FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE / EMS TRAINING
The training of a firefighter is a never ending process. It is necessary in order to keep up with changing conditions and modern challenges. Promotional advancements and efficiency will depend on how much is put forth in the pursuit of learning.
It is the goal of the Training Division to provide comprehensive a realistic training to the department's members so that they may continue to provide the citizens of Mansfield with high quality emergency services.
To maintain the required state certifications levels, each firefighter/paramedic must complete continuing education (CE) hours as mandated by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Department of State Health Services.
Fire Service training consists of basic emergency ground skill drills (ground ladder and hose deployment, ventilation operations, search and rescue, emergency evacuation tactics, aerial ladder operations, vehicle extrication, and rope rescue), as well as fire science/behavior, building construction, command and control, strategy and tactics, hazardous materials, mass casualty incidents, weapons of mass destruction, and other emergency management issues.
Emergency Medical Service training covers medical/legal issues, ethics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, intravenous access, medication administration, airway management, patient assessment, documentation, trauma and mechanism of injury, hemorrhage and shock, burns, respiratory/pulmonary, cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, allergies, gastroenterology, renal/urology, toxicology, hematology, environmental conditions, infectious and communicable diseases, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, gynecology, obstetrics, neonatology, pediatrics, geriatrics, abuse and assault, and crime scene awareness.
Firefighter/Paramedics receive no less than 100 hours of continuing education each year, which is well above the mandated state minimum requirements.
In addition to continuing education, the department offers and hosts state certification courses in Fire Instruction, Driver/Operator-Pumper, and standard courses in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Trauma Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Rope Rescue Operations, and Swift Water Rescue.
Entrance Requirements:
- Step 1 - Application Pre-Screening
- Step 2 - Written Test (50 % Fire / 50% EMS) IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting Fourth Edition, and Brady Paramedic Care: Principals and Practice
- Step 3 - Physical Agility Test
- Step 4 - Oral Board Interview Process
- Step 5 - Background Check and Polygraph Interview
- Step 6 - Medical Examination
Fire Service Questions and Answers for prospective firefighters
New Recruit Orientation Academy
New firefighter orientation course lasting approximately 240 hours. Reviews the state fire service basic certification knowledge, and familiarizes the new firefighter with Mansfield Fire Rescue equipment, policy and practice. The course also insures that the new employee is physically capable to perform the duties of firefighter.
Paramedic Internship
Each new firefighter/Paramedic is placed with a Paramedic Field Training Officer for no less than 360 hours to guarantee that the new employee can effectively function as a member of an ambulance crew.
Rank and Promotions
The Mansfield Fire Rescue Operations Division is structured in three platoons with a Battalion Chief, Captains, Lieutenants, Apparatus Operators, and Firefighters. Eligibility for promotions is achieved after two years in each grade, the necessary certifications, and successful completion of written and practical testing.
Fire Department Physical Qualification Maintenance
Ongoing physical condition requirements and medical wellbeing are important because of the demands placed on firefighters, and since 45% of all firefighter fatalities are the result of stress induced cardiac emergencies. The fire department conducts annual medical evaluations, which include aerobic testing. Each member must also meet standard physical agility testing that simulates fire ground activities.
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