CAREERS
IN FIRE FIGHTING 2011
www.firefightingincanada.com
Planning for your future
High school is a great time to start plan-ning for a career in fire fighting. Students who recognize their passion for becoming a firefighter at an early age have a great head start on their future. Tailoring your academics to complement your aspira-tions of becoming a firefighter is wise and is encouraged. However, most high school courses will support your career choice. You should be aware that a few post- secondary firefighting programs require math, English and sciences.
Fire department chemistry
It’s paramount that firefighters responding to emergencies work together as a team to neutralize any emergency situation. Being a team player is definitely something fire departments look for in recruits. Being in-volved on sports teams in high school can help to demonstrate your ability be a team player. Also, being an active member of your community, such as volunteering your time with children or seniors or at the local food bank, for example, also improves your chances of getting hired.
It’s critical that potential firefighter recruits achieve the minimum education level. There is no point thinking about get-ting hired by a fire department if you don’t have the credentials (check fire depart-ment websites to determine their minimum education requirements). It is also good to have a plan B, such as a trade or a degree, in case you are not immediately hired by a fire department.
Municipal firefighter
recruitment process
Fire department recruitment processes vary. Each fire department can establish its own recruitment process and the minimum qualifications and standards it requires.
Recruitment processes can be complicated or they can be simple. The objective of a fire department recruitment process is to determine an applicant’s aptitude for fire fighting. Fire departments use multiple evaluations to determine each applicant’s ability to execute firefighting-related tasks, the ability to function under physical exer-tion, the overall health and fitness level of each applicant and the ability to under-stand written and verbal information.
Recruitment programs help fire depart-ments determine which candidates possess the skills, aptitude, attitude and abilities needed to be a successful firefighter. Poten-tial firefighter candidates must be success-ful at each stage of the recruitment program to be considered for employment.
Recruitment program stages
• Candidates submit their application before the deadline
• Chosen candidates write an aptitude test
• Candidates are notified of test results • Successful applicants are notified of
first interview
• Successful applicants are notified of second interview
• Physical ability test is arranged • Candidates undergo medical
examination
• References are contacted • Conditional job offer is made
Choosing a firefighting program
You want to attend fire school but you’re not sure what course to take or which school to attend. Finding the answers can be difficult. It’s one thing to find a good fire school but it’s another to find the right fire school. Choosing the perfect fire school program depends on criteria such as where you live, because different regions endorse
different fire programs or schools. When choosing a fire school or program ask the following questions:
• Is the program recognized by fire departments in the region(s) in which you want to work?
• Does the program offer distance learning?
• Does the program meet the standards required by fire departments in your region?
The last thing you want to do is to spend your time and money on a fire program that isn’t recognized or accredited. Govern-ments and organizations regulate the stan-dards of fire training and accredit schools to teach to these standards. These regula-tions are in place to ensure that students receive a level of training that provides a strong foundation on which to start their firefighting careers.
What about my age?
Don’t allow your age to discourage you from pursuing a career in fire fighting. Fire departments are looking for certain qualities and qualifications. It doesn’t mat-ter whether you are an older recruit or a younger recruit; if you meet the criteria and prove yourself worthy of a job, your chances of getting hired should be among the best.
However, there are advantages and dis-advantages to each age category: younger recruits lack life experience but the depart-ment gains strength, endurance and a desire to learn; mature recruits have a shorter ca-reer window but bring experience, loyalty and work ethic. Not every recruit falls into these categories – there are exceptions – but during recruitment drives departments are generally bombarded with resumes and it’s difficult for departments to weed out the potential recruits.
CAREERS
IN FIRE
FIGHTING 2011
Fire fighting is a challenging and rewarding career. If you’re thinking about
ADVANCED RESCUE TECHNIQUES SCHOOL OF CANADA
Contact: Paul Sevcik
5334 Yonge St. #609, Toronto, ON M2N 6V1 Tel: 416-222-2223 or Toll Free: 1-800-785-8855 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.rescuetechniques.com Courses: High Angle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue,Swift Water Rescue, Ice Rescue, Search and Rescue.
ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Contact: Randy Foster, Coordinator 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8 Tel: 613-727-4723 Ext. 5053
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.algonquincollege.com
Courses: The Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training certificate progam provides a theoretical/lab basis for entry to the career of firefighter. Students develop a sound understanding of fire science principles, practices of fire prevention, suppression, rescue, emergency patient care, and community service. Students can practice their knowledge and skills in a pre-graduate experience in level 3 of the program.
