Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, U)

Note: The following is required for students planning to enroll in the Paramedic Bridging program:

• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C, U or equivalent)
• Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C, U or equivalent)
• Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics (C,M, U or equivalent)

Northern College does not offer testing for the science equivalencies.

Or equivalent

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Where the Pre-Service Firefighter program does not require a math course as an entrance requirement, employers may require additional tests that include mathematical skills and reasoning. It is strongly recommended that applicants take a senior high school math credit prior to enrolling in the Pre-Service Firefighter program. Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Ontario Class ‘G’ driver’s licence recommended. It is also recommended that students attain a Class DZ driver’s licence by program completion.
• Class DZ driver’s licence is a prerequisite to employment in the fire services.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. – HP content) (Must be obtained prior to the start of the program).
• Standard First Aid Certificate, or equivalent. (Must be obtained prior to the start of program).
• Completed PAR-Q Form.

Many fire service employers are implementing the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard as their applicant medical requirements. This standard covers the fire department physical and medical evaluation process and provides in-depth information that will be of assistance in determining if those interested in a career in firefighting meet the medical criteria for employment.

Candidates for the program must be free of criminal offences in order to be allowed in the field setting. An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in clinical practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating. A recent criminal reference/vulnerable sector check – (within 3 months) is required prior to the end of the first week of classes in September. Any costs for these checks will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
a) Permanent Residents of Ontario.
b) Receipt of Application by February 1st.
c) Achievement in the Required Academic Preparation*
Note: Grade and course requirements are used in the selection process. If applicants are enrolled in Grade 12 required subjects (as indicated above), in the second semester (February to June), grade 11 marks will be used to assess admission eligibility.

Fees and Equipment
All Pre-Service Firefighter students must take part in a mandatory two-day orientation session the first week of September. Students must purchase personal items of bunker gear apparel (gloves and balaclava, bunker boots, work boots, NFOA helmet and uniforms – approximately $500 which is included in the $1250 overall estimate for additional course supplies/texts.

Winter Semester
FF2021 Advanced Emergency Patient Care Practice and Testing (Elective)
FF2010 Operations II
FF2032 Advanced Emergency Patient Care (Elective)
FF2034 Fire Ground Operations II Firefighter Practice and Testing II
FF2042 Fire Prevention
FF2044 Hazmat Awareness and Operations
FF2102 Fitness for Fire Service II
EL2003 Elective

Spring Semester
FF2110 Practical Fire and Rescue Evolutions

CM1913 Communications I – Model B
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.

FF1051 Introduction to Fire Service
Content in this section focuses on the professionalization process and the role of the firefighter. Included is a provincial overview of the fire service as it has evolved historically to the present day. Legislation, ethical and legal requirements of today’s professional firefighter are highlighted. The knowledge, attitudes and skills required by a professional firefighter are covered. Hiring criteria, career planning and professional development are examined.

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 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.

FF1061 Fire Behaviour and Chemistry of Combusion/Building Construction
This section assists firefighters in analyzing, planning and strategizing for effective responses to emergency incidents. It also provides the firefighter with the knowledge to identify safety concerns that affect emergency responder safety at emergency situations, and a general understanding of building construction types and how each performs under exposure to fire. Another essential element to building construction is how buildings and structures react under stress conditions that may result in structural collapse. Having a better understanding of building construction will assist firefighters in size up and scene stabilization for all types of incidents involving a collapse.

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.

FF1102/FF2102 Fitness for Fire Service I and II
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a general and job-specific knowledge of fitness, enabling them to improve and maintain their life-long personal and occupational fitness level. Of the 51 hours of class time, the majority (45 hrs) will be practical gym instruction and participation and 6 hours will be classroom theory. Classroom theory will also be presented with an emphasis placed on wellness as a concept, consisting of individual dimensions i.e.: the physical and intellectual dimensions. The practical component will focus on development of physical fitness. Emphasis will be placed on areas that relate to the physical demands of a firefighter (appropriate cardiorespiratory fitness, lifting safety and core endurance/health). Importance will be placed on health and fitness as it relates to the whole individual including muscular strength/endurance/power, cardiorespiratory conditioning, psychological well-being, and nutrition. Special consideration will be placed on nutrition and healthy eating habits and its importance for occupational performance and healthy living.

Winter Semester

FF2021 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.

FF2010 Fire Operations II
This section will focus on an overview of components and goals of fire ground operations. The content will include: forcible entry, ventilation, water supply, fire hose, fire streams, loss control and fire origin and cause determination. Safety and effectiveness are threads that go hand-in-hand throughout fire ground operations.

FF2032 Advanced Emergency Patient Care (Elective)

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.

FF2042 Fire Prevention
This section describes the types, classification system, propulsion methods, extinguishants, characteristics and use of portable fire extinguishers used by the fire service. It also describes the limitations of these devices and the precautions associated with their use.

FF2102 Fitness for PreService 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.

FF2044 Hazmat Awareness and Operations
Content will focus on the role, responsibilities and actions taken by firefighters as firefighter emergency responder at an awareness level during a hazardous materials incident. There will be a focus on recognition, firefighter protection, interagency coordination securing the area and accessing of information from additional resources.

EL2003 – Elective
Description: N/A

Spring Semester

FF2110 Practical Fire and Rescue Evolutions (TBD)

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