This course is a study of equipment, tactics, and procedures used in forcible entry, ventilation, salvage, and overhaul. This is the fourth in a series of courses in preparation for certification as a basic firefighter.
Demonstrate competencies, for subjects taught, set forth in the TCFP curriculum for Basic Fire Suppression including the following:
- Identify and describe the purpose of salvage and its value to the fire department and in public relations
- Demonstrate and describe the construction and use of a water chute
- Demonstrate and describe the procedures of inspection, cleaning, and maintaining salvage equipment
- Demonstrate and describe folds and rolls of salvage covers
- Demonstrate and describe salvage cover throws
- Demonstrate the construction and use of a water catch-all
- Demonstrate the removal and routing of water and the removal of debris from a structure
- Demonstrate the covering or closing of openings made during firefighting operations
- Identify and describe the safety precautions necessary during overhaul
- Identify and describe the value of proper overhaul
- Identify and describe the procedures to follow during overhaul
- Demonstrate and describe safe methods for handling debris
- Describe the duties for gathering information that may lead to the determination of the fire cause
- Identify techniques of searching for hidden fires
- Define and describe the duties of firefighters left at the scene for fire and security surveillance, and identify the proper procedures for restoration of the premises after a fire
- Identify and describe the principles, advantages, and effects of proper ventilation
- Describe the considerations affecting the decision to ventilate
- Demonstrate and describe natural and mechanical methods for horizontal ventilation of a structure
- Describe and identify natural and mechanical methods for vertical ventilation
- Recognize the characteristics of ventilating a basement
- Describe and demonstrate the use of forced ventilation equipment
- Identify and describe built-in ventilating systems within structures
- Identify, safely carry, and describe how to use forcible entry tools safely
- Identify and describe the methods and procedures for properly cleaning, maintaining, and inspecting forcible entry tools
- Identify materials and construction features, and describe the dangers associated with forcible entry for doors, locks, glass, fences, windows, floors, and walls, and may simulate forcible entry with each
- Essentials of Firefighting & Fire Department Operations current edition Fire Protection Publications, ISBN: 978-0-13-314080-4
- Hazardous Materials for the First Responder current edition, Fire Protection Publications, ISBN: 978-0-87939389-2
- Emergency Response Guide Book current edition U.S. Department of Transportation, ISBN: 978-1-60287-179-3
Course grade will be based on the following distribution:
Grade Distribution
Workbook Checks 10% 90% to 100% = A
Notebooks 10% 80% to 89% = B
Module Final 40% 75% to 79% = C
Section Quiz 30% < 74.99% = F
Projects 10%
Practical P/F
The student must maintain a 75% or above course average after the fifth examination, as well as, achieve a grade of 75% or above on both the Mid-Term and Final examinations. Failure to maintain this grade level will result in dismissal from the Academy.
The student will be evaluated based on his or her overall average from quizzes, examinations, and workbooks, notebooks, projects, and practical evaluations.
Regular and punctual attendance is required. All Weatherford College policies on attendance will be observed. The Texas Commission on Fire Protection requires minimum hands on skill and knowledge verification that requires attendance. Student may not miss more than 24 Hours. Missing more than 24 hours will result in dismissal from the program. See WCFA Policy and Procedures for further clarification.
Lecture, web distanced lecture, class discussion, audiovisuals, group work, research and reading.
Upon completion of this program the student will have the knowledge and skills in preparation for an entry level career with federal, state, and local fire and emergency service agencies with emphasis on:
1. Structural Firefighting
2. Wildland fire suppression
3. Hazardous materials incidents
4. Fire prevention and investigation
5. Fire management and administration
ADA Statement:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.