International Fire Training Force

Search and Rescue (24 hours)

The Search and Rescue course provides those personnel, who are or will be operating as a member of a search and rescue team with the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform search and rescue within a smoke and heat filled environment using the hose line or the structure for reference. The class will cover the techniques of two man search.  Written and practical skill examinations will be administered at the completion of the course.

Prerequisites: Lift, Drags and Carries Ladder Rescue Applicable

Lift, Drags and Carries (8 hours)

This class will teach the students a variety of safe and proper techniques to lift, carry and drag a victim out of a hazardous environment.  The techniques for dragging using webbing, harnesses and patient packaging for drags will be covered.

Prerequisites: None

Ladder Rescue (8 Hours)

The Ladder Rescue course provides those personnel, who are or will be operating as a member of a rescue team, with the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform ladder rescues using the proper ladder, the proper ladder placement and the proper victim carry. The class will cover the use of ladders, hardware, ladder safety, anchor systems, and patient lift to window and handoff from window to ladder. Special consideration will be given to policies of standard-making agencies such as OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, and others. Written and practical skill examinations will be administered at the completion of the course.

Prerequisites: None

Automobile Extrication Specialist (Auto Extrication Technician) (40 hours)

The Automobile Extrication course is designed to acquaint the inexperienced firefighter with techniques used in Auto Extrication. Of the 40 hours, 32 hours will be spent working with the various extrication equipment and tools. Emphasis will be on safety, functions of the tools, and different techniques to remove victims from auto accidents. All students will be required to furnish protective clothing. A list of acceptable alternatives will be provided with the confirmation letter to the students admitted to the class.

Applicable Certification Level(s): Automobile Extrication Specialist Certificate of Completion

Confined Space / Trench Rescue Awareness (8 hours)

This course will provide the first responders with the knowledge to identify confined space and trench rescue situations, and the hazards associated with them. The Authority having jurisdiction regulations, which govern emergency response to these rescue situations, will be covered. Discussion will identify the equipment and training needed to perform these types of rescues. Review of rescue situations and the action taken will be discussed.

Applicable Certification Level: Confined Space/Trench Rescue Awareness Certificate of Completion. Prerequisites: None

Confined Space Rescue (40 hours)

This course concerns rescues involving confined spaces. The class covers the authority having jurisdiction regulations, use of specialized equipment for atmospheric monitoring, commercial entry and retrieval systems, and employment of rescuer constructed retrieval systems. Special emphasis will be given to rescuer safety, scene management, patient care and movement, and construction and operation of retrieval systems. Simulated rescue evolutions involving various rescue problems will be conducted. Written and practical skill testing will be conducted at the completion of the course.

Applicable Certification Level: Rescue Specialist/Confined Space Certificate of Completion. Prerequisites: Confined Space/Trench Rescue Awareness & Vertical Rescue I - Ropes & Rigging

Trench Rescue (24 hours)

This course concerns below grade excavation entrapment rescues. The class covers the authority having jurisdiction, use of specialized equipment for atmospheric monitoring, shoring systems, victim excavation, and employment of rescuer constructed retrieval systems. Special emphasis will be given to rescuer safety, and scene evolutions involving various trench rescue problems will be conducted. Written and practical skill testing will be conducted at the completion of the course.

Applicable Certification Level: Rescue Specialist/Trench Rescue Certificate of Completion. Prerequisites: Confined Space/Trench Rescue Awareness

Vertical Rescue I - Ropes & Rigging (40 hours)

The Ropes & Rigging course provides those personnel, who are or will be operating as a member of a rescue team, with the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform rescues using rope systems. The class will cover the use of rope, rope equipment, hardware, construction of mechanical advantage systems, belay and safety systems, anchor systems, and patient packaging. Special consideration will be given to policies of standard-making agencies such as OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, and others. Written and practical skill examinations will be administered at the completion of the course.

Applicable Certification Level: Rescue Specialist/Vertical I - Ropes & Rigging Certificate of Completion. Prerequisites: None

Vertical Rescue II - High Angle Rescue Techniques (40 hours)

This course concerns rescues involving elevation differences. The class covers fixed and floating brake rappels, transfer of personnel from one line onto a second line, and patient movement in litter systems. The students will construct and operate mechanical advantage systems, belay and safety systems, anchor systems using accepted vertical rescue practices. The physics and dynamics of rescue systems will be explored. Practical evolutions will include lowering and hauling systems in simulated rescue situations. Written and practical skill examinations will be administered at the completion of the course.

Applicable Certification Level: Rescue Specialist/Vertical II - High Angle

Prerequisites: Vertical Rescue I - Ropes & Rigging

Vertical Rescue III - Advanced High Angle Rescue (54 hours)

This is an advanced course which emphasizes team development and team management. Advanced vertical rescue skills will be introduced. The student will participate in team applications of vertical rescue skills in simulated rescue situations. Practical evolutions will include rescues from vessels, confined space, towers, structural, industrial and agricultural environments. Written and practical skill examinations will be administered at the completion of the course.

Prerequisites: Completion of the Vertical Rescue II - High Angle Rescue, Rescue Specialist/Vertical II - High Angle Certification of Completion.