Profession firefighter instructor

Firefighter instructors train probationary, new academy recruits, or cadets, on the theory and practice necessary to become a firefighter. They conduct theoretical lectures on academic subjects such as law, basic chemistry, safety regulations, risk management, fire prevention, reading blueprints etc. Fire academy instructors also provide more hands-on, practical instruction regarding the usage of assistive equipment and rescue tools such as a fire hose, fire axe, smoke mask etc., but also heavy physical training, breathing techniques, first aid, self defense tactics and vehicle operations. They also prepare and develop lesson plans and new training programmes as new public service-related regulations and issues arise. The instructors monitor the students' progress, evaluate them individually and prepare performance evaluation reports.

Personality Type

• Social / Realistic
• Social / Artistic
• Social / Investigative

Knowledge

• Fire-fighting systems

  The devices and systems used to extinguish fires; the classes and chemistry of fire.

• Hydraulics

  The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.

• Fire safety regulations

  The legal rules to be applied for fire safety and fire prevention in a facility.

• Fire prevention procedures

  The regulations concerning fire and explosion prevention, and the equipment, systems and methods used in it.

Skills

• Ensure student welfare

  Ensure that the needs of students in educational organisations are met, and that any learning issues are addressed, as well as potential problems outside of an educational context.

• Educate on emergency management

  Educate communities, organisations, or individuals on risk management and emergency response, such as how to develop and implement prevention and reaction strategies, and educate on emergency policies specific to the risks applicable to that area or organisation.

• Provide first aid

  Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.

• Provide advice on breaches of regulation

  Advise on preventive and corrective actions; correct any breaches of or non-compliance with legal regulations.

• Guarantee students' safety

  Ensure all students falling under an instructor or other person’s supervision are safe and accounted for. Follow safety precautions in the learning situation.

• Observe student's progress

  Follow up on students’ learning progress and assess their achievements and needs.

• Perform classroom management

  Maintain discipline and engage students during instruction.

• Evacuate people from buildings

  Evacuate a person from a dangerous building or situation for protection purposes, ensuring the victim reaches safety and is able to receive medical care if necessary.

• Teach fire fighting principles

  Instruct students in the theory and practice of fire fighting, more specifically in courses such as rescue operations, principles of building construction, and flammable liquids and gas fire fighting, with the aim of assisting them in pursuing a future career in this field.

• Extinguish fires

  Choose the adequate substances and methods to extinguish fires depending on their size, such as water and various chemical agents. Use a breathing apparatus.

• Test safety strategies

  Test policies and strategies related to risk and safety management and procedures, such as testing evacuation plans, safety equipment, and carrying out drills.

• Assess students

  Evaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weaknesses. Formulate a summative statement of the goals the student achieved.

• Work as a team in a hazardous environment

  Work together with others in a dangerous, sometimes noisy, environment, such as a building on fire or metal forging facilities, in order to achieve a higher degree of efficiency while heeding the co-workers' safety.

• Apply intercultural teaching strategies

  Ensure that the content, methods, materials and the general learning experience is inclusive for all students and takes into account the expectations and experiences of learners from diverse cultural backgrounds. Explore individual and social stereotypes and develop cross-cultural teaching strategies.

• Manage major incidents

  Take immediate action to respond to major incidents that affect the safety and security of individuals in private or public places such as road accidents.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB