Water Rescue and Emergency Response – (FCWR)
This program is designed to familiarize students with water rescue and the problems associated with it. Topics include statistics, planning, hypothermia, drowning, shore based rescues, shallow water crossing and self rescue. Students will be required to pass a swimming test at the beginning of the class. The student will need a swimsuit, towel, get wet clothing for prevailing weather conditions, a whistle, personal floatation device (PFD) and a water rescue helmet (If Available). Prerequisite: Must be 18 years of age!
Ice Rescue and Emergency Response – (FCIR)
This is a mix of classroom and on the ice practical sessions, dealing with ice emergencies and the safe and effective methods to handle them. Students will need proper clothing for prevailing weather conditions, a set of warm, dry clothes to change into, a personal floatation device and a helmet (if Available).
All students who successfully complete the Water or Ice Rescue Program will receive a certificate from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, as well as a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Certificate. Prerequisites: Must be 18 years of age! Must also possess Water Rescue and Emergency Response.
Wilderness Rescue – Managing Search Operations – (WRSM)
This course is presented in a classroom setting to teach more advanced search operation techniques and organizational skills to the units responding to a lost person incident. (40 Hours)
Wilderness Rescue – Search Responder – (WRSR)
This course is presented in a classroom setting to present basic search operation technique and organizational skills to the first responding units to a lost person incident. (16 Hours)
Wilderness Rescue – Grid Search – (WRGT & WRGA)
This is presented in a combination of classroom and fieldwork to present grid search methods and teach the student comprehensive map/compass skills and patient evacuation skills. (16 Hours)
For the Search and Rescue Programs, students will need outdoor clothing appropriate for weather conditions, work or hiking boots, eye protection and a compass.
All students who successfully complete any of the Wilderness Search and Rescue Programs will receive a certificate from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as well as a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy certificate.
Basic Rigging for Rope Rescue - (ROBR)
This course is designed for personnel whose duties require training in basic rope rescue knowledge and skills but not in rappelling. Students are introduced to rope construction, rope characteristics, rope hardware and various knots and hitches. They will participate in patient packaging and stokes litter handling exercises and will be trained in practical haul systems and their uses. Students will need a helmet, leather work gloves, boots and eye protection.
Rope/High Angle Rescue I - (RORE)
This course provides an introduction to rope, basic rope construction, knots, safe rappelling techniques and basic haul system construction. Students will need a helmet, leather work gloves, boots and eye protection.
Rope/High Angle Rescue II - (RORA)
Prerequisite: Rope High Angle Rescue I (RORE) or Department of Health Basic Rescue (DHBR)
This course provides the student with an in depth and hands on experience with rope and rappelling. Current equipment, skills and knowledge will be developed to effectively and safely perform vertical rescues. This program builds on the skills and knowledge developed in Rope High Angle Rescue I.
Students will be trained on how to execute a rope change and a one person rescue (Pick-Off). The basic skills to rig, haul, lower, ascend, descend, stop and get out of common problems are presented, demonstrated and practiced.
Students will need a helmet with a chinstrap, eye protection, leather work gloves and boots. In addition, students will need to provide (1) 1" x 20' piece of tubular webbing or an acceptable seat harness.
All students who successfully complete any of these programs in Rope Rescue will receive a certificate from the Pa. State Fire Academy.
Structural Collapse Operations – Level I – (SCOA)
This course is designed to familiarize students with operations at the scene of a structural collapse, so they may be able to function at the initial stages of a structural collapse operation, identify and mitigate hazards, recognize the need for assistance and perform as an integral part of the overall operation once technical rescue teams are on site.
Structural Collapse Operations – Level II – (SCOF)
This course gives fire department and rescue personnel the knowledge and skills necessary to operate effectively at incidents involving the collapse of light frame and heavy wall structures. Students are given extensive hands on instruction in structure assessment, emergency shoring and stabilization, breaching building materials, patient packaging and extrication.
All students who successfully complete any of these programs in Structural Collapse will receive a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Certificate for each class. Prerequisites: Must be 18 years of age! Must also possess Structural Collapse Level I.
Confined Space Rescue - (CSR)
This 16 hour course deals primarily with rescues involving confined spaces. Topics include definitions, regulations, identification, logistics, toxicology and techniques.
Students will need note taking materials, helmet with a chinstrap, work boots (steel toe preferred), eye protection, positive pressure SCBA, knee pads, work clothes or coveralls that may become muddy and 2 pair of gloves.
All students who successfully complete the Confined Space Rescue course will receive a certificate from the Pa. State Fire Academy. Prerequisites: Must be 18 years of age! Must possess Essentials of Firefighting (EFF) or Respiratory Protection I (REPR) and Basic Rigging for Rope Rescue (ROBR).
Trench Rescue - (TRRE)
This course will introduce the student to the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively perform complex rescue operations in collapsed trench excavations. Course work will include practical drills and demonstration in simulated trench excavations.
Students will need: List will be supplied to students at time of enrollment.
All students who successfully complete the Trench Rescue course will receive a certificate from the Pa. State Fire Academy. Prerequisite: Must be 18 years of age!
Emergency Vehicle Driver Training - (EVOC)
This course, developed by the Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services, provides instruction in techniques of driving emergency vehicles under all conditions. Students will learn the importance of vehicle dynamics, driver selection, condition and preparation for safe vehicle operations. The course includes practice on a driving course laid out to simulate various driving conditions. Also included is a section on service and preventive maintenance.
All personnel who successfully complete the Emergency Vehicle Driver Training course will receive a certificate from the Pa. State Fire Academy. Prerequisite: Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid drivers license.
For more information on these courses please contact Chief Roger Tobias on the home page.