Fundamentals of Fire Protection
Semester Hours Credit: 3
Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 13-March 5, 2015
Instructor: David Wynn
Office Hours: 30 minutes before class
Instructor Email:
Phone: 0160-978-52-384
Location:Ramstein AB
Instructor’s biography: Mr. Wynn has been employed in full-time fire service in both Departmental (KCFD – Firefighter and Engineer) and Industrial (Hughes Helicopters - Chief) operations; he has hands-on experience fighting all seven types of fire, structural & vehicular rescue, emergency medical responses & training, as well as working on various types of apparatus operations [foam trailer, wildland rough terrain vehicles}, Fire Prevention Inspections, sprinkler and fire suppression systems (operation & design), training at all levels, and leadership. I have an AA in Fire Science and instructional experience in various settings.
I.Course Description
This course provides a study of the history, philosophy, and fundamentals of public and private fire protection. This course includes statistics of fire and property loss, agencies involved in public and private protection, legislative development, departmental organization, training and staffing.
II.Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student will:
- Describe a modern fire protection agency
- Outline the organizational and staffing requirements for fire protection
- Identify public and private fire protection agencies
III.Instructional Materials
A. The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through
Fundamentals of Fire and Emergency Services / Loyd / 2nd / Prentice Hall / 2013 / 01334192319780133419238
IV.Course Requirements
A.Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive for this course will not be the grade of the instructor, but rather the grade you and you alone make.
B.You should attend class regularly and be prepared to participate in classroom discussions and to take unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture material presented from the beginning of the course. Please refer to ‘Class Attendance and Course Progress’ under the Academic Policies section in our current CTC Course Catalog:
C.You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the semester. From the beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute crash-cram policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such factors as class participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers or projects will be considered in grade computation.
D.From time to time, special library and/or outside assignments will be made to members of the class individually and/or in groups. You are expected to read all assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignment.
E.You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook/reading materials to class. Keep informed on all assignments, especially after an absence.
F.Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade, since both the material assigned and that discussed in class will be the basis for examination material.
G.Scholastic Honesty: All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during examinations. The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:
Plagiarism: The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper credit to the sources.
Collusion: Using another’s work as one’s own, or working together with another person in the preparation of work, unless such joint preparation is specifically approved in advance by the instructor.
Cheating: Giving or receiving information on examinations.
H.Special Work: A term paper or other project, per requirements of the instructor, will be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with the instructor when you have made a selection. The value is indicated in the semester grade computation and has considerable weight on your final average.
V.Examinations
A.There will be a minimum of two major examinations and a written paper or project as follows:
1.Mid-term exam on February 5, 2015
2.Final exam on March 5, 2015
3. Paper or Project due on March 3, 2015
B.A student must be present for all examinations. Students who know in advance that they will be absent from an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an early examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances will require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.
C.Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.
D.Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill in-the-blank, and matching) and subjective (short answer and essay) questions. Students must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.
VI.Semester Grade Computations
EXAM POINTS POINTS GRADES
Discussion 200 900-1000 A=4 pts/semhr
Mid-Term Exam 250 800- 899 B=3 pts/semhr
Final exam 350 700- 799 C=2 pts/semhr
Paper/Project 150 600- 699 D=1 pt/semhr
0- 599 F=0 pts/semhr
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TOTAL 1000
A term paper or term project is expected from all students. Students may vary in their competency levels on these abilities, so the instructor may need to revisit the term paper concept during the course.
VII.Notes and Additional Instructions from the Course Instructor
- Tuition refunds are made only in the case of class cancellation or official and timely withdrawal from CTC or from a course. Please refer to the current course catalog for more details, at
- GoArmyEdstudents should contact their education counselor before withdrawing and are required to withdraw through the GoArmyEd portal.
Please note: a military withdrawal does not override CTC’s grading policy.
For self-pay students, refunds are computed from the date the Application for
Withdrawal or Refund is filed with the CTC Field Representative or designated Student
Services Officer. Special conditions apply to students who receive federal, state, and/or
institutional financial aid.
Tuition and fees paid directly to the Institution by the Veterans Administration, Title IV (Financial Aid Programs, a sponsor, donor, or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the students.
