Fire Training Program
Fire Fighter Training Coordinator
The Firefighter Training Coordinator administers the FIREFIGHTER LEVEL 1 PROGRAM and is responsible for ensuring that All firefighter training for the member bands is completed in accordance with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) Firefighter Level 1 training program. The coordinator ensures that all students are registered with the JI and complete both written and practical exams to successfully complete the training. The coordinator arranges for instructors and that all required materials are acquired. The course is currently being taught by a certified JI Instructors and all written and practical exams are administered by a JI certified evaluator.
The firefighter level 1 is in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications and in the fire fighting profession, serves as the minimum standard of competence for persons who wish to serve as a firefighter. Upon completion of Firefighter Level 1, students are eligible to complete Firefighter Level II training.
As part of the training the firefighters are required to complete First Responders Level III, which also includes as a prerequisite CPR Level C training. The First Responder level III (FR III) training is also arranged by the Firefighter training coordinator and includes arranging for instructors and evaluators, certified Paramedic Academy (JIBC). The CPR Instructors are certified by the Canadian Red Cross. FR Level III course teaches the students the skills and knowledge to understand their role as First Responder, perform and prioritize patent assessments, intervene in life threatening injuries and conditions, use oxygen therapy, manage medical emergencies, trauma, and environmental emergencies, and record and report patient information.
Fire Fighter Training for Level 1 is typically completed in nine modules over a four to five month period and includes approximately seven weeks of training.
There have been 5 separate classes in years 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2005 with a total enrollment of 62 students. Currently in 2008 we have a class with 23 students underway and to be completed this summer.
This training gives the communities improved Firefighters that are better able to respond in emergency situation. The training also gives the students more confidence in their abilities, and gives them additional skill that employers often need. The training allows the students to be eligible to become professional firefighters.