Fleming College: Learn | Belong | Become

Learn how to save lives and property in Fleming's unique Pre-Service Firefighter three semester certificate program!

"The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Office of the Fire Marshal through the Endorsement Review Board endorses the content of the program. The Board expressly does not endorse the delivery of the program, tools and/or equipment used in the delivery of the program."

Created and taught in partnership with the Peterborough Fire Department, the Pre-Service Firefighter program offers you the best of theory and practical experience. There's nothing better than learning from the men and women who are actually working as firefighters.

Program Highlights

The office of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) have indicated they want municipal fire services (like Peterborough's) to work in partnership with community colleges to provide well-rounded training for firefighters. As a result, Fleming's innovative firefighter program combines practical training integrated with theory at the Eastern Ontario Fire Academy (EOFA), a fully equipped training centre located in Norwood, a 35-minute drive east of Peterborough.

Successful completion of this program will prepare you to write the OFM Provincial Test leading to your Ontario Fire College (OFC) Certificate of Achievement. The curriculum is based on the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and Ontario Fire Marshal pre-service firefighter curriculum. It is also expected that such studies will soon become mandatory for preferred candidates seeking a career in firefighting. A better education means you'll have more opportunity for a solid career in this exciting profession. Courses will cover such diverse areas as fire behaviour and extinguishment; emergency medical skills; hazardous materials; extrication; rescue techniques; communications; physical fitness; risk assessment; public education, and more.

Why Choose Fleming?

This program is delivered in three consecutive semesters and therefore can be completed in twelve months. During the summer, for an additional cost, you will have the opportunity to qualify for a DZ license. Take advantage of our partnership with the seasoned professionals of the Peterborough Fire Department. In addition to classroom time, you'll have plenty of opportunity to work with and learn from firefighters working in this community, dealing with real-life situations. Upon successful completion of the OFM provincial exam, you will also receive NFPA 1001 Firefighter level 2 accreditation.

New for 2010: North Kawartha Emergency Services is offering 17 spots to Fleming Firefighter students to become paid volunteer firefighters.The students can live within the Emergency Services residences for $500 a month (including heat, hydro, water and satellite) and are paid, on-call members of the department, responding to emergencies after receiving the appropriate training from North Kawartha Emergency Services. For more information, please see the news release.

Work Experience

You'll have plenty of opportunity to learn from practical experience and the consolidated practicum that occurs at a variety of training locations at the end of semester three. In addition to the opportunity to work with North Kawartha Emergency Services (see above), the program is hoping to expand options for students to work as paid volunteers with other fire departments.

What it Takes to Succeed

An interest in helping and protecting people and property from dangerous situations is key if you want to have job satisfaction. It would also help if you have the following skills and personal qualities:

• maturity
• excellent interpersonal skills
• problem-solving ability
• good stress management skills
• crisis management ability
• a healthy dose of common sense
• physical health and fitness
• empathy, tact, cultural sensitivity.

Career Opportunities

Employment forecasts project a lot of retirements from fire departments in the near future -- and that means more demand than ever for qualified personnel, both male and female. Fire departments are already expanding and hiring more personnel, particularly in urban areas. Opportunities also exist within the fire department as Fire Prevention Officers, Training Officers and Communicators.

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 College (C) Math courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 1 Grade 11 College (C) Biology course
• 1 Grade 12 College (C) Chemistry or Physics course

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be neccessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

All applicants will be required to achieve credit in all mandatory sciences through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs.

* Students attend classes through three successive semesters, finishing in one calendar year. 

Program Progression

• Students must present a complete immunization record and valid first aid and CPR certificates (Level C) prior to the start of classes.
• Prior to entry to the second semester of the program, students are required to successfully complete a physical assessment test including a medical certificate verifying good physical health, the results of an eye examination verifying uncorrected vision of at least 20/30 and a hearing examination verifying a normal unaided hearing level.
• Students will also be required to provide a criminal record check and successfully complete all first semester courses.

Related Programs

Other programs at Fleming you may be interested in are Security and Risk Management, Fire Systems Engineering Technician, or  Police Foundations.

Health Requirements

This program has immunization requirements. Please see the Immunization Information page for details.

Additional Costs

Plan on approximately $2000.00 for bunker gear, boots, helmet, other required equipment, books and additional courses.

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Communications for Firefighters	45.00
Emergency Patient Care I	36.00
Fire Service Fundamentals I	33.00
Fire Service Fundamentals II	43.00
Fitness and Wellness	45.00
Incident Management (IMS)	51.00
Introduction to Psychology	45.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Semester 2
Issues in Diversity	45.00
Fire Fighting Equipment	36.00
Fire Related Operations	65.00
Fire Suppression	79.00
Physical Fitness I	28.00
Semester 3
Comprehensive	70.00
Environmental Protection & Rescue Operations	32.00
Field Preparation	30.00
Physical Fitness II	28.00
Pre-Incident Plans	10.00
Public Relations	30.00
Safety Inspections	60.00
Specialized Rescue I	50.00
Specialized Rescue II	50.00

Semester 1

Communications for Firefighters

Course Number: COMM008

Communications for Firefighters is a mandatory Communications course you are required to pass to complete your post-secondary certificate. This course will enable you to continue to improve your general communications skills to meet the learning outcomes demanded by the assignments in this course, as well as the expectations of other subjects and eventual career employment. This course emphasizes concepts of critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they apply to processes fundamental to effective communication. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, and listening techniques common to the expectations demanded by the work place of your career choice by applying, at a more sophisticated level, principles of style, structure, mechanics and techniques (for orals).

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Emergency Patient Care I

Course Number: ESRV004

This module will provide an overview of the Ontario emergency medical care system and the specific roles of members of the emergency response team. Content will cover common medical/trauma conditions, the related patient care and associated situational management. Emphasis will be on the specific role and responsibilities of the firefighter emergency patient care responder and the teamwork essential to the effectiveness of the EMS response. Included will be legislation, regulations, standards and established policies, procedures and protocols as well the role of members of the emergency response team and the specific role of the firefighter emergency care responder will be defined.This section will provide an in depth review of the Ontario emergency medical system and the role of EMS personnel across the province in pre-hospital care. Content will focus on the application of relevant legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and protocols along with the role, responsibilities and preparation of the firefighter emergency patient care responder. This section will focus on the assessment of patients in a pre-hospital care setting and the role of the firefighter emergency patient care responder. Content will include the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology associated with common medical/trauma emergencies. Scene stabilization and assessment skills will be practised and demonstrated in patient care scenarios.Part b of this section covers biological or chemical cause environmental incidents, etc.The importance of first responder co-ordination and team work necessary for effective patient care management will be highlighted.

Units: 36.00
Hours: 36.00

Fire Service Fundamentals I

Course Number: ESRV009

This course provides an overview of the Ontario fire service, the professionalization process for firefighters in Ontario, fire and emergency services organizations, and the roles and responsibilities of employees. In particular, it focuses on the knowledge, attitudes and skills required of a professional firefighter. In addition, legislation and firefighter safety practices are emphasized. Included is a provincial overview of the fire service as it has evolved historically to the present day. Hiring criteria, career planning and professional development are examined. The knowledge, attitudes and skills required by a professional firefighter are covered. The role and responsibilities of the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, other associations and unions are also highlighted.An overview is provided of the goals, responsibilities and accountabilities of municipalities and their fire/emergency services department in providing fire and life safety to their communities. The fire department, its organizational structure and functional divisions will be covered. Factors impacting evolution of the changes in the mandate and role of the departments and their members will be incorporated.Fire and its behaviour are defined from ignition to extinguishment as a result of lack of fuel or oxygen. Fire is studied from both a physical and chemical standpoint. Stages and classes of fire and recognizable events are studied as well as methods of heat/fire spread and the methods used to control and extinguish fire.

