Program of Instruction Course Syllabus

Transcription

1 Program of Instruction Course Syllabus Course Title: Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Course : 120 Hours Phase 1-40 hours Phase 2-80 hours Program: Fire Officer Course Prerequisites: Fire Officer I or Company Fire Officer Required for State Certification: NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I or Company Fire Officer NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor II NFPA 1521 Fire Department Incident Safety Officer Course Description: The Advanced Fire Officer course is designed to provide the Fire Officer, at the supervisory/managerial level, who oversees multiple fire companies or stations, with information and skills required for success. The Advanced Fire Officer course is compliant with NFPA Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications as it provides training and education in the requisite areas of Human Resource Management, Community and Government Relations, Administration, Inspections and Investigations, Emergency Service Delivery, along with Health and Safety. This course satisfies the course completion component for Office of the State Fire Marshal Certification as Advanced Fire Officer. Course Requirements: Summary of Directions Pre-Course Work: None Course Work: Attend and participate in 100% of the course. Complete all Phase 1 Assignments and Quizzes w/ min. score of 70%. Complete Phase 1 mid-term exam with a minimum score of 70%. Complete all Phase 2 Practical Applications. Completion of the final exam with a minimum score of 70%. Post-Course Work for State Certification: Completion of State exam with a minimum score of 70% within 1 year of completion of class. OSFM Task Book to be completed with the Authority Having Jurisdiction within 3 years of completion of class. Failure to comply with the requirements of the course, as stated above, will result in an incomplete. An incomplete will only be good for a period of one year, starting from the date of the last day of the scheduled class. If the requirements to satisfy the incomplete are not met within the one-year time frame, the student will be required to register for and attend the course again and meet all requirements for completion of the course. Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 1 of 16

2 Course Policies: Attendance Policy: IFSI requires students to attend (100%) or make up all course content that leads to certification. Students are expected to attend on time and to remain in class for the duration of the course. Students MUST COMPLETE all portions of the certification course, both classroom and practical, to be eligible to receive their certification. If a student misses any portion of class with an accumulated absence of 20% or less of scheduled class time, it will be the student s responsibility to arrange the make-up of the missed course content with the instructor(s) or program manager. The student must make up the specific course content that s/he missed, not just the hours. Make-ups are limited to 20% of scheduled class time. Make-ups must be documented on the class roster. If a student s absence is greater than 20% refer to True Emergencies section of the IFSI Examination Policy. Safety Policy: Students shall understand and follow all instructions pertaining to operational safety, as stated by instructors or as written in course materials. Instructors and students shall be mindful of safety at all times. Conduct judged to be unsafe shall be grounds for dismissal from the course. Academic Integrity Policy: IFSI has the responsibility for maintaining academic integrity so as to protect the quality of the education provided through its courses, and to protect those who depend upon our integrity. It is the responsibility of the student to refrain from infractions of academic integrity, from conduct that may lead to suspicion of such infractions, and from conduct that aids others in such infractions. Any violation of the code of conduct is grounds for immediate dismissal from the course. Grading Policy: Decisions regarding certificates of course completion shall be made solely by the lead instructor of the course. All grading of exams shall be conducted by the Curriculum/Testing Office. All grading of practical exercises shall be based upon the standards set by the regulatory agency referenced in the course material and IFSI. American Disabilities Act: As guaranteed in the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and in the American Disabilities Act, if any student needs special accommodations they are to notify their instructor and provide documentation as soon as possible so arrangements can be made to provide for the student s needs. If arrangements cannot be made at the class site, the student will test at an alternative time and place where the special accommodations can be made. Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 2 of 16