CANADIAN CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS FOUNDATION (CCISF) and BGF ENTERPRISES
Contact: Murray Firth (CCISF), Karen Ness (BGF) 52 George St., Creemore, ON L0M 1G0
Tel: 705-466-5706 e-mail: [email protected] Courses: Group and Individual Crisis Intervention Courses using International Critical Incident Stress Foundation Courses (www.icisf.org).
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES
Contact: Judy Kolesar, Ron McRae
Box 8500, 2700 College Way, Cranbrook, BC V1C 5L7 Tel: 250-489-2751 Ext. 3216
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.cotr.bc.ca Courses: Firefighter I and II; Hazmat Awareness; Operations; Airbrakes; Class 3 Driver; EVO; Vehicle Rescue Technician; BC Medical First Responder Level 3; EMR; Fire Suppression S100, S185 and S215; Basic Chainsaw; Incident Command Systems 100 & 200; Industrial Firefighter; Confined Space Rescue Technician.
COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
PO Box 3110, 25326 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tel: 251-981-3771 or Toll Free: 1-800-977-8449 Ext. 149 website: www.columbiasouthern.edu
CRA, INC.
Contact: Rick Opett
4401 Ford Ave., 6th Fl., Alexandria, VA 22302 Tel: 703-519-4510
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.cra-usa.net Courses: All Hazards Training: Technical Rescue, HazMat, WMD, Emergency Management; Exercises: Table Top, Functional, Full Scale; Planning Services: Writing, Revisions
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Contact: Gwen Doary
Dalhousie University, College of Continuing Education, Fire Management Certificate Programs, 1535 Dresden Row, Suite 201, Halifax, NS B3J 3T1
Tel: 902-494-8838 e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.collegeofcontinuinged.dal.ca Courses: A total of 16, on the following subjects: Fire Suppression Management, Fire Prevention Management, Strategic Planning, Municipal Government and Service Delivery, Fire Service Law, Municipal Finance, Program Evaluation and Statistics, EMS Management and the Fire Department, Disaster Management and the Fire Department, Personnel Management in the Fire Service, Fire Strategic Planning, Organizational Behaviour, Station Officer: Dealing with People, Station Officer: Dealing with New Operations, the Environment of the Fire Station.
DESTINY CAREER PLANNERS
Contact: Karen Smith-Hanney
13084 - 24 Ave., South Surrey, BC V4A 2G1 Tel: 604-541-2675, Cell: 604-290-6314 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.destinycareerplanners.com
Courses: Premier career planning, interview coaching and professional resume writing services for all levels in the fire services. Interview coaching by face to face or by distance (phone or internet). Personally designed programs for group sessions by request. Personalized career planning and guidance for career firefighters moving forward and preparing for mangement positions.
YOUR FIREFIGHTING
CAREER RESOURCE
• firefightingincanada.com
• firehall.com
DURHAM COLLEGE Fire and Emergency Services
1610 Champlain Ave., Whitby, ON L1N 6A7 Tel: 905-721-3111 Ext. 4069
Courses: Fire Prevention; Public Education; Fire Suppression; Haz-Mat; Emergency First Responder; Defib. Awareness; Patient Care; Search and Rescue, etc.
ECOLE NATIONALE DES POMPIERS DU QUEBEC
Palais de justice de Laval, 2800, boulevard Saint-Martin Ouest, Bureau 3.08, Laval, QC H7T 2S9
Tel: 450-680-6800, Toll Free: 1-866-680-3677 (In Quebec)
website: www.ecoledespompiers.qc.ca Courses: Programs leading to IFSAC certification: Firefighter 1 and II; Hazmat awareness, Hazmat Operations; Pump Operator; Aerial Operator; Officer I and II, Instructor I and II. Other program: Rural Officer
EMERGENCY SERVICES ACADEMY LTD.
Contact: Darrell Reid, Deputy Chief, FF, EMT-P, MBA, Director ESA; Linda Reid, Finance Manager ESA; Kim Lee, Administrative Assistant ESA.
2nd Floor, 161 Broadway Blvd., Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2A8 Tel: 780-416-8822
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.esacanada.com
Courses: Accessory courses including Technical Rope Rescue, Ice Rescue, Confined Spaces and EMS Refreshers.
