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Delaware State
Fire School

DSFS Course Descriptions



Fire Service Financial Overview (3 Hours)

This seminar is designed for the leadership of the Delaware Fire Service having direct involvement with the financial responsibilities of their department. This course will examine the recommendations set forth by the State of Delaware Financial Task Force for internal control best practices, reporting and compliance to achieve sound financial management of fire company assets.

Introduction to the Fire Service (16 Hours)

This course is designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge a new firefighter may use on an emergency scene as an exterior support person. It includes Orientation to the Fire Service, Personnel Protective Equipment, Fire Service Organizations, Firefighter Safety, Fire Extinguisher uses, Ground Ladders, Hose and Appliances, Basic MAYDAY Procedures, Driving Personal Vehicles to the Station. 

Firefighter I-II Recruit Academy (Regular and Accelerated)

This course has been designed to provide the student, both from a fire company or those seeking a career in the fire service, with the necessary training and skills to successfully meet the requirements of the NFPA 1001 standard for a Fire Fighter I & II, the NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations levels, and the NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials/WMD Awareness and Operations levels. The Regular course is over several months for two nights a week and every other weekend.  The Accelerated format runs Monday through Friday for approximately four weeks. Both courses may lead into the Delaware Accelerated EMT course to obtain their NREMT. Students will obtain their National Proboard Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, and Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations certifications.

Structural Firefighting Skills (24 Hours)

The Structural Firefighting Skills Course is half of the second phase of the Fire School’s Sequential Training Program.  This course is designed to enhance the student’s knowledge and skills required by a firefighter to operate as a member of a firefighting team in a structural firefighting situation. This course will teach the student basic skills and knowledge in Search & Rescue, Firefighter Safety & Survival, Methods of Fire Attack, Ventilation, Overhaul, Salvage, Utility, Control, Forcible Entry, Sprinkler Systems, and Termination are topics that will be discussed in this course.

Hazardous Materials Response Skills (24 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

The Hazardous Materials Response Skills Course is the other half of the second phase of the Delaware State Fire School’s Sequential Training Program.  This course is designed to provide the student with theories and skills to safely operate as a member of a firefighting team in a Flammable or Combusti­ble Liquids or Gases incident, and as a support person at a Hazardous Material Inci­dent.  Students completing this course will be trained to the operations level of NFPA 472 and should be prepared to take the Pro Board NFPA 472 Operations Certification test. (Students that successfully pass this course will be waived for the practical portion of the Pro Board Hazardous Materials Operations test.) This course consists of Characteristics, Storage and Transportation of Liquids and Gases, Liquid and Gas Firefighting Evolutions, Recognition and Identification of Hazardous Materials, Risk Analysis, Hazardous Materials Protective Equipment, Diking, Diversion, Containment, Decontamination Operations, Fixed Facilities, Air Sampling, Pipeline Operations and other Product Control Tactics.

Advanced Fires Behavior – Observation (12 Hours)

This course is an advanced class designed to enhance the student’s knowledge of fire behavior through observation and experience. the student will see fire behavior from incipient to pre-flashover, effects of ventilation on fire.

Live Fire Training – Evolutions

This course is an advanced class designed to enhance the student’s knowledge and skills required by a firefighter to operate as a member of a firefighting team in a structural firefighting situation. It provides the student with the knowledge and skills needed to perform firefighting in conjunction with ventilation, search and rescue during practical exercises.

Crew Leader (12 Hours)

The Crew Leader course has been designed to provide a firefigh­ter with the necessary skills and knowledge to direct a crew of firefighters in the performance of a task during a motor vehicle accident, structural fire, flammable liquid or gas incident. This course will teach the student skills and knowledge in the Roles of a Crew Leader, responsibilities, giving and receiving orders, incident considerations, use of entry rescue control checklist, professionalism and self-discipline will be covered in this course.

Hazardous Materials Awareness (5 Hours)

This course is designed for emergency responders who, in the course of their normal duties, could encounter an emergency involving hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and who are expected to recognize the presence of the hazardous materials/WMD, protect themselves, call for trained personnel, and secure the area. This course is offered in conjunction with a certification test to provide the student the opportunity to become nationally certified to NFPA 472 requirements. Students who successfully pass the written test at the end of the course are eligible to receive a certificate from the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications and to be entered into the Pro Board national registry system.

Hazardous Materials Operations (8 Hours)

Today, many fire departments must respond to Hazardous Materials and terrorist incidents.  Firefighters must be knowledgeable in operating at these incidents.  After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to summarize the basic operations at Hazardous materials and terrorist incidents and perform emergency decontamination and defensive procedures. 

This course complies with the NFPA 472 requirements for Hazardous Materials Operations. This course is offered in conjunction with a certification test to provide the student the opportunity to become nationally certified to NFPA 472 requirements.  This course covers operations and management structure at hazardous materials or terrorist incidents, how the strategic goal of isolation and scene control is achieved, general guidelines for decontamination, the strategic goal of spill control and confinement, and the actions taken during the recovery and termination phase of a Hazardous Materials or terrorist incident.

