Update to NYS Firefighter 1 and Basic Exterior Firefighter Training Programs

[Flashpoint 94]

 

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TO:                   OFPC Staff
             State Fire Instructors
            County Fire Coordinators
            State Fire Service Organizations

FROM:            Bryant D. Stevens      
                        State Fire Administrator

SUBJECT:      Update to Firefighter 1 and Basic Exterior Firefighter Training Programs

In January 2015, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) released the newest edition of the Firefighter 1 and Basic Exterior Firefighter curriculums.  Since that time, this office has received numerous comments and communications relating to these new programs. 

In an effort to assure that our programs continue to be of the highest quality and meet the needs of New York’s firefighters, OFPC reassembled the stakeholder’s curriculum work group, made up of OFPC members and representatives from statewide organizations, that was used to develop the original curriculum to review the feedback and make recommendations that will further enhance the program.

Based on their recommendations, a separate group has worked to improve both the curriculum and the delivery system.  As a result of their work, the program’s delivery principles were modified extensively.  This modified program has been finalized and deliveries under this new format are slated to begin September 1, 2016.

Fire Departments and Fire Service Organizations can learn about the important changes being made to the program, by going to our website: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/training/videos/firefighter-1.cfm.  The narrated power point presentation will take you through the new program.

OFPC members are also available for live presentations or to answer questions.  If interested, contact John Gilmore, Chief of Fire Operations and Training at 518-474-6746 or john.gilmore@dhses.ny.gov.   

Many thanks go out to the members of the NYS Fire Coordinator’s Association, Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, New York State Association of Fire Districts, NYS Department of Labor, and those State Fire Instructors who served as members of the stakeholders working group.  Their input has been invaluable to creating what we believe are positive changes that will not only benefit all students who attend the program, but as importantly, produce effectively trained firefighters.

 

 

[EMSLt 27]

Can anyone sum up the changes?

[v85 212]

It looks like scene support will no longer exist. Those classes can be given in house by the local fire department on a flexible schedule. There also will be no FFI class, there will be instead a live fire and SCBA add on module given at the training center that when combined with the first part equals FFI certification 

[robert benz 344]

Looks like the combined classes total 129 hrs.   BEFO has been around a couple of yrs now.  These courses still have to be taught by certified fire instructors, either state or county. 

[201/65 94]

Summary: OFPC has reverted to a system similar to the old Basic and Intermediate Firefighter layout, keeping the recently added course materials. 

[x635 4,066]

14 hours ago, 201/65 said:

Summary: OFPC has reverted to a system similar to the old Basic and Intermediate Firefighter layout, keeping the recently added course materials. 

 

Wait, I've lost track. Is this in line with national standards, or............