3 Course You have chosen to step forward and join our blended learning Advanced Fire Officer (AdFO) course. Our program is focused on blended learning using both the on-line IFSI Resource Center and traditional classroom delivery. We offer the convenience of a distance learning environment combined with in-class practical applications and theory review. As an adult learner, you must rely on your time-management and planning skills to complete the distance-learning portion of the course. We expect that all on-line sections will be completed by posted deadlines but no later than 3-days before Phase 2 begins. Assignments are required within each section and will be reviewed by the lead instructor. The lead instructor will be tracking your progress throughout the course and will be available for questions or guidance. You will need to turn-in 19 assignments to complete the on-line course of instruction. The IFSI Resource Center Advanced Fire Officer Course learning management system is set up for your convenience with 24-hour access and program flexibility. Our classroom experience builds upon the Phase 1 on-line format to: cover objectives, provide text-based curriculum materials and many web-links to the fire service world-wide. This experience is designed with video segments, simulations, pictures and graphics to help you visualize and learn the cognitive objectives. Course Content and Assignments Phase 1: Title: Introduction to the Fire Officer This module provides information to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, at the Advanced Fire Officer (Fire Officer II) level. Historical events of the past have shaped the fire service of today. A chain of command is followed, and military organizational concepts still serve the Fire Officer well. Fire Officers use leadership and delegation to accomplish departmental objectives and goals. They must make ethical decisions based on a value system. The four-step management process includes planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Challenges to the 21st-century Fire Officer include the increase in nonfire incidents, deterioration of the built environment, protecting the homeland, cultural diversity, and ethics. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 1 pgs Activity: Where and How do You Fit? Quiz: Introduction to the Fire Officer Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 3 of 16

4 Title: Preparing for Promotion Taking a promotional exam is a major undertaking, requiring a huge amount of preparation time for a few minutes of performance. Adequate preparation has become all the more important as opportunities for promotion have decreased during the recent economic recession: An effective promotional process allows the department to identify which candidates have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to function as a Company or Advanced Fire Officer. Promotional processes are not perfect, so the candidate must identify areas of weakness or poor job fit before the exam. The best way to begin is to obtain the narrative job description and the class specification sheet from the personnel office or human resources. These two documents create the map in developing the promotional exam. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 2, pgs Video: Presentation: Preparing for Promotion Activity: None Quiz: Preparing for Promotion Title: Fire Officer Communications Effective communication skills are vital for a Fire Officer. These skills are essential to provide direction to crew members, review new policies and procedures, and simply exchange information in a wide range of situations. Effectively transmitting radio reports requires a unique skill set. Communication skills are equally important when working with citizens, conducting tours, releasing public information, preparing reports, and using social media. This chapter presents a variety of means of better understanding and improving the Fire Officer s communication skills. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 4, pgs Activity: Five Things an Officer Should Never Say Activity: Communications Policies Assignment Quiz: Fire Officer Communications Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 4 of 16

5 Title: Safety and Risk Management Promoting fire fighter safety and health is one of the most important roles of an Advanced Fire Officer. Efforts aimed at tracking near misses are intended to identify trends so that corrective action can be taken. Many other initiatives have been undertaken to mitigate hazards, to encourage everyone to execute their duties in a safe manner. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 5, pgs Activity: Your Department s Injury Data Activity: Safety Policy Development Assignment Quiz: Safety and Risk Management Title: Understanding People: Management Concepts An Advanced Fire Officer is a manager given the responsibility of directing and supervising a group of fire fighters, as well as apparatus, equipment, facilities, and other resources, to achieve certain outcomes. The outcomes begin with protecting people and property. Managing people is an important part of a Fire Officer s job enough so to justify taking a look at some of the theories and techniques of management. While selecting elements from management theories, in much the same way that tools are chosen from a toolbox, the Advanced Fire Officer needs to effectively manage fire fighters and resources. Direct supervision, by observing the actions of the crew, is often required. One of the greatest demands on any Fire Officer is the effective use of time. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 6, pgs Activity: Performance Improvement Plan Quiz: Understanding People: Management Concepts Title: Leading the Fire Company Leadership requires the Advanced Fire Officer to provide purpose, direction, and motivation to fire fighters. Fire Officers employ various methods to inspire subordinates to achieve their potential. Some of the best-known motivational theories are reinforcement theory, motivation hygiene theory, goal-setting theory, equity theory, and expectancy theory. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 7 pgs Activity: Leadership Definition Quiz: Leading the Fire Company Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 5 of 16