Firefighter Self Survival (12 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

The Firefighter Self Survival course is designed to provide the firefighter with critical knowledge and skills along with a safe attitude on the fire ground, allowing a firefighter the ability to “save” themselves at a fire. This course consists of tactics and procedures that can be used by a firefighter who finds themselves in danger. The course will cover Risk Management, Minimizing Risk, and Personal Survival/Evacuation Tips. Practical evolutions include:  calling a MAYDAY,  hose line exiting, breaching a wall, low profile exiting, window exiting, low air conditions, bottle replacement in a hazardous area, drags and carries, disentanglement, vertical opening exiting and exiting using a hose line and/or rope from a second-story window.

Firefighting Foam (6 Hours)

The purpose of this course is to provide fire suppres­sion personnel with the knowledge and skills to properly apply and utilize firefighting foam. This course will provide the necessary information to effective­ly use firefighting foam and the equipment necessary to make firefighting foam.  The course will be delivered using illustrative lectures and practical evolutions.

Arson Awareness (3 Hours)

This course is designed to familiarize the members of the fire department with necessary information in regards to the operation of the Fire Marshal’s Office. This course will be taught by members of the Fire Marshal’s Staff.  Topics will include Investigation Requests, Call Assignments, Areas of Responsibilities, the MIRT Team, Overhaul on Fire Scenes and answers to frequently asked questions.

Aerial Apparatus Operations (16 Hours)

Each of the different types of Aerial Fire Apparatus has different capabilities with distinct advantages and disadvantages.  The purpose of this course is to explain the different types of Aerial Fire Apparatus and their advantages and disadvantages. This course will give an explanation of the three basic groups of Aerial Fire Apparatus; straight aerials, platform aerials and water towers.  The advantages of the different aerial mounting locations: rear-mount, mid-mount and tiller-mount and proper use of the features of aerial fire apparatus:  safety considerations, apparatus positioning, stabilization, rescue, raising the aerial device; placing the aerial ladder or elevating platform and spotting the turntable. Students will have an opportunity to challenge the Aerial Driver Operator certification.

Driver / Operator (24 Hours)

This course is designed to prepare a firefighter to become a pump operator in their respective fire departments.  The course content has been designed to be applicable to all types of fire pumps. This course will cover the following areas:  Basic Operation, Operator Responsibility and Pump Types; Hydraulic Calculations, Rules of Thumb, Characteristics of Water Pressure and Control Devices, Priming Devices, Gauges, Transfer Valves, Valves and Drains, Drafting and Hydrant Evolutions, Preventive Maintenance and troubleshooting of the chassis, pump, electrical system, engine and accessories, water supply theories and application, pumper-to-pumper relay operations, tanker shuttle and tandem pumping operations.

Engine Company Operations (24 Hours)

The purpose of this course is to educate firefighters on the functions, objectives and skills needed to perform engine company operations. This course is designed to train firefighters in the essential functions of an engine company.  The class takes an in-depth view of hose, water supply, hose handling, and fire attack as the primary roles of an engine company member.  Because these functions are performed on routine structure fires, all firefighters are encouraged to attend this course.

Truck Company Operations (24 Hours)

Mandatory Online Sessions

The purpose of this course is to educate firefighters of the functions, objectives and skills needed to perform truck company operations. This course is designed around the LOVERS acronym for truck company operations.  The class takes an in-depth view of ladders, overhaul, ventilation, extension, rescue and salvage as the primary roles of a truck company member.  Because these functions are performed on routine structure fires, all firefighters are encouraged to attend this course.

Rescue Helicopter Awareness (3 Hours)

Approved for 3 hours of EMS – CEUs

The Delaware State Police Aviation unit has capabilities that can be utilized by the fire service in various rescue situations.  This class is designed to educate emergency personnel on those capabilities and to become familiar with the various aircraft used by the state police. This course includes a brief classroom session that goes over the types of aircraft used by the State Police as well as the various capabilities of them.  The students will also participate in some basic evolutions involving the cable hoist or stationary rope hauling system employed on the aircraft.

Enhancing Grant Writing Skill for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (3 Hours)

The purpose of this program is to introduce participants to how narrative presentations are rated by panelists.  It is to improve the knowledge and skills of the student’s ability to draft a competitive Grant Narrative. The course will cover an overview of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Students will practice their ability to use the application as a vehicle for a successful Grant Application and be able to express how they plan to improve their application planning and development. The course will highlight support resources the student can use during the grant writing process.

Delaware Fire Officer I Course (40 Hours)

Mandatory Online Coursework

This course introduces the student to the basic concepts of management and supervision by concentration on such topics as organizational structure, communication skills, human resource management, public relations, planning, emergency service delivery, and safety.  Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to explain the role and responsibilities of the company officer.  The student will identify and use the four steps of the teaching techniques identified in NFPA 1041. The student will be able to identify the components of the Incident Command System as an emergency management tool and describe the elements of an incident analysis and fire behavior factors.  They will also be able to describe the capabilities and limitations of engine and truck company operations and participate in scenarios that relate to the major tactical functions of the fire department and the need for coordination during tactical operations.

Delaware Fire Officer II Course (40 Hours)

Mandatory Online Coursework

This course consists of subjects designed to give the officer more knowledge of management and supervision so that he/she can make basic evaluations of employee relations and assume a more proactive role in their department.  This course expands on the knowledge base obtained in Fire Officer I by revisiting some of the same subjects and adding additional material.  Some new subject areas include information management, government structure, and department budget planning and management.

