Basic First Aid & CPR

Before applying to the department, potential members must obtain their Emergency First Aid and CPR certificate.  Once they become a member, they must continue their training and remain certified in Basic First Aid and CPR.  Basic First Aid and CPR is approximately 8 hours of training and contains the following course modules :

1. Emergency Scene Management
2. Shock, Unconsciousness and Fainting
3. Choking (Adult)
4. Cardiovascular Emergencies and One-Rescuer CPR (Adult casualty)
5. Severe Bleeding

Medical First Responder

Due to the nature of calls within our community, most firefighters will advance to the next level of medical training available, the Medical First Responder.  The 5 day course is taught by Paramedics or Red Cross/St John’s Ambulance certified instructors.  The course contains training in the following areas :

Firefighter Level I

Firefighter I introduces the novice firefighter to the basics of firefighting as per NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications and Hazardous Materials Awareness per NFPA 472 Standard for Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents. Student performance will be evaluated at each course level with written and often practical exams. The culmination will be the Nova Scotia Fire Services Professional Qualifications Boards Firefighter I Certification Exam.  Methods of instruction will include classroom theory as well as skill oriented “hands on” sessions.  Course instruction time is approximately 21 days spread out over several weekends.  Courses Include :

Firefighter Level II

Fire Fighter II is aimed at teaching the student how to function safely and effectively as an integral member of a fire fighting team. Successful students will be trained to perform fire fighting activities on emergency scenes with general supervision, as well requiring the student to maintain direct communication with a supervisor.  Methods of instruction will include classroom theory as well as skill oriented “hands on” sessions. The culmination will be the Nova Scotia Fire Services Professional Qualifications Boards Firefighter II Certification Exam.  Course instruction time is approximately 5-6 weekends.  Courses include advanced training in many of the Firefighter I techniques as well as training in new areas :

Thermal Imaging Camera

A Thermal Imaging Camera (known as a TIC) is a type of thermographic camera used in firefighting. By rendering infrared radiation as visible light, such cameras allow firefighters to see areas of heat through smoke, darkness, or heat-permeable barriers. Thermal imaging cameras are typically handheld, but may be helmet-mounted. They are constructed using heat and water-resistant housings, and ruggedized to withstand the hazards of fireground operations. While they are expensive pieces of equipment, their popularity and adoption by firefighters in Canada and the United States is increasing markedly due to the increased availability of government equipment grants following the September 11 attacks in 2001. Thermal imaging cameras pick up body heat, and they are normally used in cases where people are trapped where rescuers cannot find them.  Course instruction time is typically 1.5 days and includes theory and practical applications.

Wildland Fire Training

Developed by the N.S. Department of Natural Resources to provide basic fire suppression training that enables firefighters to safely and effectively manage forest fires. Training consists of a 4 hour classroom component and a 4 hour practical component.