Georgian College’s (Georgian) Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful firefighters. With a blend of theoretical and practical training, students learn about fire dynamics, building construction, fire suppression principles and practice, personal protective equipment, emergency medical response, fire prevention, public education and specialized rescue disciplines such as confined space, water and ice water rescue, rope rescue and trench rescue.
Program Coordinator Bethany Readman says, “Georgian’s program is unique from other colleges because of its expert faculty and staff and the opportunity to receive and explore additional certifications.”
Readman adds, “We go beyond the minimum requirements for firefighter certification and offer students exceptional training in areas such as emergency medical response, vehicle extrication, fire and life safety and fire inspections.”
While every Pre-Service program offers the opportunity to challenge the Office of the Fire Marshal provincial exam, Georgian is one of a few colleges to offer the certification process for the fire and life safety educator and the initial steps to certification for fire inspector. Also, in their final semester students take a Career Preparation course which prepares them for the rigorous hiring process in the fire service. Graduates also receive the Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder certification.
Georgian’s faculty are highly trained experts, with years of experiences across career, composite, military, volunteer and industrial fire department settings. “The connections our faculty and program partners can provide with industry partners and community organizations is an exceptional advantage to our students,” says Readman.
Georgian is proud of its partnerships with the City of Barrie Fire and Emergency Services, which allows for the use of their training grounds, Springwater Fire and Emergency Services, and local live fire training facilities.
Students train at the Springwater Township Emergency Service Training Centre, a fully equipped firehall. This facility provides students the experience of working in a firehall, including the duties and responsibilities of maintaining the facility and equipment.
Georgian’s program is designed to prepare students for the mental, ethical and physical demands of a career in firefighting. All this combined helps prepare graduates for roles in various communities, from urban to rural to remote and northern.
Graduate Amelia Martin takes firefighting skills to Nunavut
Amelia Martin graduated from Georgian’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program and is now employed as a Firefighter/Medic with the City of Iqaluit in Nunavut. In her role, Martin provides suppression services, medical care and Medivac transportation to the community.
Martin says she chose Georgian because “When I first started researching schools, Georgian really stood out to me for a few reasons. I had asked a couple friends in the fire industry where they went or where they would recommend and Georgian came up several times. I also leaned heavily towards Georgian because I am a Barrie girl, so it was lovely to be able to remain in my community while furthering my education.”
She goes on to say that Georgian gave her a solid foundation and developed her knowledge and skills in fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, hazardous material response, public education and life safety, many of which she uses daily in her current position with Iqaluit Fire. “I feel very fortunate to have had teachers and staff who were so passionate about their careers in the fire service. Getting to learn from people who had actual experience within the industry was invaluable.”
Taking the job in Iqaluit was an easy choice for Martin as she was seeking “an adventure of a lifetime.” She adds, “Not only has this been rewarding, but it has also been a really challenging change of pace, but I have learned so much already in the few months I have been here… It has been really rewarding to learn how to better communicate with everyone and start building a rapport with those in the community who need our help.”
When it comes to advice for those interested in pursuing the same career path, Martin says, “Ask! You will be surprised how many people are willing to share their experiences with you and offer support. Get an idea of what school would be like and attend an information session at Georgian. There are often nights at different fire halls that are hiring, so step out of your comfort zone and go check those out. Ask questions, explore different courses or credentials that can help you along the way. Most importantly, don’t give up.”
Ready to learn more? Register to attend Campus Experience Week from April 24 to 29 or call 705.722.5152 or visit the Georgian website for further details.