Delaware Fire Officer III Course (40 Hours)

Mandatory Online Coursework

This course consists of subjects designed to give the officer more knowledge of management and administration so that he/she can make basic evaluations of employee relations and assume a more proactive role in his/her department.  An individual at the Fire Officer III level, as part of his or her duties and responsibilities, establishes procedures for hiring, assigning, promoting, and encouraging professional development of members; develops programs that improve and expand service and build partnerships with the public; prepares a divisional or departmental budget, develops a budget management system, solicits bids, plans for resource allocation and works with information management systems; evaluates inspection programs to determine effectiveness and develops public safety plans; manages multi-agency planning, deployment, and operations; and develops, manages, and evaluates a departmental safety program. 

Delaware Fire Officer IV Course (40 Hours)

Mandatory Online Coursework

This course is designed around classroom lectures and group interactive exercises to improve the officer’s abilities to manage a fire service organization.  The course emphasizes community/government relations, model planning, budgeting, human resources, trends and support organizations, and emergency service delivery.  The course includes a written project that requires the student to develop a strategic plan. 

Proboard and IFSAC Certification Testing

Purpose:  Certification Testing has been developed to assess the student’s base knowledge and skills to successfully meet the requirements of the current NFPA standards. Testing is for students who may not be able to attend the traditional DSFS training programs with certification included, and require some flexibility in their training opportunities, while still meeting minimum requirements to test. Testing will cover the subject areas covered in the traditional training programs associated with those NFPA standards. Current prescheduled certification testing will be provided for Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Fire Officer III, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Hazardous Materials Operations. Some testing will involve practical skills evaluations.

Written testing will be made available at each division before the scheduled practical skills evaluation. Other levels of certification testing is available with scheduled courses or may be arranged with special scheduling

All material and skills are based on the current edition of the associated IFSTA manual and materials. Those Manuals, Skills guides, and Test Preparation guides (if available) will be made available for purchase to the student before the testing when ordered.

Emergency Vehicle Operations (6 Hours)

This course is designed to enable a person eighteen years of age or older, with a valid Class “D” Delaware Driver’s License to drive an emergency vehicle exceeding 26,000 pounds if the chief officer or company policy so permits. The program deals with topics bearing on both the potential and past problems as cited in a number of studies.  Information given shows where apparatus shortcomings may be found during operation and suggest means to operate within safe ranges.  The program’s philosophy is that a safe operator will not operate his vehicle beyond safe boundary lines to the point of “no return”.  The undercurrent of this program is safety through avoidance.  This course has been revised to emphasize highway safety, intersection safety and vehicle rollover prevention. This course is available in person and online.

Emergency Vehicle Operations Competency Course (6 Hours)

This hands-on course is designed to measure driver proficiency in handling emergency vehicles. The competency course duplicates eight situations in which the driver’s skill, judgment and knowledge of the limitations of the emergency vehicle, are required for effective maneuvering.  This course is based on Appendix A of the NFPA #1002 standard. This is a VFIS course.

Emergency Vehicle Operations Refresher (3 Hours)

Approved for 3 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course is designed to keep your emergency vehicle operator skills current and focused while operating emergency response vehicles regardless of size and type. This program focuses on emergency vehicle operator responsibilities and attitude, backing practices, intersection safety, rollover risk factors and highway safety while on-scene of an emergency.

Fire Emergency Services Instructor I Certification Course (24 Hours)

Mandatory Online Sessions

This blended learning course is designed to meet the NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor I Standard.  It is intended to provide certification for persons wishing to fulfill the requirements for Fire Officer I Certification.   This course is a pre-requisite for individuals desiring to sit for the Delaware State Fire School Methods of Instruction Course. This course includes:  Instructor as a Professional, Principles of Learning, Instructional Planning, Instructional Materials and Equipment, Learning Environment, Classroom Instruction, Skills-Based Training Beyond the Classroom, Testing and Evaluation and Records, Reports and Scheduling.  Individuals choosing this course will be required to discuss a chosen topic and instruct a class from a prepared lesson plan.

Fire Emergency Services Instructor II Certification Course (30 Hours)

This course meets or exceeds the NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor II Standard. It is intended to provide certification for persons wishing to fulfill the requirements for Fire Officer I Certification. This course is a pre-requisite for individuals desiring to sit for the Delaware State Fire School Methods of Instruction Course and/or Fire Officer III Certification. Students successfully completing this course are eligible to receive Board Fire Service Instructor II to teach for the Delaware State Fire School. This course encompasses lesson plan development, training evolution supervision, test/exam item construction, supervisory and administrative duties and instructor and class evaluations. The student will be required to develop and submit a written lesson plan for review and to successfully pass a written exam.

Fire Ground Operations – Size Up (12 Hours)

The Fire Ground Operations – Size-up course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required for Officers in Charge during the initial employment of resources at an emergency incident.  The student will spend the majority of the class performing size-up and deployment tactics. Day one consists of obtaining basic information, proper incident size-up, placement of resources, strategic objectives, utilization of Brief Initial Reports, assigning of tasks, along with the requesting of additional resources and the Transfer of Command.  Also included is the Officer’s responsibility for scene safety and the use of a Rapid Intervention Team.   Day two consists of table top evolutions.  Each student will “command” incidents requiring size up, apparatus placement and assignments.

