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Surface Water Rescue Technician Course - Cambridge Fire Department

Location: Cambridge Fire Department
When: June 22 & 23, 2024
Time: 0800 - 1700 each day
Application deadline: noon on June 7, 2024

The Vermont Fire Academy will offer a new 16-hour Surface Water Rescue Technician with Boat Operations Course. Surface Water Technician includes providing knowledge and skills when responding to surface water, cold water and swift-water rescues. The training is designed for shore or boat based rescuers, who may be performing rescues from those areas and/or be supporting technician-level swift-water rescuers. They will also learn to perform surface water go based rescues. In addition, students will learn to paddle and operate motorized inflatable rescue boats.

The Surface Water Technician with Boat Operations level content includes the following topics and meets the job performance requirements of NFPA 1006, Chapters 17.1, 17.2, and 17.3: hazard assessment, shore-based rescue techniques, boat-based rescue techniques, rescuer safety, risk management, incident management, hypothermia & near drowning, water rescue equipment, dynamics of moving water, flooding, water search techniques, case studies, NFPA Standards, self-rescue techniques. In addition, students will learn to paddle and operate motorized inflatable rescue boats.

Students will need to bring a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) level three or above and a water rescue helmet.

The class maximum is 20 and the minimum by the application deadline is 15.
Please click here for the application. Applications can be emailed to: dps.vfaapplications@vermont.gov

Surface Water Rescue Technician Course - Vermont Fire Academy

Location: Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford
When: June 8 & 9, 2024
Time: 0800 - 1700 each day
Application deadline: noon on May 24, 2024

The Vermont Fire Academy will offer a new 16-hour Surface Water Rescue Technician with Boat Operations Course. Surface Water Technician includes providing knowledge and skills when responding to surface water, cold water and swift-water rescues. The training is designed for shore or boat based rescuers, who may be performing rescues from those areas and/or be supporting technician-level swift-water rescuers. They will also learn to perform surface water go based rescues. In addition, students will learn to paddle and operate motorized inflatable rescue boats.

The Surface Water Technician with Boat Operations level content includes the following topics and meets the job performance requirements of NFPA 1006, Chapters 17.1, 17.2, and 17.3: hazard assessment, shore-based rescue techniques, boat-based rescue techniques, rescuer safety, risk management, incident management, hypothermia & near drowning, water rescue equipment, dynamics of moving water, flooding, water search techniques, case studies, NFPA Standards, self-rescue techniques. In addition, students will learn to paddle and operate motorized inflatable rescue boats.

Students will need to bring a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) level three or above and a water rescue helmet.

The class maximum is 20 and the minimum by the application deadline is 15.
Please click here for the application. Applications can be emailed to: dps.vfaapplications@vermont.gov

Firefighter II Challenge - Vermont Fire Academy

Firefighter II Challenge Examination:
Location: Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford
When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 0830 until finished
Application deadline: Noon on Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Please send applications to: DPS.VFAApplications@vermont.gov

Download the Firefighter II Challenge Exam Application

Individuals who have not completed an approved Vermont Fire Academy sanctioned Firefighter II Program, but who feel they have obtained the necessary training by some other means may challenge the Firefighter II Exam. To be eligible to take the Firefighter II Challenge Exam, the candidate must be at least 18 years of age at the test date and submit proof of the following training with their challenge exam application:

- Proof of accredited Firefighter I Certification
- Current Adult and Child CPR with AED Certification
- ICS200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (Online Web-Based course)

Challenge Exam Part 1: Written Exam
The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the knowledge requirements outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70. Candidates are permitted two attempts at passing the written exam. A second attempt may take place after 14 days but before 60 days of the first attempt and will be conducted at the Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford.

Challenge Exam Part 2: Practical Skills Exam
The practical skills exam consists of 10 practical skill stations based on the requisite skills outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications. Candidates must demonstrate satisfactory skill performance in each of these skill stations. Two attempts per skill station are permitted at the initial skills exam. Candidates are permitted one retest opportunity consisting of two additional attempts for stations that are failed plus an additional randomly selected skill station. The retest opportunity must take place after 14 days but before 60 days of the first attempt and will be conducted at the Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford. If the candidate fails to pass either the previously failed skill station or the additional random skill station, then the challenge process ends.

Firefighter II Certification is granted once a candidate passes both the written and practical skills exams.

Fire Instructor Challenge - Vermont Fire Academy

Fire Instructor I Challenge Examination:
Location: Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford
When: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Time: 0830 until finished
Application Due: Thursday, May 23, 2024

Please send applications to: DPS.VFAApplications@vermont.gov

Download the Fire Instructor Challenge Exam Application

Individuals who have not completed an approved Vermont Fire Academy sanctioned Fire Instructor I Program, but who feel they have obtained the equivalent training that meets the requirements of NFPA 1041 by some other means may challenge the Fire Instructor I Certification Exam. To be eligible to take the Fire Instructor I Challenge Exam, the candidate must meet the following requirements:

- Be at least 18 years of age at the test date 
- Affiliated with a Vermont Emergency Service Organization
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Five years of experience in fire or emergency services.
- Accredited Firefighter I or equivalent EMS certification (EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic) with three years of service of that level.
- Endorsement by the candidate's current department chief in the form of a signed letter stating the applicant's training, qualifications, and experience are equal to those outlined in NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications.

Challenge Exam Part 1: Written Exam
The written exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions based on the knowledge requirements outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1041. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70. Candidates are permitted two attempts at passing the written exam. A second attempt may take place after 14 days but within 60 days of the first attempt and will be conducted at the Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford.