FLEMING COLLEGE
599 Brealy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B1 Tel: 705-749-5530
website: http://www.flemingc.on.ca
Courses: Pre Service Firefighter Education and training
GEORGIAN COLLEGE
1 Georgian Dr., Barrie, ON L4M 3X9 Tel: 705-728-1968
website: www.georgianc.on.ca
Courses: Fire and Emergency Services, Pre-Fire Planning, Emergency Operations, 1,2,3; Emergency First Responder; Rescue and Hazardous Materials Awareness; Communications and Relationships; Practical Fire Training 1, 2; Work Place Communications.
GLOBAL RISK INNOVATIONS
Contact: Judy Smith
87 Law Drive, Guelph, ON N1E 7J7 Tel: 289-891-7718
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.globalriskinnovations.com Courses: Global Risk Innovations is the provider of PreventionLink, a complete online training solution for fire departments across Canada. PreventionLink works to maintain compliance, promote safety, reduce losses, and assist with risk management and documentation. It provides several course platforms for Fire and EMS professionals. Global Risk Innovations also provides the Blue Card Command Certification Program designed to instruct Incident Commanders and other fire officers how to standardize incident operations and outcomes department wide.
FESTI -Fire And Emergency Training Institute (GREATER TORONTO AIRPORTS AUTHORITY)
PO Box 6031, 2025 Courtneypark Dr., Toronto AMF, ON L5P 1B2
Tel: 416-776-5271 website: www.festi.ca Courses: The Fire & Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) is the single point of access for multiple programs for firefighters interested in recertification or expanding their existing skills. We also provide customized programs to meet the needs of individual fire departments and online training for those that want the flexibility that distance education offers.
HOLLAND COLLEGE
Contact: Sue Norquay
140 Weymouth St., Charlottetown, PE C1A 4Z1 Tel: 902-566-9502 or Toll Free: 1-866-299-3111 e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.hollandc.pe.ca
Courses: Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedicine and Advanced Care Paramedicine (CMA accredited).
HUMBER COLLEGE
205 Humber College Blvd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 5L7 Tel: 416-675-6622 Ext. 4694
website: www.humberc.on.ca
Courses: Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training as well as Advanced Specialized Rescue Training, on weekends.
JIBC, Fire and Safety Division
Contact: Michelle Jackson
715 McBride Blvd., New Westminster, BC V3L 5T4 Tel: 604-528-5590 or Toll Free: 1-877-528-5591 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.jibc.ca/fire Courses: JIBC is Canada’s leading public safety educator – a dynamic post-secondary institution recognized provincially, nationally and internationally for innovative education and applied research in all areas of public safety. The Fire and Safety Division offers a comprehensive range of education and training designed to meet the needs of the fire service, public and private sector and a broad international market. The Fire and Safety Division also offers Canada’s only Bachelor of Fire and Safety Studies. JIBC educational experiences are enhanced by an impressive range of facilities, training resources, simulations and E-learning. For more information visit www.jibc.ca/fire
LAKELAND COLLEGE EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTRE
Contact: Denis Cunninghame
5704 College Drive, Vermilion, AB T9X 1K4
Tel: 1-800-661-6490 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.lc-etc.ca
Courses: A multi-dimensional emergency services training centre specializing in fire service, emergency medical services, incident command and emergency preparedness training.
LAMBTON COLLEGE Fire & Emergency Response Training Centre
Contact: Sandra Morrison
1457 London Rd., Sarnia, ON N7S 6K4
Tel: 1-800-791-7887 Ext. 21 or 519-336-4552 Ext. 21 e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.lambton.on.ca/fertc
Courses: Two post-secondary programs are offered: Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training (one-year
certificate program) and Fire Science Technology (three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program). Courses include scheduled and custom courses in municipal fire fighting, hazardous material response, industrial fire fighting, confined space entry/rescue, incident command system.
MANITOBA EMERGENCY SERVICES COLLEGE
Contact: Brenda Popko
1601 Van Horne Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 7K2 Tel: 204-726-6855 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca
Courses: The Manitoba Emergency Services College is a Canadian leader in firefighter, rescue, hazardous material, fire inspector, building inspector, management, paramedic and emergency services training. The Manitoba Emergency Services College (MESC) is located in Brandon, Manitoba. The Manitoba Emergency Services College takes pride in offering exceptional training opportunities contributing to the building of confident, competent firefighters, rescuers and paramedics. Whether you are seeking a career in the emergency services or if you are currently a member of a local fire service and would like to expand your current knowledge and skills, the MESC has the training that you need.
