Hoffman Estates Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines PDF

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: ADMINISTRATIVE - 034 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: In...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: ADMINISTRATIVE - 034 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: In Service Training Program Revision: 3 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2024 Fire Chief 9 PURPOSE This guideline defines the training responsibilities for each rank within the department. This guideline also establishes the basic format of the departments training program, including training requirements and documentation. In all cases where responsibility or authority is applied to a specific title, it is also applied to any person working out of classification and serving in the capacity of that title. POLICY Responsibilities A. Battalion Chief of Training/Safety The Battalion Chief of Training/Safety is responsible for the overall administration and management of the departments Training Program. Working with input from the Hoffman Estates Fire Department Training Committee and staff members, the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety will insure the program complies with applicable federal, state and local mandates while producing meaningful training sessions aimed at career long job enhancement. All training sessions will emphasize firefighter safety and survival concepts and will be correlated to applicable NFPA, OSFM and/or other recognized standards. The Battalion Chief of Training/Safety will meet at least bi-monthly (suggested monthly) with the Training Committee to insure program delivery compliance and to seek direction for upcoming training sessions. The Battalion Chief of Training/Safety will provide a list of quarterly training topics/subjects and objectives online to the Company Officers at least two weeks before the scheduled delivery. The Battalion Chief of Training/Safety will provide a calendar that highlights required training only, that is locked into specific dates and times as agreed by the members of the Training Committee. Examples include: Multi-company Drills, HAZ-MAT, EMS and TRT training. The Company Officers will schedule all other department specific training for the quarter assuring coverage of the quarterly objectives as issued by the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety 1 The Battalion Chief of Training/Safety is encouraged to participate in all training session either as an evaluator, instructor or in a “hands-on” capacity whenever available. The Battalion Chief of Training/Safety is required to complete all federal, state or locally mandated training. A. Training Support Division (TSD) Leader The Training Support Division Leader (TSD) is responsible for assisting with the overall administration of the departments Training Program. The TSD is a member of the departments Training Committee and working with input from the Training Committee aids in producing meaningful training sessions aimed at career long job enhancement. The TSD will meet at least bi-monthly (suggest monthly) with the Training Committee to insure program delivery compliance and to seek direction for upcoming training sessions. The TSD will be directly involved in the scheduling and delivery of monthly training programs and has the responsibility to maintain contact with the responsible party or instructor of record for scheduled training to assure that the training materials are ready prior to training delivery. The TSD also has the responsibility to assure that the responsible party or instructor of record contact the Shift Commanders one week prior to the scheduled training to answer any questions that there may be and to aid in coordinating the training. B. Training Committee Each shift shall be represented by three members, with a minimum of one Company Officer and one Firefighter. The committee members act as ambassadors to their shifts and the respective needs thereof. The committee’s responsibilities include but are not limited to: attending training committee meetings, attending training as needed, reviewing reports and records from their respective shift, evaluating program progress, assisting with training development and instruction or delivery of department training. One Battalion Chief shall represent the Battalion Chiefs on a quarterly basis to offer input and direction as the overall department training needs. Specific attendance and rotation shall be determined by the Shift Commanders and the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety. C. Battalion Chiefs / Shift Commanders Shift Commanders are responsible for administering and monitoring the department training plan within their assigned shift. This includes assisting in the coordination, presentation and evaluation of specific department level training session as needed. Shift Commanders are responsible for monitoring the Company Officers and any firefighters working out of classification with regard to daily responsibility in training. Shift Commanders may randomly spot check shift members each tour of duty to verify that training has taken place and that the employee comprehended the objectives of the training. 2 Through daily evaluation of companies and/or individuals during training and emergency operations, Shift Commanders are responsible for identifying training deficiencies and providing recommendations to the Training Committee members regarding the specific training needs of their shift. Any observed deficiencies and training needs should be forwarded to the Training Committee via the Battalion Chief representative to the Training Committee. Shift Commanders are encouraged to participate in all multi-company evolutions whenever available. Attendance at all other training sessions are required as indicated on the quarterly training information sheet and will be coordinated by the Shift Commanders. Shift Commanders should participate in all assigned training session either as an evaluator or at an appropriate level in a “hands-on” capacity whenever available. Shift Commanders are responsible for insuring that any missed training sessions are completed within the quarter that they are scheduled whenever possible, unless otherwise arranged by the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety. Shift Commanders will be accountable for adherence to the regular training schedule. Shift Commanders also may be assigned to assist in the coordination, presentation and evaluation of specific training sessions. In the event of adverse weather conditions, high call volume or other extenuating circumstances, the Shift Commander has the authority to postpone a training session after consulting with the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety and/or person(s) responsible for delivery of the training. At that time, arrangements for make-up training should be established and all those affected will be notified. Documentation of cancellation will include the reason, companies affected and the proposed makeup date. The Shift Commander will e-mail the documentation to