Challenge Exam Part 2: Practical Skills Exam
The practical skills exam consists of 2 practical skill stations based on the requisite skills outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1041. The stations will consist of delivering a cognitive presentation and delivering a psychomotor presentation. The topics and prepared lesson materials for the practical skill exam presentations will be assigned and provided to the candidate 14 days prior to the exam date. Candidates will be provided with a standard LCD projector, PC equipped with the current version of PowerPoint, paper easel, and markers. Candidates are responsible for providing any additional equipment that may be necessary for their presentations.  

Firefighter I Challenge - Vermont Fire Academy

Firefighter I Challenge Examination:
Location: Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford
When: Wednesday. May 29, 2024
Time: 0830 until finished
Application deadline: Noon on Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Please send applications to: DPS.VFAApplications@vermont.gov

Download the Firefighter I Challenge Exam Application

Individuals who have not completed an approved Vermont Fire Academy sanctioned Firefighter I Program, but who feel they have obtained the necessary training by some other means may challenge the Firefighter I Exam. To be eligible to take the Firefighter I Challenge Exam, the candidate must be at least 18 years of age at the test date and submit proof of the following training with their challenge exam application:

- Current valid Adult and Child CPR with AED Certification
- Current valid First Aid with Environmental Emergencies Certifications
- Hazardous Materials Operations that qualifies as current with NFPA 472, 470, or NFPA 1072.
- National Traffic Incident Management Course (TIM) (Online Web-Based course)
- Wildland Firefighter (9 hours) (Course Offering)
- ICS100: Introduction to Incident Command System (Online Web-Based course)

Challenge Exam Part 1: Written Exam
The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the knowledge requirements outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70. Candidates are permitted two attempts at passing the written exam. A second attempt may take place after 14 days but before 60 days of the first attempt and will be conducted at the Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford.

Challenge Exam Part 2: Practical Skills Exam
The practical skills exam consists of 10 practical skill stations based on the requisite skills outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications. Candidates must demonstrate satisfactory skill performance in each of these skill stations. Two attempts per skill station are permitted at the initial skills exam. Candidates are permitted one retest opportunity consisting of two additional attempts for stations that are failed plus an additional randomly selected skill station. The retest opportunity must take place after 14 days but before 60 days of the first attempt and will be conducted at the Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford. If the candidate fails to pass either the previously failed skill station or the additional random skill station, then the challenge process ends.

Firefighter I Certification is granted once a candidate passes both the written and practical skills exams.

Vehicle Extrication Technician Course - Hybrid/VFA

Hybrid - Orientation: Monday, May 20 at 1800 - a Teams meeting invite will be sent with the confirmation email.

**SCHEDULE**

Application Deadline: 4 PM on May 6, 2024

Pre-requisites: Students must provide their own personal protective equipment and be at least 18 years of age at the start of the program.

Students will need access to a high-speed internet-connected computer with microphone and web camera capability. Phones and other devices with a screen less than 10 inches are not sufficient to access the content. Students must possess the technology skills necessary to independently join and participate in virtual meetings and access materials through an online classroom.

This class is limited to 20 students and the minimum is 15 students.                 

Click here for an admission application form or you can download one from our website and submit it for the program. 

Please send applications to: DPS.VFAApplications@vermont.gov. Admission will be determined by the date your application is received, with priority given to adult firefighters who are members of a Vermont Fire Department.

Student manuals are not returnable. The sponsoring department will be charged for the cost of the student materials if a student fails to complete the program.

Please feel free to contact the Vermont Fire Academy with any questions that you may have. 

Course Description: This forty-hour Vehicle Rescue Technician course will cover material that meets NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, Vehicle Rescue, 2021 Edition.

Through classroom and practical sessions, you will plan for vehicle incidents; conduct a size-up; establish scene safety zones; control hazards; perform required stabilization; create access and egress points; disentangle victims; remove the packaged victims; and terminate the incident.

This course will have a heavy practical component where we will focus on the use of Res Q Jacks to stabilize the vehicles and extricate victims from a vehicle with limited access to that vehicle.

Equipment Needs– NFPA approved coveralls or structural firefighting PPE, gloves, eye protection, boots with safety toes, and a helmet.

 

Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations Program - Vermont Fire Academy

Location: Vermont Fire Academy and other varying locations in the Pittsford area
Dates: May 6 - 10 and certification testing will be held on May 15
Time: 0800 - 1700 each day
Application Deadline: Monday, April 22 by 4 PM

Click here for an application

Please email applications to: dps.vfaapplications@vermont.gov

Program minimum is 15 students and the maximum is 20 students by the application deadline.

Vermont Fire Academy dorm space may be available upon advanced request.

Course Description:
This program will cover material that meets the NFPA 1006, Standard for Rope Rescue Personnel Professional Qualification, 2017 Edition, to the Awareness/Operations level. This is a Pro Board-certified program.

This is an interactive program that requires active involvement by all students. Students will be working from heights and will be required to perform physically demanding skills. Topics that will be covered include PPE, safety, hardware & software, rescue rope rules, rope use, care, inspection, knots, hitches and bends, anchors, belay, mechanical advantage, harnesses, patient packaging, low angle scenario, high angle rescue scenarios, and raising and lowering systems.

Full attendance of the entire program is required with no ability for make-ups. Students will be expected to complete all reading assignments outside of class.

Students must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the program.

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