Course Description: This program encompasses all prerequisites to meet the requirements of Pennsylvania State and National Certification for Pumper Driver/Operator. The course includes emergency vehicle operations, maintenance and inspection procedures, fire service hydraulics, and placement of apparatus at incidents, instruction in the basic methods of water movement in the rural and hydrant area. Tankers and large diameter hose are utilized. The NFPA 1002 standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/ Operator Professional Qualifications identifies the minimum requirements for firefighters who drive and operate fire apparatus in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Those students who meet the prerequisites and successfully complete the course will be eligible to test for Pennsylvania State and National Certification as Driver/Operator –Pumper Apparatus.

In addition to the 32 hours of pumper driver/operator training, Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) will be covered as well. EVDT is a 16-hour classroom-based program with outdoor practical work. Civil, criminal, and punitive damages and charges may become a part of your vocabulary if one of your vehicles is involved in a crash that injures or kills one of your staff members, a patient, or a civilian vehicle operator/pedestrian. The program also prepares operators to become better professional emergency vehicle operators when it involves the safety of themselves and their crew, and the community they are serving

Those students who meet the prerequisites and successfully complete the course will be eligible to test for Pennsylvania State and National Certification as Driver/Operator - Pumper Apparatus.

Training Audience: Anyone who in the course of their duties is responsible for the operation of a pumper apparatus.

Prerequisite(s): A valid Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver’s License. Student must be 18 years-of-age on the first day of class. Students must have access to a Class-A Pumper.　

Course Length: 56-hours

Certification: Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Pumps I, Pumps II and EVDT certificates will be issued upon successful completion of the course. Special Notes: Students not meeting the requirements for National Driver/Operator - Pumper testing may attend the course and will receive the state certificates listed.

Equipment Needs: Note-taking material. Full turnout gear. Students must be able to provide a Class-A Pumper for use during practical skills evolutions. 100% attendance is required for successful completion of the course.

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