Fire Ground Operations – Tactical

The Fire Ground Operations – Tactical course is designed to provide the knowledge and skill required for Officers in Charge on apparatus placement and crew assignments during the initial employment of resources at an emergency incident.  The student will spend the majority of the class performing size-up and deployment tactics. Day one consists of reviewing proper incident size-up, placement of resources, strategic objectives, utilization of Brief Initial Reports, and assigning of tasks. Also included is the Officer’s responsibility for scene safety and the use of a Rapid Intervention Team.  Students will spend part of the day performing crew leader evolutions.  Day two consists of drill ground evolutions.  Each student will “command” incidents requiring size-up, apparatus placement and assignments.

Fire Ground Operations – High Rise (12 Hours)

The Fire Ground Operations – High Rise course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required for Officers in Charge when responding to a High Rise emergency.  Fires in High Rise buildings have the potential to be one of the most challenging incidents we respond to. Day one consists of discussing High Rise Considerations, Tactical Considerations, Lobby Control, Staging, Ventilation, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems and Incident Command systems.  Day two will consist of tabletop exercises to practice the skills learned.

ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700, & ICS 800

Offered online only through DHS. Follow the link www.statefireschool.delaware.gov under the Online Training tab

ICS 300 TC/RC/IS (24 hours)

ICS 300 provides training and resources for personnel who require advanced knowledge and application of the ICS. This course expands upon information covered in the ICS 100 and ICS 200 courses. Persons who will serve as command or general staff in an ICS organization, select department heads with multi-agency coordination system responsibilities, area commanders, emergency managers, and multi-agency coordination system/emergency operations center managers.

ICS 400 TC/RC/IS (16 Hours)

This course provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS 400 covers major and complex incidents, Area Command, and multi-agency coordination. Persons serving as command staff, section chiefs, strike team leaders, task force leaders, unit leaders, division/group supervisors, branch directors, and multi-agency coordination system/emergency operations center staff.

Sexual Harassment Awareness (1 Hour)

Approved for 1 hour of EMS – CEUs

For much of its history, the fire service had been a male-dominated field.  Today’s fire service is made up of a diverse group of people committed to serve together.  The purpose of this class is to make personnel aware of what constitutes sexual harassment and the laws that pertain to it.  It is designed to be short enough to fit into the agenda of a company meeting in order to reach as many members as possible. This course provides a definition of sexual harassment as well as an overview of the pertinent legal issues involved.  Specific examples that pertain to the fire service are covered in detail.

Introduction to Wildfire Behavior S-190 (8 Hours)

This course is designed to give students an introduction to wildfire behavior, effective methods of control, human performance issues and how they relate to the job, and introduction to ICS organization. This course is designed for entry-level personnel with no previous wildland firefighting experience, or for individuals who may desire a refresher course at the basic level. Students will learn the determining factors of wildland fire behavior (fuels, topography, and weather) and how such understanding relates to wildland fire suppression. It also addresses human performance content that relates to the individual, including situation awareness, communication, decision making, risk management, and teamwork skills. Students should have improved awareness of human performance issues so they may be better integrated into teams/crews working in dynamic, high-risk wildland fire environments. Basic ICS terminology and common responsibilities are reviewed.

Basic Wildland Firefighting S-130 (24 Hours)

This course is designed to help the student better understand wildfires and effective methods of control for individuals to fight wildland fires under close supervision. Students are introduced to wildland fire suppression techniques, firefighting tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), safety procedures and organizational structure of the Incident Command System (ICS).

Wildfire Burn Camp (8 Hours)

This field course provides the opportunity for students to practice hands-on skills learned in the four basic wildland fire courses required for participation on national incidents.  A western fire camp is simulated and students will have the chance to actively participate in a live prescribed burning exercise using the tools and equipment typically found on western fires.  Participants spend an entire day at either Redden State Forest near Georgetown (even years) or Blackbird State Forest near Smyrna (odd years) in April where they practice wildland firefighting suppression tactics while working within the Incident Command System (ICS).  Students will also have an opportunity to practice fire shelter deployment and complete the required physical fitness test.  The “Pack Test” qualifies firefighters for arduous (fireline) duty and consists of a 3-mile walk in under 45 minutes while carrying a 45 lb pack.  This course is organized and staffed by certified and trained wildland firefighters from the Delaware Forest Service (State of Delaware, Department of Agriculture).

Vehicle Rescue (24 Hours)

The Vehicle Rescue Course is designed to teach the theories and application of the necessary basic skills required in vehicle rescue. This course will instruct the student in the Principles of vehicle rescue, utility control, vehicle anatomy and vehicle construc­tion will be discussed.  Use of stabilization, gaining access, lifting air bags and disentanglement using rescue hand tools and hydraulic rescue equipment will be applied to the evolutions portion in this class.

Advanced Vehicle Rescue (12 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

The purpose of this course is to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in the Basic Vehicle Rescue Course and to provide the student with the technical skills and knowledge used to perform advanced techniques and theories required in vehicle rescue. This course will cover the principals of vehicle rescue following the ten step method including advanced techniques in scene management, stabilization, patient care, gaining access and disentanglement. Advanced technical drills will be performed on the drillgrounds with over turned autos, trucks and school buses using a wide range of rescue tools including power tools, hand tools and airbags.