MARINE INSTITUTE
Contact: Office of Student Recruitment PO Box 4920, St. John’s, NL A1C 5R3 Tel: 1-800-563-5799, Ext. 0543
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.mi.mun.ca Courses: Located in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Marine Institute’s Safety and Emergency Response Training (SERT) Centre delivers world-class training in:
• Firefighting • High Angle Rescue • First Aid • Hazardous incident identification and response • Vehicle extrication • Confined space rescue
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE - EMHSTC
Contact: T. Renee Osborn and Stacy Theis 7426 Osborn, Lansing, MI 48913
Tel: 517-322-5519 and 517-332-6515, respectively e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.michigan.gov/emhsd-training Courses: The Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center (EMHSTC) offers a comprehensive hands-on approach for hazardous materials and homeland security - designed especially for responders, rescue planners, professionals and instructors on hazardous materials events. Please visit our website at: www.michigan.gov/emhsd-training
NORTHERN COLLEGE
PO Box 3211,Timmins ON P4N 8R6 Tel: 705-235-3211 ext. 2121 website: www.northern.on.ca
Courses: Pre Service Firefighter Education and training
NOVA SCOTIA FIREFIGHTERS SCHOOL
Contact: John S. Cunningham, Executive Director 48 Powder Mill Rd., Waverley, NS B2R 1E9 Tel: 902-861-3823 Ext. 223, Toll Free: 1-866-861-3823 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.nsfs.ns.ca Courses: Confined Space training, Haz-Mat, Vehicle Extrication, Basic Fire Fighting, Officers training, High Angle Rescue, Driver training, Fire Safety, Health and Occupational Safety Officer and Incident Scenes Safety Officer, Rapid Intervention Techniques, Thermal Imaging Camera training, Trench Rescue, Ice Rescue, Collapse Rescue.
CAREERS
The Manitoba Emergency Services College is committed to providing superior emergency response and medical programs
that meet the needs of emergency services and industry.
For more information, visit us online at:
www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca
“Training To Save Lives”
MANITOBA EMERGENCY SERVICES COLLEGE
Toll Free 1-888-253-1488 E-Mail: [email protected]
OFFSHORE SAFETY AND SURVIVAL CENTRE
PO Box 4920, 155 Ridge Rd., St. John’s, NL A1C 5R3 Tel: 709-834-2076 Ext. 225
website: www.mi.mun.ca/mi/ossc
Courses: Municipal, industrial and offshore applications. More than 30 related courses and capability to tailor courses to clients’ needs.
ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE
1495 Muskoka Rd. N., Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1W5 Tel: 705-687-2294
website: www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/education/ firecollege/calendar4.asp
Courses: Agricultural Machinery and Heavy Equipment Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Emergency Patient Care Instructor Level, Firefighter Emergency Patient Care, Fire Cause Determination, Handling Propane Emergencies, Managing a High Rise Emergency, Pumper Operations, Pumper Operations — Train the Trainer, Public Educator; Volunteer Firefighter Modules, Recruit Training, Flashover Recognition and Survival Training, Community and Environmental Impact of Fire, Fire Prevention Seminars, Executive Development Seminars; Mechanical Officer Seminar, Training Officer Seminar.
PERFORMANCE TRAINING SYSTEMS, INC.
Contact: Dr. Ben A. Hirst, Vice President 250 S. Central Blvd., Ste. 108, Jupiter, FL 33458 Tel: 561-277-9396
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.firetestbanks.com Courses: Testing Materials and Services: • Firefighter promotion and selection testing • Web-based firefighter certification • Firefighterexamprep.com • Firefighter exam prep books published by Jones & Bartlett Learning.
PORTAGE COLLEGE
Contact: Martin Marshall
9531 - 94 Ave., Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 Tel: 780-623-6696
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.portagecollege.ca
Courses: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-A), Emergency Medical Technologist Paramedic (EMT-P).
