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Due to the inclement weather conditions, the following locations will be closed on Monday, January 26:
BOCES main campus
All PTECH locations

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Fire Science and & Rescue

The Fire Science & Rescue program is a dynamic one-year course designed to prepare students for careers in firefighting and emergency response. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, students gain essential knowledge and skills in fire prevention, firefighting techniques, emergency medical response, and rescue operations. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, decision-making, and adherence to safety protocols, all of which are critical components of success in emergency services.

Students will receive technical and practical training aligned with the New York State Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations and Hazardous Material First Responder Operation standards. This 78-hour certification track equips students with the foundational competencies needed to begin a career in firefighting and emergency services.

Students are expected to follow a professional dress code throughout the program. Daily attire should be school-appropriate, while business casual clothing is required for industry visits. In the lab setting, students will be provided with fire apparatus and attire by CTE, along with necessary safety PPE as instructed.

Students must possess the physical ability to lift at least 50 pounds, as many tasks in firefighting and rescue demand strength and endurance. In addition to technical skills, students will develop a range of professional competencies including effective communication, collaboration, time management, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Respect for others and their property, reliability, dependability, and strict adherence to safety procedures and instructions are also emphasized throughout the course.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
  • Firefighter
  • Fire investigator
  • Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) specialist
  • Wildland firefighter
INDUSTRY-BASED CERTIFICATIONS:
  • CPR/First Aid
  • NYS Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations with Hazardous Material First Responder Operation – 78 hour requirement for eligibility
CURRICULUM AND MATERIALS USED

Essentials of Firefighting

TEXT READING LEVEL:
  • 10th to 12th grade
TESTING/CERTIFICATION:
  • Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations
    Certificate (OFPC BEFO)
  • First-Aid, Narcan, CPR, Stop the Bleed
DRESS CODE:
  • School appropriate-daily
  • Business casual-industry visits
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Fire apparatus and attire is provided by CTE to be used in the lab setting
  • Safety PPE provided by CTE will be needed as instructed by Mr. Demars
TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:
  • Student must be able to lift 50 lbs.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS NEEDED/DEVELOPED:
  • Effective communication
  • Collaborate with others
  • Time management
  • Problem solve and troubleshoot
  • Be respectful of others and their property
  • Reliability and dependability
  • Follow safety procedures and instructions

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