Units: 33.00
Hours: 33.00

Fire Service Fundamentals II

Course Number: ESRV010

This section covers the purpose, types, uses and limitations of protective clothing. The learner practices donning and doffing personal protective clothing and equipment including maintaining, storing, cleaning and inspecting.This section covers types and configurations of breathing apparatus and its component parts. Respiratory hazards, limitations of breathing apparatus and emergency procedures are covered. The importance to the firefighter of the inspection, proper donning and doffing, operation, maintenance, cleaning and safety checks is emphasized.Firefighter safety principles and practices are covered as well as Occupational Health and Safety principles and how they apply to a comprehensive health and safety program for the fire department. The learner will complete a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) course by the end of this section.

Units: 43.00
Hours: 43.00

Fitness and Wellness

Course Number: RECR004

Society has come to recognize that physical fitness and wellness is essential to the enhanced quality of life. This course introduces the student to the concepts of physical fitness and provides the means to become fit and develop a healthy lifestyle. Students through discussion and practical experience will address the various components of fitness. The student will engage in an effective fitness program and develop strategies to be successful at the various firefighter fitness standards. Note: Students must pass this course to move on to Physical Fitness II/III. Students must have a successful York University Firefighter Assessment or equivalent with a valid date as of the start of semester II.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Incident Management (IMS)

Course Number: ESRV012

This section gives an overview of the communication and dispatch system in the fire department. The purpose, procedures and operations of communication equipment will be covered along with the role of the dispatcher.This section provides an overview of the Incident Management System. The content will address the observational, assessment, problem solving and decision making skills required by firefighters. The learner is introduced to the role of the firefighter on route to the fire scene and at the fire scene. Fire cause determination, fire scene security and post incident analysis and review are covered.This section will deal with fire ground communications and the role of the firefighter.

Units: 51.00
Hours: 51.00

Introduction to Psychology

Course Number: SOCI036

This course offers a systematic approach to exploring human behaviour. The concepts and empirical findings are examined using a variety of theoretical approaches. Major topics include perception, motivation, learning, memory, intelligence, and personality.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software using Microsoft Office 2007. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments. Students will have the opportunity to attain the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Start Certification if they attain 75% or more on each of the four ICDL Start Certification tests.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 2

Issues in Diversity

Course Number: SOCI038

In this course students will critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, students will focus on topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students will develop a clear understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies of community empowerment.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Fire Fighting Equipment

Course Number: ESRV007

This section covers common ropes and knots used to raise and lower firefighter equipment in emergency and non-emergency situations. Types, sizes and uses of ropes are highlighted. Practical experience focuses on tying common knots and raising and lowering firefighting equipment.This section covers types and sizes of ladders used in the fire service and different methods used in carrying, raising, climbing and working on ground ladders.This section introduces the rules, procedures and regulations that apply to the driving and operation of fire apparatus. The purpose of a fire pump and an introduction to fire service hydraulics is covered, including the definition, terminology, properties of water, methods of delivery, types of pressures and types of common hose lays. The different types and purposes of fire apparatus and equipment are discussed, and pre and post equipment inspection is also covered.Pre-requisites: Fire Service Fundamentals I and II

Units: 36.00
Hours: 36.00

Fire Related Operations

Course Number: ESRV008

This section defines ventilation as it applies to the fire service and describes the concepts, types, procedures, precautions, and equipment associated with ventilation operations.This section defines forcible entry, covers the reasons for forcible entry, tools and techniques required, and discusses the various points of entry to buildings.This section provides an overview of search and rescue operations. The importance of information gathering is highlighted including the use of pre-plans to determine likely victim location. Search patterns, victim stabilization and removal, safety, hazard recognition and inter-agency co-operation are stressed.This section describes the purpose of, benefits of, tools and equipment used and procedures to follow during salvage operations.This section defines overhaul and describes the reasons for, as well as procedures and precautions to be observed when performing overhaul operations. The duties and responsibility of a fire watch are also covered.Pre-requisites: Fire Service Fundamentals I and II Emergency Patient Care I and II

