Fire service training for youths over the age of 16 is recognized by the fire service in the State of South Carolina as a valuable means for recruiting and retaining future volunteer and career firefighters. The course materials for both Firefighter I and II will follow International Fire Service Training Association’s Essentials of FireFighting, 6th Edition training manual. Students will learn and perform all skills required by the South Carolina Fire Academy for certification such as; carrying and climbing 14’, 24’, & 35’ ladders, work on an elevated roof prop, search, rescue, and fire attack in hazardous conditions (fire, smoke, heat, low visibility) with appropriate protective equipment in a monitored training environment.

The program will incorporate online coursework, traditional classroom instruction, and skill based training. To prepare students for the strength and physical needs of the job tasks required for the program the course will also include weekly physical fitness training.

Requirements for participation in the program: (1) 16 years of age at the start of the program; (2) a signed waiver by a parent or guardian understanding the course requirements and hazards associated; (3) a signed medical clearance by a physician (sports physical); (4) registration with the local junior explorer program. All forms will be sent home with the student during the first week of class.

Grades 10, 11, 12   

1 Unit
Introduction to Public Safety is a semester long course that lays the foundation for the Firefighter 1 & 2 program coursework. Students will learn about the history and traditions of the fire service as well as practice skills that are taught in the firefighting curriculum such as donning personal protective equipment, using self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and using ground ladders. The course is physically demanding and will require the student to perform tasks while wearing approximately seventy-five pounds of equipment. Students will also have the opportunity to become certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.

Grades 11, 12, 10   

2 Units
Prerequisite:  Must be 16 years of age at the start of the class. Completion of Introduction to Public Safety. Required Coursework for Successful Firefighter 1 Completion: (1) First Aid/CPR/AED, (2) Hazardous Materials Awareness-level training (3) Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO)-level training, (4) Fundamentals of Firefighting & Firefighter 1.

The course will use online and traditional instructional methods and is designed to take the student to the level of Firefighter I, the first level of firefighter as recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and certified by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard). The student cannot qualify to take the certification exam if he or she is unable to meet the full requirements for becoming a professional firefighter.

Subjects include: fire behavior, fire extinguishers, personal protective equipment, SCBA, ladders, fire hose, fire streams, search and rescue, interior fire attack and self-survival as well as building construction, ropes and knots, forcible entry, ventilation, water supply, salvage, overhaul, communications, fire prevention, and community risk reduction.

Grades 12, 11  

2 Units
Prerequisite: Successful completed NFPA Firefighter I & must be 16 years of age prior to the beginning of class. Coursework to be completed by the end of the program: (1) Vehicle Extrication & (2) Firefighter II.
Industry Credential Alignment: NFPA Firefighter 2
This course is designed to take the student to the final level of firefighter, Firefighter II as recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and certified by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard). The student cannot qualify to take the certification exam if he or she is unable to meet the full requirements for becoming a professional firefighter.

Subjects include: incident management, building collapse and special rescue, hose tools and appliances, hydrant flow and operability, fire detection and alarm systems, fire cause, pre-incident planning, reports and communications, and coordinating fire attack.