6 Title: Training and Coaching Establishing a professional development plan of lifelong learning can advance the Fire Officer s career and prepare him or her to train fire fighters in a broad range of skills. The availability of accredited programs has helped standardize training and education, improved academic quality, and enhanced the public s perception of the fire service. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 8, pgs Activity: Daily Quick Drill Assignment Quiz: Training and Coaching Title: Evaluation and Discipline Policy The Advanced Fire Officer is responsible for providing performance evaluations, both as an ongoing process throughout the year and in an annual review. Fire Officers should keep a performance log on every fire fighter. Performance or behavior that does not meet standards should be managed first with positive discipline and then, if necessary, with negative discipline. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 9, pgs Video Presentation: Evaluation and Discipline Policy Activity: Annual Performance Review Assignment Activity: Assignment CBA - Discipline Policy Assignment Activity: Firemen s Disciplinary Act Activity: Employee Assistance Program Assignment Quiz: Evaluation and Discipline Policy Title: Organized Labor and the Fire Officer The Advanced Fire Officer is in a unique position regarding labor issues within the fire station. A number of different federal acts have affected the rights of workers, working conditions, and the right to strike. In Illinois, public safety employees are prohibited from striking and in return they are granted collective bargain and arbitration rights. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 10, pgs Video Presentation: Organized Labor and the Fire Officer Activity: None Quiz: Organized Labor and the Fire Officer Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 6 of 16

7 Title: Working with the Community The Advanced Fire Officer is an ambassador of the fire department who will be called upon to represent the department in a number of situations. Media relations require the Fire Officer to build a strong foundation, reach out to the media proactively, and provide measured responsiveness. A carefully developed social media strategy allows officers to expand community outreach and deliver immediate, far-reaching safety messages. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 11, pgs Activity: Illinois Fire Service Laws Activity: AdFo Comm/Govt Survey Assignment Quiz: Working with the Community Title: Pre-incident Planning and Code Enforcement Natural disasters and human-made catastrophes have prompted the revision of NFPA The new standard focuses on planning, implementation, training and education, exercises and tests, and program maintenance and improvement in disaster/emergency scenarios. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 13, pgs Activity: Local Detection and Suppression System Assignment Quiz: Pre-incident Planning and Code Enforcement Title: Budgeting A budget is an itemized summary of estimated or intended revenues and expenditures. Fire departments are involved in complex revenue streams, using fees, grants, and other creative techniques to ensure that enough resources are available. Budgeting is also a technical and political process. There are often opportunities for organizational change, and these sometimes arise during times of disaster. Knowledge of the budget process is useful for the Advanced Fire Officer, even though it is not covered in most promotional exams. Instead, budgeting is considered a professional development skill as identified by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Fire Officers must demonstrate good judgment in allocating or conserving the resources for which he or she is responsible. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 14, pgs Activity: Know Your Budget Quiz: Budgeting Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 7 of 16

8 Title: Managing Incidents Every Fire Officer should be able to assume a variety of roles in the Incident Management System. He or she must be prepared to perform the duties of a first-arriving officer at any incident, including assuming initial command of the incident, establishing the basic management structure, and following standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Advanced Fire Officer must also be fully competent at working within the Incident Command System (ICS) at every scene. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 15, pgs Activity: Initial and Multi-Alarm Assignments Activity: Fireground Command Mastering Fireground Command Videos Activity: Incident Management SOP/SOG Assignment Activity: Chapter 15 You are the Fire Officer Assignment Activity: Develop an Incident Action Plan (IAP) Assignment Quiz: Managing Incidents Title: Rules of Engagement The Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting, developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health, and Survival Section, are best safety practices and model procedures for carrying out high-risk operations. These 11 rules cover decisions that fire crew members must make during life-threatening incidents. They focus on the fire fighters and Fire Officers working at the task level of fire suppression operations. It is the responsibility of the fire department and the Fire Officer to minimize fire fighters exposure to unsafe conditions and to stop unsafe practices. To do so, a two-way decisionmaking process is preferable to the more familiar top-down command perspective. In this chapter, we examine the Rules of Engagement, including their objectives, practical application, and limitations. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 16, pgs Activity: Your Rules of Engagement Quiz: Rules of Engagement Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 8 of 16

