As a new member, you will be required to attend a department orientation class prior to responding. This class will include:
- Bloodborne/airborne pathogens
- An introduction to the incident command system
- Hazardous communications training
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support - Healthcare Provider Level (BLS-P)
- Hazardous materials - Awareness level
- An orientation to the department
Previous training in BLS-P may be accepted if the expiration date is greater than one year from the time of membership. Training in subjects that are documented and completed within two years prior to applying with the CVFD may be accepted towards the required number of hours for the orientation class. This orientation class will be conducted over twenty-four hours (approximately two weekends).
You will be reviewed every thirty days during your first three months in the department. Your progress will be discussed, as well as your attitude and general perceptions from membership. A department vote will follow the 90-day review. If you should make it past the first three months, you will be on evaluation for the subsequent nine months. The membership of the CVFRD will, at the end of your first year, officially vote on you as a full member of the department. If you should not pass the 90-day or one year vote, you must wait six months before reapplying.
Until you have been properly trained in Emergency Vehicle Operations and trained to drive and operate the department emergency apparatus, you will be responding in your Personal Operating Vehicle (P.O.V.). (with the exception of the affiliate members). Municipal and State regulations for non-emergent motor vehicles must be adhered to at all times, even if you have been issued a blue emergency light. These regulations will be covered during the orientation class.
Evaluationary members are expected to be able to respond in any piece of fire or medical apparatus by the end of their evaluation period. In an emergency, you will not be expected to respond with apparatus unless previously trained on that piece of equipment and are specifically requested to do so by the duty officer. It is reasonable to expect that some new members will not have been trained and cleared to drive all the department's apparatus within this time. However, it is a requirement that you be knowledgeable of the vehicle and where all equipment on each apparatus is stored. After each response, all apparatus and equipment will be returned to a "ready" condition prior to you departing the station. No equipment will be removed from the fire department for personal use at any time.
If you are new to the Chugiak Fire Service Area or unfamiliar to the road system, it is YOUR responsibility to become aware of the primary, secondary, and rural roads. Spare map books, if available, may be issued to help responders find the location of emergencies. However, the responsibility remains on you as a new member to become familiar with the response area in your free time!
Appropriate department identification and clothing must be worn on every response. Jumpsuit's (blue coveralls) shall be worn to every emergency medical response. All fires and vehicle accidents require full firefighting protective clothing be worn. If you have not been issued a jumpsuit, or it is unwearable, clean firefighting gear may be worn as a last-resort.
The CVFD is a professional service and expects all members to act accordingly. The well-being of yourself, other members and ultimately the general public is our department's goal. All responding members will refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages within eight hours prior to and while on duty, failure to do so can be grounds for immediate dismissal. Smoking and chewing tobacco is prohibited within the station, work areas, on the apparatus and during all stages of a fire or medical response.
Emergency Medical Technicians: All persons functioning as EMTs for the CVFD must be certified by the State of Alaska and sponsored by the CVFD medical director. If you are licensed by the State of Alaska as an MICP, you may apply for supervision under the CVFD medical direction, however, you must obtain certification at the State of Alaska EMT-III level. If you are certified or licensed as an EMT from another state or territory, the department will try to provide assistance to obtain Alaska certification. It is ultimately your responsibility to follow up on this subject if you wish to respond as an EMT with CVFD. In addition to the orientation class, you will also be offered vaccination for Hepatitis B and tuberculosis testing as well.
New Member Training
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