Florida Program Number: P430203
Total Hours: 305 Hours

MISSION:
The mission of this program is to prepare students for employment as Fire Apparatus Operator.

DESCRIPTION:
The fire apparatus operator program content includes, but is not limited to, an understanding of hydraulics and fluid dynamics, principles of fire department water supply, nomenclature and operations of fire apparatus, appliances, municipal and rural water systems, maintenance, and safety in operational procedures. Apparatus operation (driving & pump operation) will be covered in the classroom and with field demonstration.  The Florid Bureau of Fire Standards & Training (BFST) is the certifying agency.

UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS:
To be accepted into the program:

• A person must have completed either the Volunteer Fire Fighter OCP and/or the Fire Fighter OCP. This shall be done in accordance with the requirements for certification by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training
• Those persons having been certified by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training prior to July 1, 1998, shall demonstrate by certification or reference that they have met these requirements

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/OTHER:
This program prepares students for the qualification testing of the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

JOB TRAINING INCLUDES: Occupational Completion Points (OCP)
OCPs provide a student with early completion training options linked to employment opportunities established by the Florida Department of Education based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system and accepted industry titles.

OCP A: Fire Fighter I (225 Hours)

• Initial introduction to the skills and subjects in the certification requirements for a Fire Fighter. Limited amount of time will be available to practice each skill in class. Upon successful complete of the training, the student can be certified to the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training as being eligible to take the Basic Volunteer Fire Fighter test.

OCP B: Fire Apparatus Operator (80 Hours)

• Each student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the fire pump, standard fire apparatus and fire ground operations
• The relationship between flow and pressure as applied to the delivery of water on the emergency scene will be demonstrated and each student shall be able to perform the calculations necessary to determine each both on paper and in the field
• Demonstrate the ability to drive and handle a standard piece of fire apparatus
• Operate a standard fire pump in different situations, water supplies and discharges