- Course Withdrawals, Student Responsibilities: It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course. The instructor cannot initiate a withdrawal based upon a student’s request. Rather, students must initiate the withdrawal with the designated Education Center Representative, through the CTC Field Representative or the Student Services Officer for that region.
Applications for Withdrawal will be accepted at any time before the completion of 75% of the course, after which time the student will be assigned an “FN”- “Failure for Non-attendance.”
- Incomplete / Course in Progress Grade Policy: An “IP” or “Incomplete” grade may be assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be assigned based on circumstances beyond a student’s control, such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders. Notice of absences, with supporting documentation, may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. With an “Incomplete” grade, students are required to complete a set amount of work before the instructor will submit an official letter grade. This date can be determined by the instructor but must be within 45 days of the course end date. After completion of the work the instructor can then change the grade of “IP” to the appropriate letter grade. If this work is not completed by the specified date the instructor will change the grade to “F”.
- Cellular phones, beepers, and other electronic devices will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory unless the student is using the device for class purposes. No texting or social networking is allowed during class.
- Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in all matters.
- Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
VIII.Course Outline
Note:
The instructor has the right to change the course schedule. Any changes will be announced in class. If the student misses a class period and changes are announced, it is the student’s responsibility to receive the missed information from a classmate or the instructor.
- Unit One:January 13, 2015. 18:00-21:00 - Introduction to the Course, discussion of this syllabus, and Chapter 1: “History of the Fire Service.”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Discuss the history, traditions, and evolution of the fire service.
- Describe the fire problem in the United States and its causes.
- Describe the origins of fire facilities.
- Discuss the changing role of the modern firefighter.
- Learning Activities
- Discuss course requirements and activities
- Class lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 1, pages 1-16
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page v
- Unit Two: Chapter 2: January 15, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - “Fire and Emergency Services Career Opportunities”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Identify job opportunities in fire protection in the private and public sector.
- List duties for firefighter trainee, firefighter, and firefighter/paramedic.
- Describe the duties of search & rescue teams and wildland firefighters.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 2, pages 18-33
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page v-vi
- Unit Three: Chapter 3, January 20, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - “The Selection Process”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- List the standard phases of the hiring process.
- Describe the importance of preparation in the selection process.
- Describe how body language/gestures can be perceived in an interview.
- Discuss the probationary period and its importance.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 3, pages 35-45
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page vi
- Unit Four: Chapter 4, January 22, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - “Training and Higher Education”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Discuss NFPA training standards.
- Explain the difference between training and higher education.
- List the various types of certification and degree programs available, and explain the differences.
- Explain FESHE’s professional development model.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 4, pages 47-62
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page vii
- Unit Five: Chapter 5,January 27, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - “Fire Department Resources”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Describe the different types of fire department facilities.
- Describe and explain the functions of the following apparatus:
Pumping Apparatus, Aerial Apparatus, Specialized Apparatus – type and function
- Describe the different levels of protection for:
Station/work uniforms, Proximity suits, Structural ensembles, Wildfire ensembles, HazMats ensembles – including A, B, C, and D levels.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 5, pages 65-94
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page vii
- Unit Six: Chapter 6,January 29, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - “Fire Dynamics”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Describe the components of an atom.
- Explain how an atom becomes reactive.
- Describe the process of combustion at the molecular level.
- Describe the three forms of matter.
- Explain how the process of combustion affects the different forms of matter.
- Identify and describe the different types of heat-producing energy.
- Describe the four stages of fire evolution
- Identify the four classifications of fires and the principles involved in their extinguishment.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 6, pages 97-117
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook pages vii-vii
- Unit Seven: February 3, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Review of Chapters 1-6
- Unit Objective: an open discussion of all material and topics covered in the first six chapters in preparation for the mid-term examination.
- Present all materials covered in the first chapters, their building upon one another to increase understanding of organization, operations, apparatus and equipment, and personnel and their assignments.
- Discuss questions and problems in open debate.
- Present issues seen or perceived and obtain a resolution.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene – review textbook answers on pages 253-54
- Discuss Review Answers on pages 257-259
- Reading Assignment: review everything from page 1 to page 117
- Unit Eight: February 5, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Mid-Term Examination
- Unit Objective: Evaluation of understanding and communicating material covered in the first half of the Term.
