Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department

October 3, 2009

The Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department recently finished hosting the third module of the Essentials of Firefighting, Delmar classes. The Delmar class is separated into four education modules; Introduction to the Fire Service, Fire Ground Support, Exterior Firefighter, and Interior Firefighter. The separate modules allow for some flexibility in scheduling the 166 hours the class requires. This class is required of firefighters when they join the fire service. The training includes both classroom and hands-on sessions. Firefighters are required to pass both written and practical tests.

The first module, Introduction to the Fire Service educates firefighters on a basic overview of the fire service and what the fire service does as an organization. Firefighter safety and personal protective equipment are included in this module. Firefighters also learn terrorism awareness. The basic goal of this 16 hour module is to educate firefighters on how to be a safe and useful support member of their fire department.

The second module, Fire Ground Support is 48 hours long. It teaches firefighters basic knowledge and skills about fire ground operations. Firefighters learn different ways to lay and pack fire hose, and the use of ropes to safely and effectively hoist firefighting equipment. Awareness of Hazardous Materials is also covered along with education on Fire Behavior, Water Supply, and Fire Extinguishers.

The third module, Exterior Firefighting is 42 hours long. This module deals with teaching the firefighter about exterior fire ground operations. It introduces firefighters to different types of building construction and how to communicate effectively. Ladders, protective systems and sprinklers, and forcible entry are also included.

The fourth module, Interior Firefighting, is 60 hours long. Firefighters now learn about interior fire ground operations. Operations here include firefighting nozzles and the different streams they can provide. Also rescue techniques, ventilation, fire suppression, salvage, and firefighter survival. SCBA’s (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus’s) are also included in this module. At the end of this module, a live fire exercise is done to test firefighters on the skills they have learned in a controlled fire environment. Firefighters must be age 18 or older to participate in the live fire exercise. This fourth module will be hosted by our neighboring and mutual aid department, the Central City VFD.

Firefighters from several area departments participated in the class, along with 627’s many new and young firefighters. Station 627 hopes this was a great educational experience for all of you!