Fire Fighting & Protection

$33.00 lab fee. Prerequisite: Meet the State of Florida qualifications as defined in State Statute 633.412 Firefighters; qualifications for certification and Gulf Coast State College qualification pertaining to the fire science technology limited access program. This course introduces the student to the skills and techniques used in firefighting. Classroom instruction includes a variety of fire related topics. Practical exercises and scenarios are included to enhance classroom instruction and skill development. Those who complete the course receive a state competency certificate as a volunteer firefighter upon successful completion of all Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training requirements.

$48.00 lab fee. Prerequisites: Meet the State of Florida qualifications as defined in State Statute 633.412 Firefighters; qualifications for certification and Gulf Coast State College qualification pertaining to the fire science technology limited access program. This is a continuation course after Firefighter 1 and prepares the student for employment as a Florida certified firefighter. This course builds upon the skills and knowledge attained in Firefighter 1 and prepares students for mastery of the basic competencies required. After course completion, the student is eligible to take the certification examination given by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

$24.00 lab fee. Prerequisites: FFP0010, FFP0020, and FFP1140. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the subjects taught in the program prior to the State of Florida Firefighter Certification Examination. (Limited access: requires admission to the academy or special permission of the chair of Public Safety.)

$7.00 lab fee. This course introduces the student to the skills and techniques used for first responder to medical emergencies. Classroom instruction includes a variety of medical related topics encountered by firefighters. Practical exercises and scenarios are included to enhance classroom instruction and skill development. After completion, the student is eligible to continue with Firefighter I certification. (Limited access; requires permission of fire science coordinator.)

A study of pertinent properties of water, distribution of pressures in dynamic and static systems, friction loss in hoses and pipes, and factors which influence it. Approximation methods for quick calculation are given, as well as the most technical computations. Effort is directed toward giving an understanding of how good fire streams are developed.

$23.00 lab fee. Prerequisite: FFP1301 or approval of instructor. The curriculum covers the laws, rules, and driving techniques for emergency vehicles, as well as a review of fire service hydraulics. Fire ground evolutions and a driving course make up the practical part of the course. The evolution portion of the course includes the use of pre-connected lines, tandem pumping, drafting, relays, and master streams. The student should have a basic understanding of fire stream hydraulics prior to entering this course. Students must bring gloves and proper attire for water pumping exercises.

Prerequisite: Basic fire science knowledge. Principles of prevention and investigation; fire hazards of various occupancies; fire codes; OSHA requirements for fire protection; surveying and mapping procedures; recognition of fire hazards; engineering a solution of the hazards; enforcement of the solution; public relations as affected by fire prevention and presentation of arson evidence.

Comparison of national, state, and local building and fire codes emphasizing local laws and ordinances pertaining to building construction and design.

A study of fixed and portable systems for detecting, reporting, and extinguishing fires. Comparison is made between the value of detection and the value of automatic extinguishing systems. Study is made of the factors which influence the choice of one of several systems for a given occupancy and the value of each type system. Restoration after use and routine maintenance are stressed.

Investigation of fires for determination of the source of ignition and first fuel, point of origin, direction and rate of spread, and whether the cause was accidental or illegal. Florida arson laws are studied along with procedures for ensuring the admissibility of any evidence found at the scene of the fires, including methods of questioning the witnesses, interviewing, interrogation, and case preparation with stress on recognition of cause and evidence.

This course introduces the student to the firefighting profession and reinforces the need for continuous learning for career firefighters. Classroom instruction includes a variety of fire related topics about the firefighting profession. Practical exercises and scenarios are included to enhance classroom instruction and to utilize real world examples.

Prerequisites: Certified fire fighter and basic fire science knowledge. Emphasizes techniques that help a fire service instructor develop skills in curriculum development.

Prerequisite: Basic fire science or law enforcement knowledge. This course is designed to show the arson investigator the different forms of matter and energy, common substances, and how they relate to fires. The chemical formulas of flammable and combustible substances, their bondings and separations, as well as the different chemical reactions related to fire and oxidation are covered. Particular emphasis is placed on the specific substance used by arsonists to ignite and accelerate burnings. NOTE: Part of HazMat Tech, Fire Investigator I, Fire Inspector II, and Fire Officer II.

Prerequisite: Work experience as paid or volunteer firefighter. The study of problems of building fires; structural fire elements; fire resistance; surface finishes; fire spread by windows, air conditioning, building elements, and nonstructural elements.

Preparation course of study for exam in blueprint reading and plans.

Administrative, managerial, and supervisory principles that apply to the fire science. Intended for those seeking to participate in upper-level organizational activity such as budgeting, cost controls, goal-setting, manpower acquisition and distribution, and for those seeking to supervise fire company personnel with emphasis on leadership traits, training, planning, and company officer responsibilities.

A study of what public relations is and how a fire department can utilize positive public relations to benefit the organization and the public. This course describes the functions of a public relations officer along with the responsibilities the position holds.

Broad concepts of supervision and leadership; analysis of the kinds of effective leadership needed in the fire sciences; supervising in high stress conditions; use of case studies and individual goal-setting.

Principles, procedures, and techniques of teaching with emphasis on methods of instruction, developing training outlines, use of visual aids, and testing procedures of fire science instructors.

Prerequisite: Basic fire science knowledge. A study of the entire spectrum of issues facing today's fire service leaders. Topics include: labor relations, human rights and diversity; conflicts of interest, and making frameworks for ethical decision making.

A study of multiple company operations, logistics, strategy, use of mutual aid forces, and conflagration control. Intended for high-ranking officers who may be in command of major fires and other emergencies involving close coordination and maximum use of large amounts of manpower and equipment. Typical tactical situations and case histories will be given.

Prerequisites: Certified fire fighter, basic fire science knowledge, and FFP1810 or FFP2810. A study of action plans, command and control, safety, building dynamics, sprinkler operations, fire company operations, and various types of fires. An advanced study intended for higher ranking officers using state or locally provided scenarios.

1-3 crs. Cooperative Education courses may be taken toward completion of most of the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree programs. A maximum of six credit hours may be used in meeting the A.A. degree requirements. Prerequisite: Minimum of 2.0 GPA, meet with the co-op coordinator, and availability of co-op work experience slot. Supervised, practical work experience that seeks to combine theories and apply practical skills to projects in the student?s major field of study. Requirements include online weekly, mid-term, and end-of-term reflection assignments.