Fire Fighter I Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)

Fire Fighter I Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) ADMISSIONS PACKET www.ogeecheetech.edu 912.681.5500 or 800.646.1316 As set forth in its student catalog, Ogeechee Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). Penny Hendrix, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Office 171E, 912.486.7211 / Kelli Waters, Title IX Coordinator Office 143H, 912-871-1885

Dear Future Student, We are excited that you have chosen Ogeechee Technical College to help prepare you for a bright future as a fire fighter. Your admission to our Fire Fighter I Certificate program is based upon the completion of several admission requirements. You have chosen to enter the field of Fire and Emergency Services. This is one of the most competitive professions in the country. What few people realize is that this field is also one of the most intense in terms of knowledge and skills demanded from its members. Fire Fighters are constantly renewing their knowledge and skills. The Fire Fighter I TCC is a sequence of courses that will prepare you for careers in the Fire Science profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of fire science technology theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. This packet includes general information and the detailed enrollment process for the program. GENERAL INFORMATION: This program is offered at Sylvania, Georgia. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age in order to apply for admission to the Fire Fighter I TCC. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED in order to be eligible to apply. An applicant will NOT be eligible for entrance until all admission criteria has been met. The program will last approximately two quarters (six months) and classes will meet two nights a week from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. ESTIMATED COSTS*: Application Fee $20 Tuition and Fees: $1,300** Books/Supplies: $750 Other Costs: o Physical $50+ *Please note that all estimated costs listed above are estimates and subject to change. **Includes $35 Instructional/Technology Fee not covered by HOPE Grant. If eligible, the HOPE Grant will cover tuition and fees (with the exception of the Application and Instructional/Technology Fee) and give you up to a $100 book voucher to offset the cost of books.

FIRE FIGHTER I TCC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The following items must be submitted before an applicant can be accepted into the Fire Fighter I TCC program. Complete the Application for Admission and submit with a one-time nonrefundable $20.00 application fee to the address below. We encourage you to apply online at www.ogeecheetech.edu. Note: All applicants must be 16 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED. Submit an OFFICIAL copy of your high school transcript or GED scores. The transcripts or test scores must be sent directly to the Admissions Office in a sealed envelope from the issuing school or testing center. High school/ged transcripts are not required if you have completed (C or better) a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours at the degree level at another institution. If you are currently in high school, please note the date of expected graduation on the application; upon high school graduation, please have your counselor mail us your final high school transcript. Submit OFFICIAL copies of any postsecondary college and/or technical college transcripts. These should be sent directly to the Admissions Office in a sealed envelope from the issuing school. You must either: o Provide SAT, ACT, ASSET, or COMPASS test results (5 years old or less), or o Provide a transcript from an accredited post secondary institution with a grade of C or better in English and/or Math. o If you cannot submit the information above, contact the Admissions Office to schedule and take the ASSET or COMPASS placement test, 912.688.6994. My exam is scheduled for. Apply for Financial Aid by completing and submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov and submitting a signed Certification Authorization Agreement available online at ww.ogeecheetech.edu. OTC s code is 030300. You may pick up forms and information on HOPE, PELL, VA or other financial aid at our Financial Aid Office. Additional information is available online at www.ogeecheetech.edu. Once you have received your official acceptance notification from Ogeechee Technical College, you must attend the Fire Fighter I Mandatory Orientation Session.