Elevator Rescue (6 Hours)

Approved for 6 hours of EMS – CEUs

The Elevator Rescue Course is designed to teach the fire, rescue, and EMS workers to operate safely, quickly and efficiently in the use of elevators during fires or other emergen­cies.  The fire, rescue, and EMS worker must under­stand the necessary components and functions of an elevator to insure a successful conclusion in an incident involving eleva­tors. This course will review the types of elevator installations, how elevators react to environ­mental changes, safety features incorporated in elevators and preparing the emergency service worker for his\her encounter with elevator emergencies through field exercises will be discussed in this course

Rope Rescue I (12 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the use and application of ropes, knots and rigging, which will prove to be a valuable skill for fire, rescue and EMS personnel. This course will instruct the student in the types of ropes and their construction, utilization, inspection, cleaning and storage of ropes, terminology in knot tying, purpose and tying of knots and practical evolutions will be performed in this course.

High Angle Rescue (24 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in the Rope Rescue I Course and to provide the student with the technical skills and knowledge to handle the high angle rescue. This course contains a review of ropes, knots, rigging and basic rope rescue techniques will serve as the foundation of this course.  The introduction of specialized rope rescue equipment, hauling systems and technical skills used to perform the high angle rescue will round out this hands on oriented course.

Low Angle Rescue (12 Hours)

This course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in the Rope Rescue I Course and to provide the student with the technical skills and knowledge to handle a rescue in a low angle environment, such as highway culverts, river banks, and hills.

Confined Space Rescue (24 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course is designed to prepare fire, rescue and ambulance personnel to safely enter into, treat and remove victims from Confined Space areas. This  “Hands-on-Training” includes raising and lowering of rescuer and victims in the confined space settings, through the use of ropes, rigging equipment, harness assemblies and tripods.  Evolutions include the use of air monitoring, in-line breathing and first aid equipment.  Practical evolutions utilizing “The Rescue Team Concept” will consist of horizontal and vertical rescue, underground rescue, and tank rescue.  OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 will serve as a guideline.

Advanced Confined Space Rescue (24 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in Confined Space Rescue in order to better prepare the student for the confined space rescue. This is an advanced course including skills in knots, rigging and rescue techniques used in Confined Space Rescue will be introduced through lecture, demonstration and practical stations for the students.  This will be followed by numerous scenarios during which the students will be called upon to demonstrate what they have learned.

Combat Ready Obstacle Course (3 HOURS)

This class is designed to provide a way for students to practice their physical ability and will test their stamina and physical fitness to perform skills that a firefighter may utilize when assigned as a structural firefighter, or on a RIT team, or on any emergency scene. This is a circuit course to be completed within a specified time limit. Students will be tested on completion of physical evolutions, including; hose line advance, ladder raise, stair climb, search crawl, roof work, tool usage, hose raise, and victim removal.

WARNING: Students taking this program should be in good physical condition as this is a very physically demanding course.

Rapid Intervention Team Training – Basic (12 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course is designed to provide the basic skills and theories that a firefighter may need when assigned as a RIT team member on an emergency scene. This course covers the types of equipment and various methods of rescue associated with the RIT team purpose and function.

Rapid Intervention Team Training – Advanced (12 Hours)

This course is designed to provide advanced skills and theories that a firefighter may utilize when assigned as an RIT team member or team leader on an emergency scene. This course will cover planning, proper selection of equipment, entry and exit points as well as the various methods of rescue and communication associated with the RIT purpose and function.  Students will be required to complete a Physical Ability Circuit Course. The student will also be tested on subject knowledge and completion of physical evolutions acting as part of a team to qualify as an RIT member.  To receive credit, the student must complete the entire class.

Rapid Intervention Team Training – Leader (6 Hours)

This course is designed to provide advanced theories that a firefighter or officer may utilize when assigned as a RIT Officer or team leader on an emergency scene. This course will cover planning, proper selection of equipment, entry and exit points as well as the various methods of rescue and communication associated with the RIT purpose and function.  Students will also be taught subject knowledge and command responsibilities acting as the leader of a RIT operation. Course will include case studies of RIT responses. To receive credit, student must complete entire class.

Water Rescue I (12 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

This land-based course is the beginning of a sequential Water Rescue Training Program to make all interested emergency service per­sonnel aware of problems and solutions regarding water rescue operations. This course will cover safety, self-survival, communications, support groups, equipment and tech­niques, the dive rescue team, knots and shore-based rescue.  In-water evolutions will be held on the second day.

Water Rescue II (12 Hours)

This water-based course is designed to enhance what was learned in Water Rescue I and to continue offering information regarding water rescue techniques. Incident evaluation, towing, legal requirements, rules of the road, navigational aids, trailering and search and rescue response are covered in this course.

Rescue Boat Operations (24 Hours)

Approved for 24 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course is designed for emergency service personnel who maintain and operate rescue boats to ensure they are familiar with the various bodies of water, access points, marinas and shore points within their assigned area of responsibility allow­ing the safest and most timely response during an emergency situation. This course will cover area familiarization, preplanning, boat handling, understanding weather and tide, hydrodynamics, charting and plotting, victim retrieval, towing and medical conditions that pertain to water rescues.

EMS Continuing Education Units

These courses provide the student with basic life support skills and knowledge. Topics deal with EMS related issues. These are intended to maintain and update EMT skills and knowledge base in the ever changing field of Emergency Medical Services.

