control and extinguish fire.
• FF1034 Firefighter Practice and Testing
This hands-on component of Fire Ground Operations focuses on the integration of fire ground theory into practice. Students will be introduced to and practice with communications and dispatch systems utilized within the fire department. The purpose, process and operation of communications equipment will be emphasized. The inspection, operation and maintenance of personal protective gear, breathing apparatus, tools and fire fighting equipment will be practiced. Students will have the opportunity to implement the use of firefighting equipment, and practice with ropes and knots within emergency and non-emergency lab simulation exercises.
• FF1041 Emergency Patient Care Practice & Testing
The emphasis of this course is placed upon developing assessment skills for use in planning the stabilization and management of patients in a variety of medical/trauma situations. Students will be introduced to patient assessment, pathological processes and the management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients. Assessment is taught using a “hands on” approach that involves demonstration, performance and practice to hone skills. Practical sessions will follow the same outline as theoretical components of the course to assist in reinforcing knowledge and skills.
• PR1020 Focus on Fitness I
The purpose of this course is to provide students with general and job-specific knowledge of fitness, enabling them to improve and maintain their life-long personal and occupational fitness level. The majority of course time will be practical gym instruction and participation. Class theory will also be presented with an emphasis on wellness as a concept, comprised of individual dimensions (emotional, physical, etc.). The practical component will focus on development of physical fitness. Emphasis will be placed on health as it relates to the whole individual. Importance will be placed on strength conditioning, cardiovascular conditioning, psychological well being and nutrition. Special considerations will be given to areas that relate to the physical demands of a paramedic (i.e. abdominal/back care, safe lifting practices, flexibility).
• PR2022 Crisis Intervention II
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply psychosocial principles of human behaviour to emergency and crisis situations. Students will have the opportunity to apply theory to crisis situations in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of a cultural and racially diverse Canadian society. An emphasis will be placed on learning strategies and techniques specific to the theory and concepts of crisis intervention.
• MA1053 Mathematics Fundamentals I
Students will review mathematical concepts and operations of basic arithmetic skills and their applications. Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percent, ratio and proportions are topics covered.
Winter Semester
• FF2016 Education and Fire Prevention in the Community
The student will be provided with the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills learned and to apply them during intensive practice of basic firefighting skills in a simulated environment, including live fire. Students will gain insight into the role of the firefighter, the operation of the fire service and other related emergency services.
• FF2011 Environmental Protection and Rescue Operations
This module provides an overview of environmental hazards and rescue operations. The roles and responsibilities of the fire fighting team and cooperating agencies are highlighted, along with safety practices and risk management. Also emphasized are the importance of environmental protection and the impact of hazardous incidents on the community and the health and safety of fire fighters. The module is at an awareness level and provides a basic building block for safety.
• FF2021 and FF2032 Advanced Emergency Patient Care Practice and Testing
The emphasis of this course is placed upon developing advanced assessment skills for use in planning the stabilization and management of patients in a variety of medical/trauma situations. Students will be introduced to patient assessment, pathological processes and the management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients. Assessment is taught using a “hands on” approach that involves demonstration, performance and practice to hone skills. Practical sessions will follow the same outline as theoretical components of the course to assist in reinforcing knowledge and skills.
• FF2024 Fire Ground Operations II
Fire Ground Operations II focuses on fire suppression, search and rescue, and property conservation. Content focuses on fire ground operations such as suppression, ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul. Specific knowledge, attitudes and skills of the firefighter are included. The Fire Suppression module describes the use of foams as extinguishing agents in the suppression of various types of fire. Types of equipment and methods of application are also covered.
• FF2034 Fire Fighter Practice and Testing II
This hands-on component of Fire Ground Operations II focuses on the integration of fire ground theory into practice. Students will be introduced to equipment and methods of application for fire suppression, ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue as well as salvage and overhaul. The types, classification, propulsion methods and use of fire extinguishers are reviewed. Students will implement the use of firefighting equipment, extinguishing devices and equipment utilized in forcible entry, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul within emergency and non-emergency simulation exercises.
• MA2053 Mathematics Fundamentals II
Students will review the mathematical concepts and operations of Algebra and its applications. The metric system, measurements, and concepts off Algebra I and II will be covered.
• PR2026 Focus on Fitness II
The purpose of this course is to provide students with general and job-specific knowledge of fitness, enabling them to improve and maintain their life-long personal and occupational fitness level. The majority of course time will be practical gym instruction and participation. Class theory will also be presented with an emphasis on wellness as a concept, comprised of individual dimensions (emotional, physical, etc.). Importance will be placed on strength conditioning, cardiovascular conditioning, psychological well being and nutrition.
• EL1003 Elective
Students may choose a postsecondary course from a program they are working towards or a regular General Arts and Science course as an elective. Notes: Students cannot take post-secondary courses which require prerequisites. Certain programs such as, BSc. Nursing, Law Clerk and others, have predetermined electives. A list of eligible elective courses for these programs will be provided by the program coordinator at the beginning of each semester in which an elective is required.
Spring Semester
• FF3017 Environmental Protection and Rescue Operations II
This course provides an overview of environmental hazards and rescue operations. The role and responsibilities of the firefighting team and cooperating agencies are highlighted, along with safety practices and risk management. Also emphasized is the importance of environmental protection and the impact of hazardous incidents on the community and the health and safety of firefighters. The module is at an awareness level and provides a basic building block for safety.
• FF3116 (Pre-Graduate Experience)
The student will be provided with the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills learned and to apply them during intensive practice of basic firefighting skills in a simulated environment, including live fire. Students will gain insight into the role of the firefighter, the operation of the fire service and other related emergency services.