Units: 65.00
Hours: 65.00

Fire Suppression

Course Number: ESRV011

This section provides an overview of the design and components of municipal water supply systems and rural water supplies, as well as the types and operation of hydrants and methods of determining flow.This section describes hoses and associated appliances used in water delivery and fire attack lines. Causes and prevention of damage and the methods of inspection, maintenance and handling are also covered.This section provides an overview of the water extinguishment theory and the application of water streams at the fire scene. In particular, the development of skills associated with the selection and safe operation of solid, fog and master streams is covered. The types, purpose and construction of nozzles used to produce fire streams is also covered.This section describes the use of foam as an extinguishing agent in the suppression of various types of fires. Types of equipment and methods of application are also covered.This section describes the types, classification system, propulsion methods, extinguishants, characteristics and use of portable fire extinguishers used by the fire service. It also describes the limitations of these devices and the precautions associated with their use.This section specifies considerations, procedures and precautions necessary to successfully extinguish the four classes of fire. As well, the types of building construction and their effect on fire safety are outlined.Pre-requisites: Fire Service Fundamentals I and II Emergency Patient Care I and II

Units: 79.00
Hours: 79.00

Physical Fitness I

Course Number: RECR018

Society has come to recognize that personal and collective fitness and wellness are essential to the enhanced quality of life. This course concentrates on the concepts of fitness and provides practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle. The student will take part in a variety of fitness training sessions and be able to implement an effective personal fitness program and develop strategies to be successful at the firefighter fitness standards.Prerequisites: Fitness and WellnessA valid and successful York University Firefighter Fitness Assessment or equivalent at the start of Physical Fitness 1

Units: 28.00
Hours: 28.00

Semester 3

Comprehensive

Course Number: FLPL148

Units: 70.00
Hours: 70.00

Environmental Protection & Rescue Operations

Course Number: ESRV006

This section sets the stage for the following sections on rescue operations. There is potential in any fire ground/rescue operation for environmental damage and an overall negative impact on the community and to the health and safety of firefighters and rescue teams.Content will focus on the role, responsibilities and actions taken by firefighters as firefighter patient care responders at an awareness level during a hazardous materials incident. There will be a focus on recognition, interagency coordination and accessing of information from additional resources.This section provides the learner with generic rescue principles and practices along with an understanding of the rescue process as conducted by firefighters. Key factors, conditions affecting common rescue, the roles and responsibilities of emergency rescue responders, safety and teamwork will be covered.Specifics will include rescue terminology, tools, equipment and available resources for rescue.This section provides an overview of electrical hazards firefighters encounter when responding to electrical emergencies occurring during fire suppression and rescue operations. Included in this will be safety precautions and actions a firefighter should take when dealing with possibly charged electrical equipment.

Units: 32.00
Hours: 32.00

Field Preparation

Course Number: FLPL149

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Physical Fitness II

Course Number: RECR019

Society has come to recognize that personal and collective fitness and wellness are essential to the enhanced quality of life. This course concentrates on the concepts of fitness and provides practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle. The student will take part in a variety of fitness training sessions and be able to implement an effective personal fitness program and develop strategies to be successful at the firefighter fitness standards.

Units: 28.00
Hours: 28.00

Pre-Incident Plans

Course Number: ESRV021

This section provides an overview of the purpose, development and use of pre-incident plans for fire suppression crews in determining initial response and Incident Management.

Units: 10.00
Hours: 10.00

Public Relations

Course Number: ESRV022

This section will focus on the firefigthers' role in performing public relation/education activities such as promoting public fire and life safety, providing assistance, participating in special activities, performing demonstrations and consistently projecting a professional image in order to enhance the public's perception of the fire service.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Safety Inspections

Course Number: ESRV023

This section provides an overview of fire prevention activities engaged in by the firefighters. Principles, practices and procedures involved in fire prevention inspection will be outlined. Legislation, regulations, standards and fire prevention resources agencies will covered.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Specialized Rescue I

Course Number: ESRV073

Units: 50.00
Hours: 50.00

Specialized Rescue II

Course Number: ESRV074

Units: 50.00
Hours: 50.00