the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety as soon as possible after the training is cancelled. D. Company Officers / Firefighters Working out of Classification (WOC) The Company Officer is the key to the training program. They are the individuals most responsible for the training and readiness of their personnel. Company Officers are required to complete each months training assignments and submit all necessary documentation including training reports and skills checklists as applicable. Company Officers are to coordinate the various daily company activities so that training assignments are completed on schedule, Other than emergency response, a directive from the Shift Commander or as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, training will take precedent over all other events during a tour of duty. Other staff activities such as Public Education, inspections, etc. must be coordinated through the Shift Commander and Company Officer so that no duplicate schedules are created within the same time period. Company Officers/WOC firefighters are responsible for coordinating company level training so that all members receive the training regardless of time off, vacations, compensation days etc. Quarterly / monthly training assignments represent the minimum training requirements. Company Officers shall assess their personnel’s individual strengths and weaknesses and 3 initiate further training that improves their performance. Company Officers must foster an environment of continual company improvement. Once a training session has been assigned to a Company Officer, the Company Officer will utilize prepared lesson plans, practical and other instructional aides as directed by the Battalion Chief of Training and Safety /Committee. The Company Officer is encouraged to have qualified firefighters assist in the preparation and delivery of the training session. Company Officers and WOC firefighters are required to participate in all assigned training sessions without exception or consideration of repetitive training that may occur from switches, trades or hire-back situations. Company Officers/WOC Firefighters are expected to participate in an aggressive, safe and positive manner in all classroom and practical training. Company Officers are responsible for documentation for each training session attended. Some assignments will require members to sign into Target Solutions and complete individually. Company Officers and instructors have the overall responsibility for the safety of all members involved with the training. At any time that an unsafe condition or action is noticed the Company Officer and/or instructor have the authority to stop the training until the situation can be evaluated and corrected or eliminated. E. Instructors Instructors are expected to provide the highest quality program(s) to the department membership. Material presented should be the most up-to-date information and in keeping with changes in the fire service and department policies. Instructors should indicate any and all OSFM objectives that the material will cover (although not all training classes will meet OSFM objectives). Training outlines must be in written form and delivered to the Training Support Division Leader or the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety a minimum of two weeks prior to the presentation of the material. Instructors should make use of the most current audio/visual aids when developing a training class. Instructors are to follow AG-06 “Dress Code” when instructing. Instructors are responsible to communicate with the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety and/or Training Support Division leader (TSD) about any proposed training, class development and scheduling of the training. Additionally, the instructor has the responsibility to contact each Shift Commander to discuss any specifics associated with a training class. Instructors are responsible to coordinate any required makeup training with the Shift Commanders. Instructors share with the Company Officers involved the overall responsibility for the safety of all members involved with the training. At any time that an unsafe condition or action is noticed the Company Officer and/or the instructor have the authority to stop the training until the situation can be evaluated and corrected or eliminated. 4 F. Firefighters Firefighters are expected to maintain the highest level of preparedness through regular training and individual study. This includes keeping current on both fire service and department changes and notifying their Company Officer of their training needs. Firefighters are required to participate in all assigned training sessions without exception or consideration of repetitive training that may occur from switches, trades or hire-back situations. Firefighters are expected to participate in an aggressive, safe and positive manner in all classroom and practical training. Firefighters are responsible for signing all training rosters for each training session attended. Firefighters may also assist in the development and delivery of training sessions and will be encouraged to do so by Company Officers, Shift Commanders and the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety. Firefighters are responsible for maintaining the licensure required of their position. This includes EMT-B, EMT-Paramedic and appropriate drivers license classification if applicable. PROCEDURE A. Training Calendar The Monthly Training Calendar and Quarterly Training Packet list the assigned training activities for the month / quarter. Some activities have specified dates and/or times designated where training will take place. The Shift Commander will coordinate the scheduling of training with the Company Officers, assuring all training assignments will be completed by the end of each quarter. Training calendars are maintained on the department computer system and the quarterly training packet is maintained on the departments “J” drive and Target Solutions. Individuals responsible for assigned training are listed on these documents. In certain training evolutions, the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety will assist in the delivery of these training sessions. Company Officers - will be responsible for the delivery of company evolutions, basic skills and may be assigned additional responsibility on an as needed basis. Shift Commanders - are encouraged to attend the entire training session (if indicated mandatory) and may be required to participate in the delivery of the training indicated. Specialty Teams - training is coordinated by the team leaders, however may be incorporated into department level training. 