Buck Creek Township Fire Department Cadet Program

Transcription

1 Purpose: To make available a program that will provide training and insight into the field of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Goals: Introduce young adults to the career field of Fire and EMS Develop leadership skills Develop teamwork skills Educate, Motivate, and Inspire a new generation of firefighters Eligibility: Any student currently residing in Hancock County or enrolled at Mt. Vernon High School. Cadets must be 15 to 18 years old 1

2 Cadets must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have no failing grades (checked monthly) Cadets must pass a yearly school athletic physical (at their own expense) Accommodations for students with disabilities are possible Cadets must be recommended by a school counselor, teacher, or principal 2

3 Selection Process: Cadet candidates must: Submit a completed cadet application form Submit a signed parental consent form Submit a 500 word essay explaining why they want to be a cadet Be recommended by a school counselor, teacher, or principal Pass a school athletic physical (at their own expense). Students with disabilities will be accommodated Pass an oral interview with program advisors Complete a physical agility test administered by BCTFD on approved date 3

4 scope: This program will provide actual fire and EMS training opportunities along with ride along experiences. After meeting training requirements, cadets may observe and participate in actual emergency runs of all types. These duties will include tasks such as: Participate in department trainings Basic first aid Firefighter on scene rehabilitation Rolling, cleaning, drying and loading hose Maintaining and cleaning equipment Scene control Officer s aid and Engineer s aid Public fire safety education Other duties assigned as needed in accordance with cadet program policies 4

5 Meetings: Regular meetings will be held based on approved syllabus schedule. These meetings will take place at BCTFD station 71 or 72 as needed. Cadets may attend volunteer firefighter trainings on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month also (optional). Uniforms: The approved cadet uniform must be worn at all meetings, trainings, and department events and while doing station time. This uniform will consist of the approved red T-shirt/sweat shirt, navy blue pants, and black footwear. This will be at the cadet s expense. Turn out gear, helmets, hoods, boots, and gloves will be provided by the department. 5

6 Radio monitoring, Monitoring of the fire department radio frequency will not be permitted during school hours. Monitoring of any fire department frequency on any mobile device must first be approved in writing by the fire chief. Fund raisers: Fund raising is a part of maintaining the cadet program. Every effort will be made to minimize any need for fund raising, however all cadets are expected to participate in any activity deemed necessary to continue and advance this program. 6

7 Structure: This program will be supervised by state certified firefighters under the direction of the BCTFD Chief. A Cadet Leader will be appointed by the advisors of the program. All cadets must follow the established Chain of Command within the BCTFD command structure. Training: All trainings will be supervised by qualified BCTFD personnel. Cadets may begin riding out only after completing proper training and receiving approval from program advisors and the BCTFD Chief. This training will contain subjects such as: CPR Safety (on station and on scene) Basic first aid 7

8 Training (cont.) Taking vital signs Equipment familiarization Department structure And any other subjects deemed appropriate or needed Rules and regulations: Once basic training is completed, the cadet may begin logging station time and riding out on department apparatus to emergency incidents. Cadets will participate in a limited role outside of the hot zone. While on station, training, riding out or attending department events cadets must follow these rules: At no time will a cadet be allowed to enter an IDLH atmosphere or participate in any fire suppression, salvage or overhaul operation 8

9 Rules and Regulations: (cont.) Cadets must follow all BCTFD SOG/SOP s and cadet program rules Cadets must wear all personal protective gear appropriate for the duty assigned Cadets will not be substitutes for firefighters Cadets will respond to emergency calls in BCTFD apparatus only. No personal vehicles Cadets will not drive BCTFD vehicles Cadets will not climb a ladder to a height of more than 24 ft without a safety belay Cadets will not enter hazardous material scenes beyond the cold zone Cadets will not operate power tools of any kind until the cadet is properly trained 9

10 Cadets are not allowed to enter any scene where a potentially combative, suicidal, violent, or dangerous person may reside. Cadets will not enter any crime scene. Cadets must give up their seat on an apparatus if the seat is to be filled with a firefighter. Cadets must not post information on any social media site until approved. All comments, pictures, or opinions about BCTFD incidents or the cadet program will require prior approval from advisors or the BCTFD Chief. Any violation of this rule will result in immediate termination from the cadet program. Any task assigned to a cadet by a BCTFD firefighter is considered an 10

11 order and must be followed without question. A cadet may refuse the order only if the order is considered unsafe or beyond the cadets training or ability. Cadets may assist BCTFD EMT s and Paramedics with patient care but are limited to carrying equipment, assisting with bandaging and splinting, CPR, basic immobilization, or other noncritical tasks. Cadets will not do any patient lifting. Ride outs and station time: 11

12 Cadets will not be allowed to put time on station or ride out until all basic training is complete and they are released by the program advisers. Non-released cadets may attend any cadet meeting, event or function that is supervised by a program adviser. Once approved, the cadet is required to participate in a minimum of 8 hours station time per month. This is in addition to meetings/trainings. All time on station must be logged and scheduled. Cadets must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher and have no failing grades in order to maintain program privileges. No more than one cadet may be on duty per station at any time. Station time cannot occur during school hours. If a cadet has 12

13 graduated early that cadet is still not allowed in the station while school is in session. Cadets will not be allowed in the station after 9pm. Cadets will not have visitors while doing their station time unless the visitors are family members. Cadets will not be allowed to put time on station or ride out until all basic training is complete and they are released by the program advisers. If ANY travel advisory has been issued by Hancock County authorities cadets are not allowed in the station. If Mt. Vernon Schools are closed due to inclement weather cadets are not allowed in the station 13

14 Failure to follow any of these rules will result in a removal of ride out privileges or removal from the program. Conclusion: While it is understood that firefighting is a dangerous activity it is the intent of the cadet program to be a safe learning environment. In order to truly understand what is asked of a firefighter, it is important to experience the job in an up-close fashion. With proper training and supervision this is a very achievable goal. 14

15 The rules and regulations of this program may be changed at any time by the program coordinator or the fire Chief. Any changes made will be given to the cadet, parent/guardian, and school officials in writing. 15