SENECA COLLEGE
Contact: Stu Evans
1750 Finch Ave. E., Toronto, ON M2J 2X5 Tel: 416-491-5050 Ext. 2394
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.senecac.on.ca/fire
Courses: The pre-service firefighting program is a new 1-year recruit training program available both to full-time and part-time. The full-time 2-year or 3-year diploma programs are fire science-based with available option courses in firefighting.
ST. CLAIR COLLEGE of Applied Arts and Technology
Contact: Dann Dancey, Co-ordinator, Public Safety Institute, Tel: 519-972-2728 Ext. 243, Fax: 519-945-0747; Greg Skomash, Paramedic Program, Tel: 519-972-2727 Ext. 4354.
3600 Rhodes Dr., Windsor, ON N8W 5A4 Tel: 519-945-4007
e-mail: [email protected] OR gskomash@ stclaircollege.ca
website: www.stclaircollege.ca
Courses: Firefighter: Confined Space, Trans. Rescue, Fire Extinguisher Training, Search and Rescue, Security Officer Training. Paramedic Courses: Various to ensure eligibility to write the Ont. Ministry of Health’s Advanced EMCA (primary care paramedic) examination.
RS RESCUE
Contact: John O’Blenis
88 Townline Road, Orangeville, ON L9W 1V8 Tel: 416-970-3325
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.rsrescue.com
Courses: RS Rescue implements high standards on their instructors to ensure that only current, accurate and relevant extriacation information and techniques are delivered to their students. We are committed to providing only the highest level of training in the extrication field.
YOUR FIREFIGHTING CAREER RESOURCE • firefightingincanada.com • firehall.com
Colleges tackle challenges of communication
among first responders
By Stefanie Wallace
INTEGRATION ISSUES
F
irst responders play a vital role in the communities they serve but the way they interact with each other needs work. Often police, fire and EMS personnel don’t understand one another’s roles at emergency scenes and, in many cases, their radios are not compatible so they can’t communicate. While a committee of Canadian police, fire and EMS representatives is tackling the communication and interoperability issue, two Canadian colleges are working to improve the levels of understanding and respect among the three professions.Lambton College in Sarnia, Ont., and Lakeland College in Ver-milion, Alta., are teaching their students key elements of first re-sponse – such as incident command – that are common to all three professions.
“Ninety-nine per cent of the time, we have to work together,” says Carol Lynn Chambers, the chief and associate dean of Lamb-ton College’s School of Fire Science and Public Safety and the Industrial Fire School. Chambers uses a car accident scenario as an example.
“Police will be controlling traffic so nobody else gets hit,” Chambers explains. “Fire is sometimes the first response and they need to be able to open the vehicle to get access to the patient and start administering first emergency medical response, and then the paramedics need to be able to smoothly take over that patient and get them in an ambulance to the hospital.”
Although the individual roles and skills of the first respond-ers are essential, Chambrespond-ers says being able to efficiently use those skills to work together is equally as important. A lack of interaction among the three streams can put a victim’s life at risk.
“A lot of individuals know other individuals in other services. But you may not be working with people you know, and you can’t count on that,” Chambers says. “If everybody comes knowing and respecting what everybody else’s job is, they can deal with this incident as quickly and effectively as they can. There’s a huge op-portunity to be more effective together.”
Chambers says part of the interoperability problem can be blamed on the schools. “Historically, colleges and training institu-tions train these students separately. They learn their specific skills, but what’s equally important in our minds is that they’re able to use those skills in a co-operative, smooth and efficient way,” she says.
Both Lambton and Lakeland colleges are trying to change the way students learn by teaching them the value of teamwork before it’s too late. Chambers says there’s a role for everybody at emer-gency scenes, and Lambton’s goal is to ensure students know that from the get-go.
“We’re introducing some curriculum that is common to all the disciplines, like incident management systems, emergency pre-paredness and community prevention,” Chambers says.
Typically, only fire students learn incident command. However, the province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, has implemented a new incident manage-ment system that offers many new courses that will be implemanage-mented into all of Lambton’s first response programs.
“We’re keeping the discipline-specific courses separate, but in-troducing pieces of curriculum that are common to all disciplines, like emergency preparedness, community risk management and pre-vention strategies, be it health promotion or fire and crime preven-tion,” she says.
Even though the topics may be different, the strategies are the same, Chambers explains. “We’re trying to find those common elements and really draw those out so students are learning the same systems.”
