Posted: 12/28/2009 9:46:24 AM EDT
| I am going to the Arkansas fire academy at the first of the year, to take the firefighter standards course. Do any of you guys have any recommendations on what to expect? I am pretty pumped up about it. What is the enviroment like, what do I need to expect in the way of pt, classroom and fire ground training? I appreciate any info thanks in advance. |
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I don't know what your experience and training up until now is, and I've seen academies run in all styles from laid back weekend ones to ones involving full psuedo-military attitude including "posting" in the hallways for anyone with a badge, but I'll offer the same advice as folks attending any basic training or academy: 1) You are representing your home department - make sure your uniform is tight (straight) and shoes shined. They don't need to be mirrors, but no big "workin' in the farmyard" scuffs. Then find out what the uniform requirements are. They may vary, depending on whether you're field training or classroom for the day. 2) Have 2 pens in your breast pocket, and a few extra in the notebook you brought for this occasion. (hint) 3) You have two ears and one mouth - use them in the ratio that G-d gave them to you. 4) You will be taught the Academy way of doing it - your home department may/will be different. They should tell you this (often), but remember - their playground, their rules. Unless specifically asked in a non-confrontational tone (or by class/team mates), don't offer alternatives, suggest "better way(s) of doing it" or express that the way they're teaching you is not the norm. 5) Show up early (like at least 20 minutes). Better to have to kill time than get a note sent to the Chief. 6) Find out (by observation) if coffee and snacks (donuts or bagels) are being provided or if it's being rotated by companies. Our academy was divided into 5 companies of 5-6, and while coffee was provided in a big percolator urn in the back, it was up to the companies to rotate bringing donuts weekly. But it's a healthier service today, so muffins or bagels may be the way to go. And until you find out if it's OK, don't have coffee for yourself and none for anybody else. It's the whole "you go - we go" team building thing, and it may also not be allowed during class. (although that's just asking for trouble with the older guys and caffeine junkies IMHO) 7) Likewise, unless you have a cafeteria setup, figure out what the group is doing for lunch. While we all started going going out as a group, by the end of class we'd volunteer as runners to go grab take-out and just eat at the academy. 8) Bring a change of uniform if you have it - at least extra socks and t-shirt - especially on the day you're introduced to sprinkler systems. Trust me. 9) Sift through the "war/sea stories" and cull the wheat from the chaff. Many good tricks and tips can be picked up from phrases that start "I know we're supposed to teach you the book method, but..." as well as "One time, we were on a job and I found this trick that really works...", but remember - those are for the street, not the test. 10) Have fun. It's gonna be some hard work and aches (for the body and head) but you're starting on the best job in the world. Welcome aboard. |
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I can't say for sure what your acedamy will be like. Mine was sort of odd. I took the firefighting and EMT-B courses as a high school senior at a community college as part of a career tech prep program.
A few things I could offer -Study your book a lot, a lot a lot. Nope, knowing what PSI the jaws of life operate at or what NFPA regulation mandates heat detector labels for extension ladders won't really do you a lick of good in the field, but if you score high on written tests and know your stuff, people will take notice. -Do a little more than expected. I'm not saying brown nose. For instance, if you guys are packing up after a training evolution and you are told to take down and stow the ladders, do that, THEN help someone reload hose or wash equipment. Not required but people will take notice. -If there is an oppertunity for you to show leadership, do it. That is not the same as just telling people what to do, and it does not even have to occur in class. Organize a study group for instance. People will take notice. The reason I keep repeating that people will take notice is that the firefighting community is small. When you finish and start looking for a job people may put in a good word for you without you even asking, or people in a position to hire you may even have taught your course and they will remember and it will work out in your favor. Good luck! Stay safe and have fun! |