A fire fighting course is a necessary step to take not only for accreditation and qualifications in the profession – but also to build confidence, aptitude and mastery. As first responders, firefighters are integral to society and the protection of civilians, by doing industry standard training through the proper educational centre, civilians can trust that their first responders are thoroughly trained.
EMCARE is a leading health and safety centre which provides essential training courses like our firefighter course, taught by qualified and experienced facilitators. Our hands-on and practical training approach provides the assurance that learners walk away with the skill set to be the heroes who respond swiftly, with expertise and aptitude.
Our fire fighting course comes at different levels with different focuses. This article expands on our firefighter courses and corresponding fire and rescue training. We then illustrate the types of heroic acts firefighters are able to perform with training like ours.
About Us
EMCARE has specialised in Health and safety since 1997, with 26 years of industry experience. Our instructors, facilitators and expert trainers have over 1000 hours of experience. All our training courses are taught by professionals with extensive knowledge. Our courses are accredited by local authorities and are legally compliant with South African legislation – authorities like the Department of Labour, the Department of Mineral Resources and the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA).
Our overall mission statement as a company is to provide quality, affordable, accessible and maximise each individual’s potential. We have branches located in all major cities ensuring accessibility to a variety of courses, including our fire fighting course. Whether you are a part of a team, or individually looking to complete training in the fields of health and safety – with our training, you will be equipped to handle an emergency fire and rescue emergency.
Fire Fighting Course:
EMCARE has nine fire and rescue training courses. Below are five courses that focus on fire fighting training, the next section includes the last four that emphasises rescue training. If you would like more in-depth information on all our firefighting courses, please our guide online.
- Fire Fighting Course: Basic Fire Awareness Course (BFA)
Our Basic Fire Awareness Course (BFA) is a half-day training programme designed to provide learners with the skill set to manage and extinguish a fire in an office or home environment. The course is elementary, it will give learners enough confidence in fire safety and protocols.
Upon completion – this course provides a certification that is valid for two years. The only requirement to enrol is basic literacy in English, though instructors can provide training in the local language for groups of more than 10. Additionally, for groups larger than 8, facilitators are available to conduct the training at your location. These prerequisites and options apply to all our firefighting training courses. - Fire Fighting Course: Basic Fire Fighting / Fire Marshal Course (BFF)
EMCARE’s basic fire fighting training equips you with the skills to recognize, control, prevent, and extinguish various types of fires using standard firefighting tools. This one-day course is designed to teach firefighters the essential techniques for handling unexpected fire emergencies safely and effectively. After completing the course, you’ll receive a certification that remains valid for two years. - Fire Fighting Course: Intermediate Fire Fighting Course (IFF)
If you’re seeking a more comprehensive program beyond the basics, our intermediate Fire Fighting Course is ideal. This course builds on the skills from our basic training and includes advanced instruction in using hand-operated firefighting equipment.
It is particularly beneficial for those involved in fire rescues and prevention, regardless of industry. Spanning two days, the course’s second day takes place at a specialised training site, such as local fire department grounds, to demonstrate extensive practical skills and give learners hands-on experience to boost their confidence. Upon completion, you’ll receive an accredited certification valid for two years. - Fire Fighting Course: Fire Fighter I & Hazmat Operations Course
The fire fighter I course is designed for those aiming to become professional firefighters. Accredited internationally by IFSAC and based on NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, this course equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate effectively as part of a firefighting team under various levels of supervision in hazardous conditions.
The training includes a mix of classroom instruction, practical drills, and training exercises to prepare participants for most fire ground tasks under the guidance of an officer or experienced firefighter. This firefighting course also features Hazmat Awareness training, which is crucial for emergency response personnel who might be the first to encounter a hazardous materials emergency.
- Fire Fighting Course: Fire Fighter II & Hazmat Operations Course
The Fire Fighter II course is tailored for those aspiring to become professional firefighters. This program is internationally accredited by IFSAC and follows the NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. It goes into more detail than the first level and is more thorough in its practical training.
