Course Description
Fire Science I Grade: 11 or 12 (1 year course)
Prerequisite: None
The Fire Science I course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the fire protection career field and to prepare the fire science student for entry into the Fire Science II program. It is, further, intended to prepare the student for entry into a State approved firefighter certification program and/or a college or university Fire Technology degree program.
The curriculum is based on the standards established by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office, the National Fire Protection Association, the National Fire Academy, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Health, and the Fire and Emergency Services National Professional Development Model. Students will learn about a variety of career choices available within the field of fire protection, and the knowledge, skills and abilities which are required of each.
The course of study will include the following domains: Basic First-Aid and CPR; Orientation and Organization (JJC Dual Credit course FSCI 101, Principles of Emergency Services, 3 credit hours); Fire Hose; Fire Streams; Firefighter Safety and Health; Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment; Water Supply; Fire Department Communications; Fire Behavior; Building Construction (JJC Dual Credit course EMS 100: Public Service Careers 2 credit hours); Portable Fire Extinguishers; Ground Ladders; Fire Control; Hazardous Materials Awareness; the Incident Command System; Work Ethic; and Human Relations.
College credits are earned during the program through Joliet Junior College as noted.
Fire Science II Grade: 12 (1 year course)
Prerequisite: Fire Science I, with a C grade or better
The Fire Science II course is designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare the fire science student for entry into a State approved firefighter certification program and/or a college or university Fire Technology degree program. It is, further, intended to prepare the student for the annual Illinois Skills USA fire fighter competition.
The curriculum is based on the standards established by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office, the National Fire Protection Association, the National Fire Academy, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Health, and the Fire and Emergency Services National Professional Development Model. Students will expand upon the knowledge and skills acquired during the Fire Science I program and gain technical proficiency through hands-on application and repetitive drills.
This advanced course of study will include the following domains: Ropes & Knots; Fire Control; Loss Control; Ventilation; Protecting Fire Scene Evidence; Fire Prevention & Public Education (JJC Dual Credit course FSCI 102, Fire Prevention, 3 credit hours); Rescue & Extrication; Forcible Entry; Fire Detection, Alarm, and Suppression Systems; Basic Prehospital Emergency Medical Care (JJC Dual Credit course EMS 101, First Responder, 4 credits); Hazardous Materials Operations; Firefighter Safety & Health; Incident Command; and Employability Skills. This course emphasizes skill development in the operation of firefighting tools and equipment in order to develop psychomotor skills (Job Performance Requirements) and physical strength and endurance.
The course will include first-hand experience with the typical employment selection process. Students will take a series of mock entry-level skills assessment tests, written exams, and oral interviews. Students will be assessed on their knowledge, skill and ability, appearance and dress, attitude and behavior, and overall comfort level with the typical assessment instruments utilized by the industry during the firefighter selection process.
College credits are earned during the program through Joliet Junior College as noted.