TC/RC/IS


Adapt & Overcome: Thinking Outside the Box

Ambulance Operations

Bariatric Emergencies

Car Set Inspections & Safety Check

Bleeding & Shock

BLS Protocols

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Dangerous Games Kids Play

Diving Emergencies

End of Life Care

EMS Aviation

Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire Scene Rehab

Help Me, I Forget! A review on Alzheimer’s, Dementia & Amnesia

HIPAA & the Digital World

Home EMS Safety Inspections

How We Die

Infectious Disease

Legal Issues in EMS

Lifting & Moving

Loud & Clear! A review of Verbal and Non-verbal communication

Neonatal Emergencies

Opiate Overdose (BLS Narcan)

Overprotective Pets

Radio 101

Rope Rescue Theory

Soft Restraints

Spanish for EMS

Sporting Events Preparedness

Street Drugs

Toxicological Emergencies

Vehicle Rescue Theory

Water Rescue Theory

Well Being of the EMT: CISM & Burnout

Well Being of the EMT: Close Calls

TC/RC/IS


Bariatric Emergencies

Car Set Inspections & Safety Check

EMS Aviation

 Rope Rescue Theory

Vehicle Rescue Theory

Emergency Medical Responder Course (40 Hours)

Purpose: This course is to provide the student with the life support skills and knowledge to assess, stabilize, and monitor the pre-hospital patient. This course consists of airway management, CPR, AED, trauma management, medical emergencies, emergency operations, obstetrics, and pediatrics.

Emergency Medical Responder Refresher (12 Hours)

This course is to re-fortify and enhance the skills and knowledge of the Emergency Medical Responder. This course consists of airway management, CPR, AED, trauma management, medical emergencies, emergency operations, obstetrics, and pediatrics.

Emergency Medical Technician Course (150 Hours)

The National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) course meets the National EMS Education Standards published guidelines.  The curriculum provides the student with in-depth knowledge and skill-based training to appropriately assess, stabilize, monitor, and transport pre-hospital patients.  Students are required to spend time in the clinical setting with actual-time based upon student progress.  Students successfully completing this course may sit for the National Registry exam. Upon presentation of required paperwork, State of Delaware EMT certification may be issued to individuals successfully completing NREMT requirements. The EMT must be affiliated with a Delaware EMS provider.

Emergency Medical Technician Refresher (30 Hours)

The course objective is to refresh/reinforce didactic knowledge and practical skills of the EMT, with the most current state protocols/standing orders presented. For EMTs renewing their certification, this course satisfies the 30-hour refresher and skills proficiency requirement necessary to maintain your state and national certification, per National Core Curriculum Program (NCCP) requirements.  Students will be required to take two multiple-choice tests, a protocol test on the most current approved protocols/standing orders, and a final test.  Practical skills testing is also required to complete the State of Delaware and NCCP requirements for re-certification.  Students must successfully complete all phases of the testing process to be issued a certificate.

NREMT Practical Skills Station – Request Only – $50 per Student

Reciprocity (12 Hours)

his course is to reinforce and recertify the skills and knowledge of the State and /or Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. This course provides the student with in-depth knowledge and skill-based training to appropriately assess, stabilize, monitor, and transport the pre-hospital patient.  Successful completion of this course will include passing a state-approved practical and written exam. (Note: the State of Delaware uses the National Registry written/practical exam as the state-approved exam).

Must hold a current Emergency Medical Technician certification from another State, be a Nationally Registered EMT and have a current Healthcare Provider (CPR/AED) certification or equivalent.   Mandatory online instruction required before the classroom session.

Field Training Officer (FTO) Initial Training

The Delaware State Fire School has decided to utilize the online Jones and Bartlett FTO Interactive Course for all initial training of FTO’s.

Field Training Officer Interactive is a cutting-edge online course that provides comprehensive and concrete guidance on how to effectively perform the job of a field training officer (FTO). Extensively field-tested, the approach in college, hospital, fire department, and third service programs. Experienced FTOs will find a variety of tips and techniques to supplement teaching methods they are already using. New FTOs can use these same tips and techniques to develop an effective approach to teaching and evaluating students, and will help them “hit the ground running” as they assume their new duties.” – Jones & Bartlett 

The Delaware State Fire School recognizes the Jones and Bartlett Course:  Field Training Officer Interactive (www.jblearning.com) as formal training. Please submit the certificate of completion signed by the holder.

Field Training Officer Recertification Course (3 Hours)

The Delaware State Fire School will offer an online update through an online learning platform.  This course will review current state policies regarding Field Training.  Students will be encouraged to complete online round-table discussions on current issues facing EMS; specifically issues regarding training.  Upon completion of this course, students will be recertified as Field Training Officers through the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission for a 2 year period.



BLS Provider CPR/AED Certification (4 Hours)

This course is designed to teach skills and knowledge of adult one- and two-man CPR, pediatric CPR, AED and management of the choking pediatric and adult patient.  This course requires the successful completion of a written and skills evaluation.

Heart Saver CPR/AED (3 Hours)

This course is designed to teach rescuers the knowledge and psychomotor skills they need to recognize emergencies and provide cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. The CPR section covers adult, child, and infant CPR. AED use and choking are also reviewed. Successful completion requires passing skills evaluations. A course completion card is issued for this course with a recertification period every two years.