The course combines classroom learning, practical drills, and training exercises to prepare firefighters for most fire ground tasks under the oversight of an officer or experienced fire fighter. The programme includes the hazmat operations training, which also provides more in-depth knowledge than the first level. This firefighting course emphasises a defensive strategy to safeguard people, the environment, and property from the effects of unexpected hazardous materials releases, adhering to the appropriate body standards and recognition of adequate training.
Fire And Rescue Training Course:
Below are four courses to fire and rescue training. They focus on additional skills that are prudent in the fire fighting industry and will further your mastery as a first responder. These are the types of additional courses that life-saving and heroic firefighters have pursued.
- Fire Fighting Course: Breathing Apparatus Advanced (SCBA)
The Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) course is tailored for employees whose job roles may necessitate the use of SCBA equipment. This includes control room staff, workers operating in oxygen-reduced environments, and those serving as fire watch or safety standby personnel.
- Fire Fighting Course: Advanced Breathing Apparatus Course (SCBA2)
The Breathing Apparatus Advanced (SCBA) course is designed for incident response workers tasked with evacuating areas with respiratory hazards, rescuing victims in these environments, and performing standby personnel duties. It is more advanced than the course mentioned prior. The course is taken over the duration of 3 days, with a certificate that is valid for two years received upon completion of the course.
- Fire Fighting Course: Confined Space Entry Course (CS)
This course goes over confined spaces that can be seen as high-risk areas within work environments, emphasising understanding of the related legislation to confined spaces, and awareness of associated hazards.
Additionally, training with the necessary equipment for safe entry and exit, and procedures for entry, exit, and permits – are also gone over in this course. The course is taken over the duration of 1 day, with a certificate that is valid for two years received upon completion of the course.
- Fire Fighting Course: Hazardous Material Handling Course (HMH)
The Hazardous Material Handling course is designed for professionals who are tasked with identifying incidents or emergencies involving hazardous materials. You will learn basic preventive measures that are needed in the case of prompt assistance.
As a firefighter, knowing how to handle hazardous material is crucial in the case of man-made fires, gas explosions – or chemical spills. The course is taken over the duration of 2 days, with a certificate that is valid for two years received upon completion of the course.
South Africa’s Firefighters: National Heroes
South Africa’s firefighters are essential to the care of the public. Within the last few months, The Western Cape alone has had 7409 vegetation fires, and within the last year responded to 22506 calls. These calls are related to car accidents, incursions, medical emergencies – and fire emergencies. Our firefighters risk their lives consistently, but they also urge warnings based on their training that make a crucial difference.
For instance, within the last two years, South Africa has had a mortality toll of 1252 children who had died, and fire fighters ensured their trucks were located strategically to provide prompt assistance. They provided elementary equipment, like fire blankets, to informal settlements to make a meaningful change in the community. They play a large role in lessening the death toll but are also trained to provide the best care in all emergency scenarios. They are national heroes who are sought out internationally for their mastery of the profession.
South Africa’ Firefighters: International Heroes
South Africa’s fire fighters are not only national heroes but have internationally been influential in the saving of lives, infrastructure and the environment. In 2023 firefighters were sent to extinguish wildfires in Canada. Groups were sent from seasoned and heroic firefighters who face our harsh climate here, to help Canada as they faced the worst wildfires in recent history.
A request for assistance was sent due to the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), and the country’s advanced firefighter training courses and high standards. 860 firefighters returned after a thirty-four-day mission – this international heroic journey was praised by Canadian wildlife authorities. So, not only can we praise the hard work of our firefighters here, but respect is earned for their international endeavours with a strong work ethic and safety training.
Training you can receive with companies like EMCARE. 
Get In Touch
A fire fighter course allows you to become the hero we need in our communities and make a lasting impact on wildlife and civilian care. If you are interested in completing our fire fighting course, review our course schedules for your area and book your group and class.
Alternatively, any questions and queries can be filled out in the form on our website and we will get back to you. So don’t hesitate to get in touch to start your journey in the firefighting industry – and be the hero civilians need. If this sounds like the course for you, get in touch with us today.
