Fire Fighting Training And First Aid Courses

Forging the newest generation of emergency medical professionals is what EMCARE is all about, which is why we offer a variety of fire fighting training, first aid, and health and safety courses. With multiple establishments set up across South Africa, we are a trusted health and safety training company here to arm you with the knowledge and accreditation you need to succeed, no matter the situation.

In this quick read, we'll be touching on our health and safety training courses, our various first aid courses, as well as our fire fighting training courses to help you get started. At our various EMCARE establishments dotted across South Africa, we are fully equipped and furnished to offer the very best training and education to all of our prospective students. Keep reading to learn a little more about EMCARE, what we do, and what valuable training we can offer you.

Fire Fighting Training And First Aid Courses To Add To Your Arsenal

Kicking off with one of our popular emergency training packages, our fire fighting training comprises two main courses: Fire Fighting 1 and Fire Fighting 2.

Fire Fighter I and Hazmat Awareness: This fire fighting training course involves vital training for potential emergency response personnel. Emergency responders are usually the first on the scene of a hazardous emergency, acting as a defense in order to protect individuals, the environment, or a particular property from the effects of an unplanned hazardous materials release.

Fire Fighter II and Hazmat Operations: This fire fighting training course is a career course curated for anyone looking to pursue a career as a professional fire fighter. With a strategic combination of classroom studies, field practice, and training procedures, prospecting fire fighters can prepare to perform most fire ground functions under the supervision of an officer or experienced firefighter. Alongside our fire fighting training courses, EMCARE offers a vast array of first aid and emergency medical care training courses, perfect for those gearing up for a career in firefighting. Below are some of the first aid and emergency medical courses available at EMCARE:

Basic First Aid/First Aid Refresher Course (FAR): This full-day, entry-level course targets learners who want to understand first aid fundamentals or update their existing skills, covering CPR, treatment of burns, wounds, and fractures, managing bleeding, and understanding the legal and ethical aspects relevant to basic firefighting training.

First Aid Level 1 Course (FA1): Taught over one and a half days, this introductory course prepares learners to perform essential first aid in medical emergencies, something that is a frequent requirement in firefighting.

First Aid Level 2 Course (FA2): Taught over two and a half days, this course sets out to advance the skills taught in First Aid Level 1, focusing on broader emergency care knowledge and enhanced patient care standards.

First Aid Level 3 Course (FA3): This four-day course is the most advanced level of First Aid training offered by EMCARE. It is aimed at workplace supervisors and individuals in hazardous settings, including those considering firefighting as a career, and persons in areas with limited healthcare access.

What Makes A Good Fire Fighter?

Alongside extensive fire fighting training, first aid training, and practise in the field, there are a few factors that every fire fighter in training should know before setting out on their first job. First and foremost, it's always important to remember to respect the people around you, and this means both your partners on the scene and the general public. You are there to help with fire-related hazards, and any individuals in the area need to know they can trust you – which is where respectful manners go a long way.

Another obvious factor, but one worth mentioning anyway, is that safety is the ultimate goal. As a fire fighter, or a fire fighting training student, you always want to prioritise safety. This includes the public's safety, the safety of your crew, as well as your own safety when out on the field. Don't go rushing into things without a plan – rather, address the fire hazard with this crucial question: “What is the safest way to go about this task?”

Fire fighting and fire fighting training is not about personal glory, it's about being a team player. Your fire fighting crew is crucial and you are meant to have each other's backs when working on a job. Clear communication, respect, and consideration is the key to success, and ensuring everyone comes out safe and unscathed after dealing with a fire hazard.

Next up, during both your fire fighting training and during your job out in the field, it's always important to learn from your mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable and they happen to the best of us, but how you deal with them, own up to them, and learn from them is where the money's at. Take accountability when things go wrong, and learn from your mishaps to make sure you know how to avoid them in future situations.

As a fire fighter, and even during your fire fighting training, you are always expected to show up on time. After all, in the case of a fire hazard of any kind, every second counts, so it's a good idea to arrive on time, or in some cases, early and make a habit of it. Arriving on time can mean the difference between life and death, so always stick to your schedule and leave a few minutes to spare.

Lastly, remember that fire fighting and your fire fighting training is no joke. Fire fighting is dangerous and personal in the industry deserve respect. Being a fire fighter means upholding a standard and setting aside your personal glory for the good of your crew, the public, and the property you are operating in.

Keep a level head and remember that safety is the number one priority. True professionalism is achievable when you keep all the above points in mind. With these crucial considerations and some fire fighting training under your belt, you're sure to be well on your way to becoming a professional fire fighter in no time.