The North Star Volunteer Fire Department has developed a self-pace, one-on-one training program where a new volunteer can enter the North Star Volunteer Fire Department and have a means to learn through hands-on training basic skills to operate safely and effectively under direct supervision.

PURPOSE: This program is designed to allow a new member to learn and work at his/her own pace. Through hands-on training, basic skills can be learned in order for the new member to operate safely and effectively under direct supervision. Levels have been established to mark performance and achievement. With each level, specific tasks have been identified which require completion by the member and checked off by approved trainers before advancement to the next level. Upon completing each level, more responsibility and allowances are made. This allows the member to advance into the next level of training. Also it allows the member to start to perform specific operational functions around the station and on certain emergency scenes (under direction supervision). While in this level your direct supervisor will be the on duty shift officer and you will be assigned to the Training division. You will have no longer than 6 months from the start of the program to complete level 2. This to your benefit as your assistance is needed on the fire ground. If the levels are not completed in the time allotted then a reassignment to support or dismissal from the department will be at the discretion of the Training Chief.

LEVEL 1 (Apprentice Emergency Services Worker)

This is the beginning of the program. No one will engage in any emergency scene operation until this level is completed and checked off by the authorized instructor. The following tasks have been identified as the minimum requirement for completion of Level 1. (NOTE: A member may spend the night at Station #1 with the concurrence of the Duty person and the on-duty Battalion Chief. This provides an excellent opportunity for training. However, there is NO emergency response until Level 1 has successfully been completed and checked off by an authorized instructor.)

TASK

DATE

AUTHORIZED INSTRUCTOR

1) Apprenticeship Program Orientation

Any Officer or Duty Person

Explain what the program is all about.

Explain how the program works.

Explain why the program is necessary.

Where does this new program fit into previous training.

Who are the participants.

When is the program to be completed.

TASK

DATE

AUTHORIZED INSTRUCTOR

Rank Structure / Chain of Command explained.

2) Review of the Guidelines of Operation

Any Officer or Duty Person

This is a self-study review. The member reviews the G.O.O. (Guidelines of Operation) manual and signs the required form stating they have received and reviewed the manual. A 10-question open book test is administered by the authorized instructor to ensure the member understands the function of the G.O.O.

3) Review of Communication Procedures

Any Officer or Duty Person

This is a hand-out review of basic commo guidelines.

A handout covering care and use of pager equipment will be reviewed along with hands-on demo of the equipment.

A tape will be used to explain the different communication tones (i.e., pre-alerts, medical, fire).

A toner test (Why we have them; what is a toner test, etc.).

4) Review of Safety Program

Any Officer or Duty Person

Safety Expectations: Eye protection; Hearing protection; Head protection; Hand protection; Eye wash stations.

Environmental Concerns: Cold and hot weather operations. How to dress for the occasion.

Employee Right to Know: MSDS Station

Apparatus Safety: Seat belts; Backing (ground guides); Climbing on and off apparatus - No jumping,

Use of steps on apparatus (not ports).

Personal Protective Equipment: Care...checking and cleaning. Use...Where, when, how.

5) Changing SCBA bottles (not reservicing)

Any Officer or Duty Person

Different type bottles and paks.

Basic operation of the bottles.

Turning on and off.

Bottle removal and installation.

TASK

DATE

AUTHORIZED INSTRUCTOR

Safety Concerns: High pressure danger; Damaged bottle, head

6) Review of Staging Area and Purpose

Any Officer or Duty Person

Accountability Tags usage explained

ICS (Incident Command System) basic I-100 completion

7) Daily operation procedures and expectations

Any Officer or Duty Person

Meetings - Daily shift change, planning, etc.

Basic decon procedures

Housekeeping

8) Review of department facilities and equipment

Any Officer or Duty Person

Facilities: Location and equipment available.

Tour each station.

Response areas (map).

Operation of Station #1 - Administration, Phones and proper way to answer them. When an emergency telephone call what to do (what, where, who, phone #). Notify Shift Captain.

Staffing at stations. Sign in on Station Staffing Sheet and check in with Shift Captain for assignment.

Equipment: Apparatus - Review types.

Equipment on board each apparatus and location.

Use and designators (Engine 31, 301, etc.).

Summer vs winter use of equipment.

TASK

DATE

AUTHORIZED INSTRUCTOR

9) Response procedures in POV’s

Any Officer or Duty Person

Blue lights not authorized until “Blue Light Course” and Level 3 completed.

Explain parking at an emergency scene.

Response to stations ; secured (outlying)

Refer to G.O.O. (Guidelines of Operation) #503 on medical response.

Shift Captain/Training Chief Check-Off: I have determined that the member has the knowledge listed in this document:

Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

After the tasks have been completed and checked off by an authorized instructor, a member will take this task book to the Training Division for review and sign off by the Training Officer. Information will be forwarded to the Fire Chief for authorization to proceed to the next level. Authorization for issue of this equipment will be on a prescribed form (found in your apprenticeship book) signed by the Training Division and the Fire Chief. No gear will be issued without these two signatures.

Once authorization is granted, the following personal protective equipment and communication equipment will be issued: Fire fighting helmet (with a “one” on it to show completion of Level 1), turnout coat, nomax hood, approved gloves, accountability tags, and a pager.

You will then be considered an apprentice firefighter and may begin.

MODULE I - ICS ORIENTATION TEST

After you have completed your self-paced study of this module, answer the following questions.

1. Name the five major activities around which the ICS is organized.

2. The General Staff consists of:

3. Name the three major activities of the Command Staff.

4. The Incident Commander may have one or more deputies from the same agency or from other agencies or jurisdictions.

_____ True _____ False

Reference Text (self paced) 1-23

5. Deputies must always be as qualified as the person for whom they work.

6. __True I_____ False

6. Deputies may be used at which of the following levels of the ICS organization? (check all that apply)

____ Unit

Section

____ Command Staff

Divisions/Groups

Branch

7. For each of the organizational elements listed below on the left, designate the number for the appropriate ICS title.

Branch ____________ 1. Leader

Section ___________ 2. Officer

Division ___________ 3. Supervisor

Command Staff ________ 4. Chief

Group ____________ 5. Director

6. Manager

8. Groups and Divisions are at the same organizational level.

_____ True

_____ False

Reference Text (self paced) 1-24

9. List the principal facilities which may be located at an incident.

10. Groups have responsibility.

Divisions have_ responsibility.

11. The decision to have a written Incident Action Plan is made by:

Operations Section Chief

_____ Incident Commander

Planning Section Chief

Safety Officer

12. Select four essential elements of any written Incident Action Plan.

______ List of total resources assigned to incident _____ Objectives

______ List of agencies involved ______ Assignments

Supporting plans and material

_____ Organization

Technical Specialist locations

Reference Text (self paced) 1-25

13. Check-in at an incident takes place at: (check all that apply) I Incident Command Post (at the Resources Unit)

Facilities Unit

_____ Staging Areas

Base or Camps

Safety Officer

Procurement Unit ___ Heibases

_____ Division or Group Supervisors (for direct assignments)

14. Operational Periods are how long?

_____ One hour

Two hours

_____ Not over twenty-four hours

Twelve hours

No fixed length

15. Air Operations if activated at an incident will be at what organizational level?

_____ Division ____ Unit ______ Section _____ Branch

Group

16. Span of control at an incident may vary within what range?

_____ One to five

_____ Three to seven

One to three

Reference Text (self paced) 1-26

17. Listed below are the names of various organizational elements found within the ICS organization. Place the letter of the element on the row adjacent to the appropriate ICS Section.

Operations Section = 0

Planning Section = p

Logistics Section L

Finance/Admin. Section F

a. Cost Unit

b. Branch

c. Food Unit

d. Resources Unit

e Communications Unit

f. Technical Specialists

g Division

h. Documentation Unit

i. Facilities Unit

j. CompensationlClaims Unit

k. Air Operations

l. Ground Support Unit

m. Staging Areas

n. Situation Unit

0. Time Unit

p. Medical Unit

q. Procurement Unit

r. Demobilization Unit

5. Group

t. Supply

Reference Text (self paced) 1-27

18. Name five applications for the use of ICS.

19. Which of the following are general responsibilities associated with an assignment to an incident? (check all that apply)

______ Use clear text in all radio communications at an incident. ____ Know the names of all Command and General Staff

Bring any specialized supplies or equipment required for your job.

Organize and brief any subordinates assigned to you.

Prepare an information release for your agency.

Upon arrival, follow the Check-in procedure for the incident.

Report directly to a Staging Area. _____ Obtain a briefing from your immediate supervisor.

______ Ensure that all personnel assigned to you are from the same agency/jurisdiction.

_____ Demobilize according to plan. _____ Attend all planning meetings.

_____ Brief your relief at the end of each Operational Period. ______ Hold a strategy meeting with personnel from your agency.

Complete required forms and reports and give them to your supervisor or to the Documentation Unit before you leave.

Acquire necessary work materials, locate, and set up your work station.

Reference Text (self paced) 1-28

20. Name the appropriate ICS organizational element that if activated directs the activities listed below.

Responsible for Staging Areas.

_______________ Provide support and services to

meet incident needs.

________________ Set objectives and priorities.

________________ Collects and evaluates information, maintam status.

Prepares information releases.

________________ Monitor costs, provide accounting, procurement, and time recording services.

Develops measures for assuring

safety of all personnel.

_________________ Conduct tactical operations, develop tactical objectives, and direct all

tactical resources.

Primary contact for Agency

Representatives.

Written Test on G.O.O. Book

Place the correct location of the answer next to each question. The answers are in plain sight and easy to locate. This test is to assist you in some of the ways a general knowledge of the GOO book works for the department on a daily basis. Do not write the answer for the question. Just write the correct location where the answer is found.

1. Shift duration Monday through Friday for Station 1 residents.

2. Definition of Sexual Harassment per the G.O.O.

3. Step B for placing the emergency generator in use.

4. Station and Company activities for Explorers under General Participant Operational guidelines.

5. Number for Fairbanks North Star Borough Hazmat Response Team.

6. Response procedures for small quantities of propane.

7. Level of PPE (personal protective equipment) for petroleum Middle Distillates. (Example 1.2, C, 1.)

8. How to handle phone calls to NSVFD for Carbon Monoxide Detector Response.

9. Disciplinary Action for Maintenance Shop use.

10. Airway Kit checklist inventory.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

TRAINING AUTHORIZATION FORM

DATE: __________________________

STUDENT’S NAME: ________________________________________________________

I have completed my task booklet and am respectfully requesting a Competency Skills Test.

1. TRAINING OFFICER _________________________________ DATE _______________

2. FIRE CHIEF/DEPUTY CHIEF __________________________ DATE _______________

3. BATTALION CHIEF __________________________________ DATE _______________

Battalion Chief or designee has conducted a final Competency Skills Test with this student and student successfully met all requirements for this level:

ÿ Level 1 ÿ Level 2 ÿ Level 3 ÿ Level 4