9 Title: Fire Attack Experience and experiments are the cornerstones of structural firefighting. New findings have changed our understanding of fire dynamics and the built environment, prompting the evolution of firefighting practices and allowing the officer to develop a safer and more effective incident action plan. A managing or supervising Fire Officer is responsible for direct supervision of the crew at fire and other emergency incidents. This chapter covers establishment of command, command transfer procedures, multiple-alarm incidents, and special considerations. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 17, pgs Activity: ISFSI - SLICE-RS Video Quiz: Fire Attack Title: Fire Cause Determination Determining the initial origin and cause of a fire is one of the responsibilities of a company officer. He or she must first determine the origin of the fire and then identify which material was first ignited, how, and why. A fire can then be classified as intentional, accidental, natural, or undetermined. The officer may find it necessary to request a fire investigator, or the investigation may conclude with the officer s report. All fires must be properly documented according to the fire department s standard operating procedures. Legal responsibility for conducting fire investigations is determined by state and local laws. The fire officer must be familiar with applicable regulations, respect the competing interests of a citizen s right to privacy and due process, and be prepared to testify in court if asked to do so. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 18, pgs Activity: Policy for Fire Investigation Assignment Activity: Fire Investigation Activity: Six Signs of Arson Quiz: Fire Cause Determination Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 9 of 16

10 Title: Crew Resource Management and Leading Change The crew resource management (CRM) system concentrates on the conditions under which people work and tries to build defenses to avert errors or mitigate their effects. It has been embraced by high-reliability organizations, and in the aviation industry it is partly responsible for an 80 percent drop in accidents. Everyone makes mistakes, and CRM focuses on preventing those mistakes, fixing them, or working around them. The fire officer accepts suggestions from crew members, who may well have spotted something important that he or she has missed. Good communication and teamwork are stressed. Implementing CRM provides specific practices in six areas: communication skills, teamwork, task allocation, critical decision making, situational awareness, and debriefing. Reading: Fire Officer - Chapter: 19, pgs Video Presentation: Crew Resource Management and Leading Change Activity: None Quiz: Crew Resource Management and Leading Change Evaluation Strategy: A written exam is conducted at the completion of Phase 1 and at the completion of Phase 2. Textbook: Fire Officer Principles & Practices, 3rd Edition, 2015 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC Reference List: Fire Officer Principles & Practices, 3rd Edition, 2015 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC Firefighting Strategies and Tactics, 3 rd Edition, 2015 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC Fire and Emergency Services Administration 2 nd Edition, 2014 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, 2014 Edition. Office of the State Fire Marshal, Advanced Fire Officer Instructor Reference Manual. July 1, 2016 / Version 1 Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 10 of 16

11 Course Schedule PHASE 1 - DAY ONE Mandatory Introduction of Advanced Fire Officer Course IFSI Resource Center Overview and Course Timelines 3 hours s IFSI Resource Center Overview and Course Timelines Introduction to Practical Applications (Prac. App.) 2 hour Online Content Chapters PHASE 2 - DAY ONE Phase 2 Introduction and Phase 1 Follow Up Professional Development Presentation Professional Development Prac. Apps. Command Presence Development Plan Resume Group Professional Development Plan Team Building Prac. App. Leading Change Presentation Leading Change Prac. App. Policy Development Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 11 of 16

12 PHASE 2 - DAY TWO First Responder Resiliency Awareness Performance Evaluations Review Performance Evaluation Prac. App. Maximizing Members Performance Review Maximizing Members Performance Prac. App. Discipline Review Discipline Prac App. 1.5 hours PHASE 2 - DAY THREE Governance and Community Review Governance Prac. App. Budgeting Review Budgeting Prac. App. 4 hours Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 12 of 16

13 PHASE 2 - DAY FOUR Budgeting Prac. App 3 hours Purchasing Review Purchasing Prac. App. 3 hours PHASE 2 - DAY FIVE Health and Safety Review Health and Safety Prac. App. Health and Safety Prac. App. 4 hours Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 13 of 16

14 PHASE 2 - DAY SIX Inspection and Investigation Review 3 hours Investigation Prac. App. Inspection and Preplanning Prac. App. 3 hours PHASE 2 - DAY SEVEN Emergency Service Delivery (ESD) Standard Company Functions Review Common Language Incident Management System Review Fireground Simulations Prac. App. Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 14 of 16

15 PHASE 2 - DAY EIGHT Multi Company Operations 3 hours Incident Action Plan Prac. App. Fireground Simulation 2 hour PHASE 2 - DAY NINE Crew Resource Management Review Crew Resource Management Prac. App. 2 hour Multi - Company Operations Review Multi - Company Operations Simulation Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 15 of 16

16 PHASE 2 - DAY TEN Post Incident Analysis Prac. App. Post Incident Analysis Prac. App. Post Incident Analysis` Task Book Review and Expectations Final Exam & CEQ Advanced Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Page 16 of 16