MANDATORY ORIENTATION SESSION INFORMATION The orientation session is required of all students. It will be held on December 21, 2009 at the Screven County Fire Department from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The location where the orientation session will be held is: Screven County Fire Department 618 Frontage Road Sylvania, GA 30467 912-564-2709 During the orientation session, the OTC Fire Science Program Director will review the contract, go over paperwork and answer any questions. The orientation session is mandatory for all students and will cover the expectations and requirements of the course. The vendor that rents turnout gear will also be on hand to size students for PPE. ADDITIONAL ITEMS (Bring the following to the Orientation Session) Complete and submit results of a physical examination. The physician must utilize the Physician s Affidavit supplied in this packet. The physician s release should be completed before you report for the first night for orientation. The physician s release explains to the doctor what activities you will be expected participate in. As this is a physically demanding course, the national standard for Fire Service personnel must be adhered to. The doctor must certify that you are healthy enough for this program. This form must be signed by your physician and returned to the OTC Fire Science Program Director. Complete and submit the Release, Waiver of Liability, and Covenant Not to Sue Form included in this packet. This form must be returned to the OTC Fire Science Program Director. Complete and submit the Code of Conduct Form included in this packet. This form must be returned to the OTC Fire Science Program Director. Students should be familiar with all the information in this packet before orientation. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all required paperwork, as no student with an incomplete file will be permitted to begin the Fire Fighter I program, no exceptions. NPFA 1971 PPE REQUIREMENT The Fire Fighter I program requires students to furnish their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The student is responsible to possess the necessary firefighting gear including structure boots, jacket, pants, helmet, gloves, hood, suspenders and eye protection all meeting NFPA 1971 standards prior to the start of the class. If you are affiliated with a volunteer or career fire department, they may choose to issue your

PPE. Students who do not have a NFPA compliant set of PPE will be required to lease this equipment from a private company, Gloves Inc. Ogeechee Technical College does not issue PPE to students. Gear can be leased from Gloves, Inc., 1950 Collins Boulevard, Austell, GA 30001. Gloves Inc. can be reached at (770) 944-9186 or (800) 944-0012. The cost to lease the complete set of turn out gear runs approximately $425 for the course, and does not include structure fire gloves. Gloves are not leased by Gloves Inc. and can be purchased for approximately $50. Therefore the total cost for turnout gear will be approximately $475, including $425 for the lease of PPE and $50 for glove purchase. All PPE must meet NFPA 1971 standards. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS There are many text books required for this program. The good news is that most of them will be used more than once. Please obtain your textbooks before the quarter begins. You will have assignments that will be due early in the quarter. The following list contains the texts that are required for Winter Quarter 2010. ESSENTIALS of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 5 th Edition, published by IFSTA, ISBN 9780135151112 ESSENTIALS of Fire Fighting Student Workbook, 5 th Edition, published by IFSTA, ISBN 9780879392888 North American Emergency Response Guide, 2008 BLS for Healthcare Providers, 2006, published by American Heart Association, ISBN: 9780874934618 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Author: Schnepp, 2009, published by Jones and Bartlett, ISBN 9780763738723 You may purchase the required texts from the Ogeechee Technical College Bookstore. Students can also order these books online from various retailers if they choose. CLASS SUPPLIES 3 ring binder Blue ink pens Lined paper with holes for binder Tennis shoes for PT Dress clothing as discussed at first class MARK YOUR CALENDAR Mandatory Orientation for the Fire Fighter I program is December 21, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. The first night of class is January 11, 2010 at 6:00pm. Both the orientation session as well as the class sessions will be held at the Screven County Fire Department.

SUMMARY: FIRE FIGHTER I TCC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: STEP 1: ADMISSIONS Submit an application for admission and the required $20 application fee. Along with the application, submit all required documents to Office of Admissions. STEP 2: FINANCIAL AID Apply for Financial Aid by completing and submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov and submitting a signed Certification Authorization Agreement to the Office of Financial Aid. Step 3: Fire Fighter I Orientation Session Complete the required physical and additional forms prior to Orientation Session. Attend the mandatory orientation session. STEP 4: PREPARE FOR CLASS Obtain required PPE, textbooks, equipment, and class supplies. STEP 5: ATTEND CLASS Class begins January 11, 2010. APPLICATION and FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES: January 2010 Entrance Admissions All items must be completed/submitted by December 14, 2009. Financial Aid o Financial aid documents must be completed/submitted by December 16, 2009. CONTACT INFORMATION Merritt Kearns, Fire Science Program Director 912.871.1642 mkearns@ogeecheetech.edu Office of Admissions Ogeechee Technical College One Joe Kennedy Blvd Statesboro, GA 30458 912.688.6994 (phone) 800.646.1316 (toll free) 912.486.7413 (fax)

OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE FIRE FIGHTER I TCC PHYSICIAN S AFFIDAVIT (Copied from GFSTC firefighter certification booklet) OCGA 25-4-8(a)(5) requires that a person certified as a firefighter to be in good physical condition as determined by a medical exam. This form should be completed by the examining physician. Note to Physician: This applicant, if certified, will have to meet the prerequisites necessary to gain employment or appointment at any fire department in the state of Georgia, including but not limited to the current department of which he/she is a member. Firefighters are charged with the responsibilities of mitigating a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Firefighters may be required to work under extremely harsh environmental conditions requiring them to wear cumbersome protective clothing and equipment while performing strenuous physical activities. They may be required to perform rescue work and/or provide emergency medical treatment to individuals suffering from medical or traumatic emergencies. While performing or participating in these operations firefighters may be required to make decisions that could have serious consequences to life and property. (Student s Printed Name) is applying to become a certified firefighter. I have examined the above named student and to the best of my knowledge this person is in good physical condition. A list of essential job tasks are listed on the next page that the applicant will be required to do as part of the Fire Fighter I TCC program. Physician s Name (Please Print) Address Physician s Signature Date (Complete for Rookie School and required for employment) (see attached task assessment list from NFPA 1582) From GFSTC application for firefighter certification

ESSENTIAL JOB TASK FOR THE FIREFIGHTER BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: (1) Performing fire-fighting tasks (e.g., hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles (PPE) and selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods. (2) Wearing an SCBA, which includes a demand valve-type positive pressure face piece or HEPA filter masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads. (3) Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and nonbiological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of PPE including SCBA. (4) Depending on the local jurisdiction, climbing 6 or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lb or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb. (5) Wearing fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated. Wearing this clothing will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2 F (39 C). (6) Searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns up to adults weighing over 200 lb to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility. (7) Advancing water-filled hose lines up to 2.5 in. in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy (approximately 150 ft); can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles. (8) Climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards. (9) Unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration. (10) Operating fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens. (11) Critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments (including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces), further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions. (12) Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing PPE and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers). (13) Functioning as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members. Above excerpt from NFPA 1582

OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE FIRE FIGHTER I TCC RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE (READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING) The undersigned hereby acknowledges that participation in the Fire Fighter I program activities involved in inherent risks of physical injury, illness or loss of personal property and assumes all risks. The undersigned herby agrees that for the sole consideration of Ogeechee Technical College allowing the undersigned to participate in the Fire Fighter I program activities for which or in connection with which the college has sponsored or made available any equipment, facilities, goods, or personnel programs or activities or to the undersigned while participating in any such Fire Fighter I program activities, the undersigned does hereby release any forever discharge Ogeechee Technical College and the Technical College System of Georgia, its members individually, and its officers, agents and employees from any and all claim s, demands, right and causes of action of whatsoever kind or nature, arising from and by reason of any and all known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen bodily and personal injuries, including death, damage to property, and the consequences thereof, resulting from my Fire Fighter I program activities. I understand that the acceptance of this RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABLITIY AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE by the Technical College System of Georgia shall not constitute a waiver, in whole or in part, of sovereign immunity by said Board, its members, officers, agents, and employees. In signing this release, I assert that: A) I am presently in good physical and mental health. B) I have no reason to believe that I am not in good physical and mental health. C) I am fully aware of, acknowledge and assume all risk of injury during my participation in this training. D) I have read and fully understand the terms and conditions of this agreement. By signing my name below, I agree to all-inclusive provisions. I hereby certify that I am years of age, and that I have read the above carefully before signing. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand this day of 20. Fire Fighter I Program Participant Print your name Signature of Release and Date Notary MUST BE SIGNED/STAMPED BY NOTARY

OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE FIRE FIGHTER I TCC CODE OF CONDUCT The following Code of Conduct as well as the policies/procedures in the OTC Catalog & Student Handbook are expected to be adhered to while enrolled in the Fire Fighter I program at Ogeechee Technical College and when under the direction and supervision of the Ogeechee Technical College Fire Fighter I program Staff. Violations of any of the following may result in termination. I. Chain of command A. You must use the "chain of command" at all times. Exception: Any issue involving discrimination or harassment. B. "Chain of command" means any matter, which needs the attention of, or action by the department will be brought to the reporting person's most immediate supervisor. (Class instructor, then lead instructor, then program director) C. Any issues or concerns that affect your performance shall immediately be brought to the attention of your instructor(s). II. Respect A. Respect will be shown to all Fire Academy Staff and guest instructors. B. Respect will be shown to all civilians and classmates. C. Disrespect or abusive language toward any individual or group shall be considered insubordination. D. All Fire Fighter I Program personnel shall be addressed in a courteous, professional manner, either by rank or by "Sir/Ma'am. III. Teamwork/effort A. The Recruit's best effort is expected at all times. B. Recruits shall work well in a team and function in all positions. C. Any action that hinders or disrupts team drills or classroom activities shall not be tolerated. D. Recruits are expected to offer help to team members. IV. Attendance/tardiness/illness A. Attendance at all classroom and drill ground sessions is mandatory. B. Tardiness will not be tolerated. This will include when reporting to duty, to the classroom and drill ground. Three (3) tardies may result in dismissal from the Program. C. Recruits leaving any operation physical training, drill or classroom without notification of the lead instructor will be immediately dropped from the program. D. Recruits who become ill prior to or during class shall immediately and personally communicate with the lead instructor. You must be the one to communicate the message. Do not just leave or you will be dropped from the program.

V. Cheating A. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated and shall result in termination. VI. Insubordination A. Disobedience of any orders issued by an officer or instructor shall not be tolerated. VII. Appearance A. All recruits shall report to the academy in the proper attire for the scheduled activity. B. Gym wear shall be departmental-approved t-shirts, shorts and sweatpants. C. All uniforms shall be clean and neat in appearance and shoes will be shined. D. Assigned personal protective gear shall be kept clean and in usable condition. VIII. Substance abuse A. Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs shall not be permitted at the Program Site. A violation shall result in termination. B. Tobacco, in any of its forms, will not be used in any place where Program instruction or on-duty activities are being conducted. IX. Prescription drugs A. Any use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, which may affect your performance during the program must be immediately brought to the attention of your Instructor(s). X. Discrimination and Harassment General considerations A. Students shall follow the guidelines as set forth in the OTC Catalog & Student Handbook (available online). XI. Performance Expectations A. All Recruits shall follow the performance objectives as presented in the program. B. Recruits shall follow the Program Testing Policy. XII. Accountability A. Each Recruit is responsible for his/her own actions. B. Each Recruit is responsible for immediately reporting any injury or illness to an Instructor. C. Each Recruit is responsible for maintaining all personal protective equipment at an operational level and reporting any problems with such equipment to an Instructor. Firefighting gear issued from the Fire Department or college shall be thoroughly cleaned prior to returning the gear, not less than 1 week after the class. Failure to do so results in no issuance of certification. D. Each Recruit is responsible for knowing and adhering to the Code of Conduct, Policies/Procedures and Rules and Regulations of his/her fire department.

XIII. Conflicts A. When there is a conflict during the recruit training, the final decision will be made by the college Fire Science Program Director and/or appropriate College Officials. I, the undersigned, understand and agree to abide by the above code of conduct and the consequences associated with any violation thereof. Print name Signature Date