Heart Saver First Aid (3 Hours)

This course is designed to teach rescuers the knowledge and psychomotor skills they need to recognize emergencies and give first aid. This covers general principles, medical emergencies, injuries and environmental emergencies. Successful completion requires passing skills evaluations. A course completion card is issued for this course with a recertification period every two years.

Heart Saver First Aid/CPR/AED (6 Hours)

This course is designed to teach rescuers the knowledge and psychomotor skills they need to recognize emergencies and give first aid. The first aid section covers general principles, medical emergencies, injuries, and environmental emergencies. The CPR section covers adult, child, and infant CPR and choking, and the AED covers theory and operation of the AED. Successful completion requires passing skills evaluations. A course completion card is issued for this course with a re-certification period every two years.

BLS Provider CPR/AED Heart Saver First Aid (6 Hours)

his course is designed to teach first responders the knowledge and psychomotor skills they need to recognize emergencies and give first aid. The first aid section covers general principles, medical emergencies, injuries, and environmental emergencies. The CPR section covers adult, child, and infant CPR and choking, and the AED covers theory and operation of the AED. Successful completion requires passing skills evaluations. This is equivalent to the mandatory BLS Provider CPR/AED course for all certified Emergency Medical Responders and EMTs in the State of Delaware. A course completion card is issued for this course with a re-certification period every two years.

Incipient Brigade (12 Hours)

This course is intended to meet or exceed the provisions of NFPA 600 for those facilities selecting the Incipient Brigade Option.  It is a blend of classroom study and practical drill ground evolutions.  It is designed to enable even the non-fire oriented employee to successfully extinguish an incipient fire with a fire extinguisher or small diameter hose line.

Brigade I – Basic (24 Hours)

This course is the first step in our training program.  It is designed to bring even the non-fire oriented industrial worker to a training level where they will be able to function as a useful member of the industrial emergency response team.

Brigade II – Intermediate

This course is intended to provide essential training for personnel assigned to Brigades seeking to meet NFPA 600 Standards for Interior Structural or Advanced Exterior Brigade.  Building on the skills learned in Brigade I – Basic Brigade Skills, it bridges the gap between that course and the next level course.

Brigade IIIA – Advanced Exterior (18 Hours)

This course is intended to provide essential training for personnel assigned to fire brigades seeking to meet NFPA 600 Advanced Exterior or Advanced Exterior/Interior Structural options.  Building on the skills learned in Basic Brigade Skills, it allows the brigade member to fight more complex fires.

Brigade IIIB – Interior Structural (18 Hours)

This course is intended to provide essential training for personnel assigned to fire brigades seeking to meet NFPA 600 Interior Structural or Advanced Exterior/Interior Structural options.  Building on the skills learned in Basic Brigade Skills or Fire Brigade I, it takes the brigade member beyond merely the application of water or fire extinguisher agent.  It enables the brigade member to fight larger, more complex fires and to learn additional critical fire emergency functions.

Brigade IV – Leadership Skills

This course is designed to develop leadership skills for brigade members who are serving in leadership positions.  It acquaints the student with the supervisory skills necessary to direct a fire brigade emergency team during an in-plant emergency using an emergency management system.  Students spend two of the three days of the course on the drill ground actually leading teams to control “emergencies” on our Structural, Flammable Liquids, and Flammable Gasses Pads. This course is designed to teach team leader skills, principles of size-up, decision making in tabletop exercises, structural firefighting with student leaders, flammable liquids firefighting with student leaders and flammable gas firefighting with student leaders

NFPA Fire Inspector I Certification Course (40 Hours)

This course promotes professionalism within the fire inspection industry. This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills needed to perform fire inspections through classroom lecture, case studies, written examinations and practical exercises.

NFPA Fire Inspector II Certification Course (40 Hours)

This course promotes professionalism within the fire inspection industry. This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills needed to perform fire inspections through classroom lecture, case studies, written examinations and practical exercises

Industrial Confined Space Rescue (24 Hours)

Approved for 12 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course is designed to prepare industrial fire and rescue personnel to safely enter confined space areas to stabi­lize and remove victims. This course has “Hands-on-Training” to include raising and lowering of rescuer and victims in the confined space setting, through the use of ropes, rigging equipment, harness assemblies, and tripods.  Evolutions include the use of air monitoring, in-line breathing, and first aid equipment.  Practical evolutions utilizing “The Rescue Team Concept” will consist of horizontal and vertical rescue, underground rescue, and vessel-type rescues. OSHA 20 CFR 1910.146 will serve as a guideline.

Industrial Confined Space Rescue Refresher (18 Hours)

Purpose: This course is designed to allow the Fire, Rescue, Ambulance and Brigade personnel that have been trained in Industrial Confined Space Rescue to refresh their knowledge and hands on skills.

Hazardous Material Technician Certification Course (40 Hours)

This course is used to familiarize and train potential Emergency Response Team Members in regulations, suggested guidelines, procedures and techniques in mitigating a chemical release and/or spill on or off site.  This course will address the training requirements of applicable occupational safety and health administration and national fire protection association at the Hazardous Materials Technician Level.  The goal of the course is to allow for the student to safely and effectively respond to Chemical Emergencies and meet the required NFPA 472 Standard for Hazmat Awareness, Operations and Technician and 29 CFR 1910.120.Upon the successful completion of all tests and course requirements the student will receive Pro Board and IFSAC certification in Hazmat Awareness, Operations and Technician as well as state certification for Technician.

Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Course (16 Hours)

Approved for 16 hrs of EMS – CEUs

This course is provided to re-familiarize emergency response team members in guidelines, procedures and techniques in mitigating a chemical release and/or spill on or off site from a container.  This course will address refresher training requirements of applicable occupational safety and health administration and national fire protection association at the hazardous materials technician level.  The goal of the course is to allow for the student to safely and effectively respond to chemical emergencies.

Hazardous Materials Technician 24-Hour Course (24 Hours)

Approved for 24 hours of EMS – CEUs

This course will teach the student to perform the procedures required to confine, contain, or control a hazardous materials problem within the capacity of the resources and personal protective equipment available.  The student will be taught to perform hazard and risk assessment techniques necessary to mitigate a hazardous materials incident.  Implementation of decontamination procedures will be a skill that the student should understand and carry out with a high degree of competence.

Drone Test Prep Course (16 Hours)

The courses consists of the information covered in the FAA Part 107 certification exam including regulations, safety, weather, airspace rules, airport operations, and basic flight principles.  This course does not include the exam.  The exam must be taken at an approved FAA testing facility for an additional fee.

Drone Qualification Course (16 Hours)

This course will cover the safe operation of drones as well as basic maintenance.  Students will be provided with sample policies, checklists, and log entries during the lecture portion.  There will be practical evolution including basic flight maneuvers and training missions.

Requires CURRENT FAA Part 107 Pilot Certification.

Blue Card Certification Course (24 Hours, plus 50 hours online pre-course work)

The Blue Card Incident Command Training Course was designed by Alan Brunacini, retired Fire Chief of Phoenix, AZ.  It covers deployment, size up, safety, strategy, tactics, and much more.  The Delaware State Fire School is an approved Command Training Center for the program.

The Blue Card Command Certification Program is a state of the art training and certification system that teaches company and command officers how to standardize local incident operations across their organization.  The program uses a combination of online and in-class simulation training which results in an Incident Commander solution that finally addresses local fire ground operations.

Students will need to complete 50 hours of online training before the first day.

Company Officers Seminar (4 Hours)

This Seminar allows the Chief and Administrative Officers learn about updates and additions to the Fire School Programs, any changes in Fire School policies, and any changes to our staff. The seminar allows officers to reach out directly to our Program Managers with questions or requests. Training or a Speaker may also be offered to supplement the information.

Instructor Seminar (4 Hours)

This biannual seminar is for current State Fire School Field Instructors to learn about updates and additions to the Fire School Programs and any changes in Fire School policies. Training or a Speaker may also be offered to supplement the information. Workshops for individual Program Managers may also be scheduled this day.

NAEMT PHTLS – Prehospital Trauma Life Support (16 Hours)

This program is based on a philosophy stressing the treatment of the multi-system trauma patient as a unique entity with specific needs. PHTLS promotes critical thinking as the foundation for providing quality care. It is based on the belief that, given a good fund of knowledge and key principles, EMS practitioners are capable of making reasoned decisions regarding patient care.

NAEMT TECC – Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (16 Hours)

This program teaches EMS practitioners and other prehospital providers how to respond to and care for patients in a civilian tactical environment.

The course presents the three phases of tactical care and integrates parallel EMS nomenclature:

  • Hot Zone/Direct Threat Care that is rendered while under attack or in adverse conditions.
  • Warm Zone/Indirect Threat Care that is rendered while the threat has been suppressed but may resurface at any point.
  • Cold Zone/Evacuation Care that is rendered while the casualty is being evacuated from the incident site. 

NAEMT GEMS – Geriatric Emergency Medical Services (8 Hours)

This program prepares prehospital practitioners to respond to, assess, and care for this fast-growing patient population. This third edition of the course strengthens and enhances practitioners’ ability to provide the best care for older adults in every community.

The GEMS course helps EMS practitioners learn to conduct a comprehensive assessment of geriatric patients. Be­cause the aging process affects all body systems, NAEMT’s course provides an overview of changes that occur as people age and describes how those changes can impact patient pre­sentation.  Incorporation of the GEMS Diamond (Geriatric, Environmental, Medical, and Social assessments) can help practitioners formulate a holistic diagnostic and treatment approach.

NAEMT – Emergency Medical Services Safety (8 Hours)

This program teaches students how to protect themselves and their patients while on the job. It promotes a culture of safety and helps reduce the number of on-the-job fatalities and injuries. EMS Safety is the only national, comprehensive safety course for EMS practitioners. Its interactive format features real-life case studies and compelling discussions on current safety issues, and provides students with a forum to share their own experiences. Course activities allow students to apply critical thinking and best safety practices to EMS scenarios.

NAEMT EPC – Emergency Pediatric Care (16 Hours)

This program focuses on critical pediatric physiology, illnesses, injuries and interventions to help EMS practitioners provide the best treatment for sick and injured children in the field.  The course stresses critical thinking skills to help practitioners make the best decisions for their young patients.

NAEMT AMLS – Advanced Medical Life Support (16 Hours)

This program remains the gold standard of education for emergency medical assessment and treatment. Endorsed by the National Association of EMS Physicians, AMLS emphasizes the use of the AMLS Assessment Pathway, a systematic tool for assessing and managing common medical conditions with urgent accuracy.


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