Course Description: The Chester County Public Safety Training Campus (PSTC) administers the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy’s four entry level firefighting modules as one comprehensive training known as Firefighter I. Those modules being:

• Introduction to the Fre Service (ELIS)
• Fire Ground Support (ELFG)
• Exterior Firefighter (ELEF)
• Interior Firefighter (ELIF)

In addition to the four modules, various other fire service-related trainings are incorporated in Firefighter I. Some of those trainings being:

• Hazardous Materials Awareness (HMA24)
• Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO24)
• CPR/AED, First Aid, Stop the Bleed
• Flashover
• Other trainings as time permits

The combination of all courses requires approximately 200 hours of both classroom and hands-on training. Students who successfully complete this curriculum may test for National Certification in Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations and Firefighter 1.

The training at times is strenuous both physically and mentally. Some days of training consist of lifting, carrying, pulling, wearing equipment weighing 30+ pounds, working in confined spaces, working in the complete darkness, and several days of live-smoke and live-fire training. Students must be in good physical condition to complete the class.

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to safely and effectively perform the knowledge and skill objectives listed in the Pennsylvania Entry Level Firefighter Curriculum. These skills are used to safely and effectively operate at the scene of a fire or emergency. This course is intended develop an atmosphere of teamwork, self-discipline, respect and a sense of duty in the fire service.

Prerequisite (s): ICS 100 and 700. Students must by 17 years of age at the start of Module 4 Interior Firefighter.

P.P.E.: SCBA bottle, full turnout gear (including SCBA with spare cylinder), structural firefighting gloves, safety glasses, long pants, socks, long sleeve shirt that are cotton or 50/50 blend. No mesh or wicking material. Bring Lunch.

All students in Firefighter I will be required to wear a uniform for each class. The uniform of the day shall consist of the following:

PSTC Issued Shirt, student provided dark blue trousers, black belt, black shoes with black laces/ black boots, Black or dark blue socks with low-cut footwear.

Students who enroll in the Pennsylvania Entry Level Firefighter program must conform to the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy’s Facial Hair Policy that requires a student be clean shaven except for a neatly trimmed moustache. This policy is enforced from day one of Firefighter I until the completion of the program, including the certification testing.

Course Contact: Matt Fink, Fire Training Manager, jfink@chesco.org or (610) 344-5017