VERMONT COURSES

Course Announcement SCBA and PPE

After taking this course students will be able to describe the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is used by firefighters, explain the importance of PPE, describe how PPE is properly maintained, identify the hazards of smoke and other toxic environments, and explain why respiratory protection is an essential need of fire service personnel. Students will be able to describe the different types of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), identify it's limitations, explain the procedures for maintenance, inspections, refilling, and donning. Students will practice the skills of donning, doffing, performing inspections and maintenance, and operating in a SCBA. This course includes both classroom and practical skill activities. At the conclusion of the program, the students will participate in SCBA confidence building drills inside of the Drager trailer, which is a mobile maze and obstacle course.

To register, download the General Admission application and return it to the Vermont Fire Academy.

Course Location and Details

Wardsboro Fire Department: Dates: 9/2/15 (1800 - 2200) 9/9/15 (1800 - 2200) 9/16/15 (1800 - 2200) 9/23/15 (1800 - 2200) 9/26/15 (0800 - 1700) - Practical

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Hazardous Materials Operations

This course provides the student with the basic skills necessary to safely and effectively manage the on-scene operations involving the uncontrolled release of dangerous chemicals. As such it focuses on those individuals in local jurisdictions who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release. They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion to contain the release from a safe distance, keeping it from spreading, and preventing exposures. The course is designed to meet the training responsibilities as outlined by OSHA, CFR 1910.120 and NFPA 472 for the Operations Level.

This course is open to responders who are SCBA qualified. To register, download the Hazardous Materials Operations Admission Application and return it to the Vermont Fire Academy.

Course Location and Details

Wardsboro Fire Department: Dates:

9/30/15 (1800 - 2200) 10/7/15 (1800 - 2200) 10/14/15 (1800 - 2200) 10/21/15 (1800 - 2200) 10/24/15 (0800 - 1700) - Practical

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2015

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY

5 years ago today on August 3, 2010 - Multiple alarm church fire in South Londonderry Vermont. Dispatchers on duty were Lt. Tom Redin and Dispatcher Kassie (Dupre) Lunderville121 Church Fire 080310

11 years ago today on August 3, 2004 - Chesterfield Tire Fire on Route 9 at Brook Rd. Dispatchers on duty were Neal Collier and Jim Young. 06 Tire Fire 080304

VERMONT CPAT

We would like to announce the Vermont CPAT test dates:Orientation: Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 13 CPAT Exam: October 27, 28 and 29(by appointment only) Location: Champlain Valley Exposition - Robert E. Miller Expo Center, 105 Pearl Street, Essex Jct., VT 05453 ***All application forms are due by Friday, July 31st**** CPAT SUMMARY: The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) was developed by a joint labor management initiative between the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to address the need to develop a physical ability test for consistent pre-employment testing for the hiring of candidate fire fighters. A survey of tools and equipment, protective equipment, and job descriptions, as well as the demographics of both the fire fighters and the citizens they serve was conducted. From the results of this survey, fire ground tasks were studied and certain tasks were determined to be a fair and valid evaluation tool in the selection of entry level fire fighters. CPAT is a licensed process that requires a study to be performed that ensures all firefighters within the jurisdiction, in this case Vermont, perform similar tasks with similar equipment during similar time frames. In turn, the study ensures that the CPAT test is valid and fair for all entry-level firefighters throughout Vermont. Currently the municipalities of Burlington, South Burlington, Williston, Hartford, Saint Johnsbury, Springfield, and Brattleboro have committed to using this testing process. A test that is proven safe and is standard with job specifications results in a test that cannot be challenged by a candidate as discriminatory in any manner. The IAFF and IAFC have worked with the Department of Justice to ensure the test is fair and legal. Just as this test is fair for all candidates, CPAT also ensures a high level of professionalism within the fire service in Vermont. Along with education and training, fitness and health are essential for an individual to succeed in today's fire service. A fire fighter that is healthier and more physically fit is a fire fighter that will be able to provide the best possible fire protection and emergency medical services to the community they serve. Health and fitness also contribute to a fire fighter's enjoyment of a fulfilled, and hopefully injury-free career, placing less of a burden on communities and coworkers.