A Brief Look At The Evolution Of Fire Fighting Training

Fire fighting training has a rich and transformative history, from ancient innovations to impressive new-age methodologies. Fire fighting humbly started with hand pumps and organised units in ancient Rome and over the centuries evolved into a sophisticated and vital field of community safety and prevention. This evolution reflects society's ever-growing commitment to safety and the preservation of life.

At EMCARE, we understand the need for extensive fire fighting training to further enhance the legacy of this vital practice. We believe in imparting essential knowledge so that individuals are able to meet the challenges of modern emergencies with the utmost confidence and skills.

Fire Fighting Training: From Humble Beginnings

Fire fighting can be dated back to the 2nd century when Ctesibus of Alexandria invented a basic hand pump to mobilise water to fires. The use of this technology was unfortunately lost until the 1500s. Fire would continue to haunt and destroy the foundations of civilisations for thousands of years. It wasn't until ancient Rome, when the "Vigiles" were established in the 6th century, that a bureaucracy was established to directly respond to fires.

During the early 1600s, there are records of the first structure-fire in Jamestown, Virginia. Early firefighting companies, then, were volunteer-based or operated in the private sector, and often competed for payment with insurance companies. The implementation of colonial tools, such as leather buckets, hooks, chains, and ladders, became common in their arsenals.

During the 1600s, fire prevention started to become a priority within society. Originating in Boston in 1630, law enforcement started banning the use of wooden chimneys and thatched roofs. The Great Fire of London in 1666 inspired the invention of two-person piston pumps, leather hoses, and then eventually, fire engines.

By the mid-1700s, fire insurance companies began issuing "fire marks", an incentive based initiative for fire fighters to prioritise insured buildings. Unfortunately, this proved detrimental as some homes and buildings were left to burn due to a rise in competition amongst fire fighting companies.

During the 1800s, we saw the use of horses and dalmatians within the practice of fire fighting. Horses were key in moving fire apparatus, and dalmatians acted as buffers for the distress experienced by the horses and were also used for guarding the horse-drawn carriages while the fire fighters were at work. Notably, steam-powered engines were introduced in 1829 as a means to boost fire extinguishing efficiency, further speaking for the demand of horses to help mobilise the much heavier equipment.

Finally in the early 20th century, the fire fighting industry started using motorised fire engines to replace horse-drawn apparatus. Chicago is famously known for pioneering this innovation, being the first city to fully adopt motorization. In 1971, the United Kingdom introduced the Fire Precautions Act, which demanded a more structured approach to fire safety in the UK.

Ultimately, the implementation of this policy meant all workplaces and public buildings should undergo a thorough risk assessment, design fire evacuation plans, and designate responsible individuals to oversee fire safety measures.

Today, there is a continued application of innovation within the first responder's industry and fire fighting training techniques. Steel and nylon are being replaced by plastics and polymers. The fire fighting industry does not rely on unnecessarily heavy pieces of equipment and horses to draw carriages, but there are diesel powered vehicles with dual-stage pumps, rubber boots have been replaced with specialised fire-resistant coating, and fire fighters now have composite helmets to provide them with the utmost protection. Significantly, today, the basis of fire fighting training demands extensive theoretical and practical training, which can make a vital difference in saving future lives.

At EMCARE, we understand the needs and demands of high-quality fire fighting training, ensuring that our courses not only equip individuals with the skills required to handle hazardous fire situations, but also contribute to the rich legacy of the fire fighting evolution.

Fire Fighting Training: The First Steps

Basic Fire Fighting (BFF) Course
The BFF course equips individuals with the essential skills to identify, contain, prevent, and extinguish different types of fires with basic equipment. Individuals are made to learn fundamental fire fighting training techniques, with the safe applicability of these skills to promote confidence and competency. The BFF can be completed in one day and covers a range of topics, such as fire prevention, the fire tetrahedron, and various extinguishing mediums.

Intermediate Fire Fighting (IFF) Courses
Building on the foundational skills acquired in the BFF course, the IFF course can be completed over two days. The first day of the IFF course further deepens the candidates understanding of hand-operated fire equipment and respective rescue techniques. On the second day, individuals can expect a more practical oriented learning experience, as they will be immersed in realistic training environments. The practical nature of this course ensures individuals get a simulated experience of the field.

Fire Fighting Training: The Creation Of First Responders

Fire Fighter I & Hazmat Awareness Course
This course has been curated for the aspiring fire fighter, providing those with the functional knowledge and skills to efficiently navigate hazardous fire situations. The course is internationally accredited and aligns itself with NFPA 1001 standards with the combined teaching of theory and practical knowledge.

Participants can expect to learn a multitude of topics over nine weeks, such as fire fighter safety, fire behaviour, and essential properties of hazardous materials. Graduates will be able to effectively respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety of those they assist and, most importantly, own.

Fire Fighter II & Hazmat Operations Course
The follow up course will build on all the skills previously learnt, expanding participants' capacity to respond to dangerous emergency situations. This course spans over seven weeks and emphasises the gaining of advanced fire fighting techniques, command and control during incidents, and tactical priorities for effective response.

This final course will ensure graduates can firmly handle even the most demanding of emergency fire situations. It is a top-priority fire fighting training course for those looking to pursue a career in fire fighting.

EMCARE: For All Your Safety Training Needs

By enrolling in these programs, individuals not only gain crucial skills and competencies, but also contribute to promoting community safety. So learn more about our large range of safety courses from fire safety to first aid care and emergency response. Our full list of courses, prices and details can be found online today.