- Administer the examination
- Score and assign grades for the examination
- Review the examination.
- Address issues and answer questions
- Learning Objectives:
- To evaluate how well the instructor presented the materials and how well they were received.
- To evaluate the understanding of the topics by the students.
- To determine where focus should be directed for second half of this course.
- To ensure the student will be able to apply what has been learned into real life situations and activities.
- Unit Nine: February 10, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Chapter 7, “Building Construction”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Describe the five categories of construction recognized by NFPA, and explain how each reacts under fire conditions.
- Identify the potential hazards associated with each type of construction.
- Identify the forces and loads that affect building integrity and how they may cause building failure.
- Describe warning signs that may alert firefighters to possible collapse situations.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 7, pages 120-150
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page viii
- Unit Ten: February 12, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Chapter 8, “Fire Prevention Codes and Ordinances”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Describe the relationship between building and fire codes.
- Identify the different model code organizations.
- Identify the types of fire codes and how they are adopted.
- Explain the legal right that a fire official has to issue:
Warrants, Summonses, Citations, and Injunctions.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 8, pages 151-161
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook pages viii and ix.
- Unit Eleven: February 17, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Chapter 9, “Fire Protection Systems”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Describe the four components of a water system.
- Explain the different types of pressure.
- List and describe the three basic types of water supply systems.
- Identify the three components of a water distribution grid.
- Describe the various types of automatic fire protection systems.
- List and describe the different types of extinguishing agents used in fire protection systems.
- Learning Activities;
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 9, pages 164-206
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page ix.
- Unit Twelve: February 19, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Chapter 10, “Organizational Structure and Emergency Incident Management Systems
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Describe the principles of command used in fire/emergency services.
- Describe the fire department chain of command, the ranks associated with it, and their general responsibilities.
- List and describe the four types of fire departments.
- Explain the history of the incident command system.
- Describe the differences between FIRESCOPE, FGC, IMS, NIIMS, and NIMS ICS structures.
- Identify the components of the Incident Command System and their areas of responsibility.
- Explain the need for a standardized Incident Management System.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 10, pages 209-225
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page x.
- Unit Thirteen: February 24, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Chapter 11, “Preincident Planning, Fire Strategy, &Tactics
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Explain the difference between strategy and tactics.
- Describe the purpose of strategic planning.
- Identify the resources that must be considered in developing a strategic plan.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 11, pages 227-245
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook page x.
- Unit Fourteen: February 26, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Chapter 12, “Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Management”
- Unit Objectives: upon successful completion of this unit, the student will:
- Identify types of support organizations, and how thy assist the fire service.
- Explain the difference between a managerial support function and a technical support function.
- Describe the significance of partnerships and organizations to the fire service.
- Describe the duties and responsibilities of fire department support personnel.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion.
- On Scene discussion
- Reading Assignment: Chapter 12, pages 246-258
- Unit Outline: Refer to Contents, textbook pages x and xi.
- Unit Fifteen: March 3, 2015, 18:00-21:00 - Review of Chapters 7-12, recap of Chapters 1-7 and MTE
- Unit Objective: an open discussion of all material and topics covered in the final six chapters in preparation for the final examination.
- Present all materials covered in these chapters, their building upon one another to increase understanding of organization, operations, apparatus and equipment, and personnel and their assignments.
- Review Chapters 1-6 and the mid-term examination.
- Discuss questions and problems in open debate.
- Present issues seen or perceived and obtain a resolution.
- Learning Activities:
- Classroom lecture/discussion
- On Scene – review textbook answers on pages 254-255
- Discuss Appendixes B-D & Glossary on pages 259-283
- Reading Assignment: review everything from page 1 to page 252
- Unit Sixteen: March 5, 18:00-21:00 - Final Examination
- Unit Objective: Evaluation of understanding and communicating material covered in the second half of the Term.
- Administer the examination
- Score and assign grades for the examination
- Review the examination.
- Address issues and answer questions
- Learning Objectives:
- To evaluate how well the instructor presented the materials and how well they were received.
- To evaluate the understanding of the topics by the students.
- To ensure the student will be able to apply what has been learned into real life situations and activities.
FIRT 1301