Learning skills in a classroom is a good start, but putting those skills to the test is what counts. A $10-million, provincially and fed-erally funded facility called the Lambton College Centre of Excel-lence in Public Safety and Emergency Response, to be completed in March 2011, is being built to give students a place to test their knowledge.
“We’re creating the environment at this new facility where stu-dents can practise those skills together,” says Chambers.
Lambton College president Tony Hanlon and vice-president academic Judy Morris had a vision for a bigger and more modern program, and brought in Chambers, a Lambton grad who has a fire-service background, to develop it. The new facility will also host workshops in the spring for those who may be considering a career in emergency services.
In the meantime, changes have been made to the curriculum to get the ball rolling, including implementing the incident manage-ment system.
“We’ve integrated IMS-100 (the very basic course) into the cur-riculums of law enforcement and security, police foundations, para-medic and fire,” says Chambers. “For fall 2011, we will be ramping that up to include more inter-disciplinary learning and skills practice once our new facility is open.”
Besides high school graduates, Chambers sees ample opportu-nity for existing first responders to further their studies. “At the lead-ership development level – the sergeants, the platoon chiefs – there’s really not a lot other than discipline-specific courses to enable them to be community emergency service leaders,” she says. “We want people to come back to college and take public safety management diplomas and collaborative degrees,” Chambers adds, estimating programs like this will start to develop in 2012.
Chambers also encourages prospective mature students to con-sider a career in first responders, regardless of their age.
“I strongly believe we are missing out on a number of great peo-ple who would make wonderful emergency responders who have maybe not considered this as a career before,” she says.
“Yes, there are high standards and there are physical require-ments, but we need students who are quick thinkers, problem solv-ers, good with teamwork and can communicate with one another,” she adds, noting that mature students are often full of these positive qualities because they have life experience.
The college also hopes for more diversity within the pro-grams, Chambers adds. “We are encouraging young women to consider fire service careers. We’re missing out on a wonderful
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group of people who would make very good emergency services responders. We’re not lowering our requirements, but you should aspire to meet them.”
In western Canada, Lakeland College’s efforts to abolish the interoperability problem go back to the mid-1990s, says Kirk Mc-Inroy, manager of technical services and acting associate dean of Lakeland’s emergency training centre.
“A lot of the departments were integrating fire and ambulance, and then the government of Alberta Health and Wellness took over the ambulance systems. Some of the departments that were inte-grated are being split up again,” says McInroy.
“We’ve always been pro-integration, and we started a diploma program in 1995-96 which incorporates the firefighting and medi-cal stream into a one-year program, medi-called the emergency services technician (EST) program. When students leave here, they will have their basic firefighting and EMT training.”
Students enrolled in the EST program, the only one of its kind in Canada, take core training classes in both emergency medical services and fire fighting before specializing in one of the disci-plines. Firefighting students receive their NFPA level 1 and level 2 designations, and students in the health stream earn their EMTA designation, learning from the pros.
“We have a real variety of instructors,” McInroy says, including firefighters that come from full-time and volunteer departments, as well as some coming from airport fire fighting and the military and retired fire chiefs and inspectors. Students will complete on-site practicums at hospitals and on fire services.
“Combined service is great because they can do both at the same time.” McInroy says fire and ambulance services often use similar radio communication systems so they can pick up the same radio signals, helping to bridge the lack of communication, but this isn’t always the case.
“Health, fire and police are all regulated by different ministries, so it’s up to the ministry to put the three together so it will translate to the people working on the floor.”
Integrating paramedics and firefighters is of high importance in Alberta. “There are lots of fire departments that can’t get enough firefighter-paramedics. Departments run advanced life support ser-vices, meaning there has to be a paramedic on every ambulance. If you’re running this, it’s hard to get paramedics that are firefighter-trained as well,” he says.
He notes there is ample opportunity for firefighters looking to continue their education, as the EST program has seen students ranging in age from late teens to mid-40s. Lakeland College also offers individual day-long or weekend-long courses for those look-ing to extend their studies.
Regardless of what side of the country you’re in, Chambers and McInroy agree the main goal of these programs is to see all streams of first responders work better together.
“We want to involve the other emergency service disciplines to make this much bigger and much more effective,” Chambers says. “At the end of the day, the indicators of our success are graduates of our programs, who can infuse that culture in their organization towards more effective responses.”