5 B. Quarterly / Monthly Training Assignments The Training Division is responsible for providing quarterly /monthly training assignments through the Monthly Training Notebook, Training Calendar and the Company Officers Training Packet issued at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each month / quarter. These documents shall specify all necessary information for the Company Officers, Shift Commanders and Command personnel for the scheduling of and primary delivery of the assigned drills including makeup requirements. C. Mandatory Training Sessions Mandatory training sessions are defined as training that must be completed by all emergency response personnel. Mandatory training includes federal, state and locally mandated courses in addition to courses deemed mandatory by the department and/or Training Committee. Training make up sessions for any missed mandatory training will be coordinated through the initial instructor and the Shift Commanders. The monthly Training Information Packet will include attendance information outlining participation requirements based on duties as assigned at the current level of employment and well as other previous job descriptions still required at the higher level of assignment D. Regular Training Sessions Company level – Training that must be completed by each company as assigned during the quarter. Training outlined in the company evolutions, and basic skills is mandatory training. All training is important however, it is not always possible for all personnel to make up missed training session other than those deemed mandatory sessions. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Company Officer to monitor their personnel and determine, in accordance with the program, what training is considered mandatory and requires make up. Department level- Training that is primarily scheduled and conducted through the Training Division. Department level training that is designated as mandatory will have makeup sessions scheduled by the Training Division or the lead instructor that delivered the initial training. Shift Commanders will coordinate the makeup sessions with the instructors. Multiple Company Drills - Training that is completed at the company level, but involves more than a single company to complete. These company skills include but are not limited to: aerial ladder operations, aerial tower operations, multiple hose line evolutions, brush truck operations and boat operations. 6 E. Quarterly Training Reviews – Evaluation The goal of this program is to provide effective and efficient training aimed at improving the member’s abilities to safely perform their job. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the training program as well as the skill level of each member is key to meeting this goal. An evaluation system is built into the program and is an on-going process aimed at improving the operational capacity of the membership. Quarterly Reviews will take place in the form of written, cognitive and practical evaluations. Some reviews are based on individual skills while others will be completed at a company level. All training will be done commensurate with the duties as assigned at the current level of employment and well as other previous job descriptions still required at the higher level of assignment. Shift Commanders hold a dynamic role in the review process by conducting daily training verification/observation assessments of their personnel while involved in either training evolutions or actual incidents. Quarterly reviews will be based on the training within a given quarter (i.e. 2nd quarter training will be evaluated in the 3rd quarter, 3rd quarter in the 4th etc.) referenced publications, documents, department SOG’s, standard practices and other established curriculums. Each member will be given exposure to the topics evaluated and each member has the individual responsibility for maintenance of their skill level and knowledge level. The department Battalion Chief of Training/Safety will have the responsibility of working with or assisting qualified instructors with the members to improve the performance on an as needed basis. F. Specialty Team Training The training program makes allowances for completion of mandated and in-service training of the specialty teams. The internal training program is responsible for making sure that adequate time and resources are made available to the specialty areas however, team leaders are responsible for the development, scheduling of instructors, resources and materials needed for the delivery of specialty training. The team leaders shall submit their training needs to the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety and/or Training Support Division Leader on an annual basis and shall submit concerns and participate in the scheduling process. Recordkeeping including hours of attendance, participation and individual certification should be specified by the team leaders and will be the responsibility of said leader. Specialty teams include:  Hazardous Materials Response Steams  Technical Rescue Teams  Dive Rescue Teams  Emergency Medical Services  Fire Prevention and Investigation 7   Public Education G. Documentation and Records The Company Officers are responsible for completing the training record report for all company training. Whenever required, the Basic Skill sheet and Company Evolution sheet should be utilized for documentation purposes complete with signatures and other needed information. Completed forms will be forwarded through department mail system to the Training Support Division Leader. Documentation of Training - The Company Officer is responsible for ensuring that all training is properly and completely documented in the department training records system (Target Solutions). Individuals attending classes outside of the fire department (i.e. fire officer classes, tactics seminars etc.) are responsible for completing a training report upon returning from the course and notifying their Company Officer that the training has been documented. Training Audits - Battalion Chief of Training/Safety or his designee will provide the Shift Commanders and Company Officers with an audit of the previous quarters training activities within the first seven days of the subsequent quarter. The Shift Commander and Company Officers are responsible for providing records of completion for the training within that period. The instructor of a specific training activity may be responsible for completing any additional training reports or records. H. Chain of Command – Training Conflict Resolution Questions or concerns relating to the in-service training program should follow the proper chain of command as appropriate. All personnel are encouraged to bring forward training issues or concerns. When an issue or concern cannot be resolved at the instructor level the issue will be presented to the Shift Commander with a synopsis of the conflict forwarded to the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety. The Shift Commander and/or Battalion Chief of Training/Safety will work to resolve the conflict. If the Shift Commander and/or the Battalion Chief of Training/Safety cannot satisfactorily resolve the conflict, the HEFD Training Committee will meet to review the issue and offer a resolution. 8 DEFINITIONS Training Requirement Codes: Code Required for these Personnel A All Personnel (Staff, Officers, PM, EMT, FF) B All Officers (Staff, Shift, Company) C All Company Officers / Actors (Company Officers) D All PM & EMT E All PM F All Engineers G All Firefighters H Important – not required (no makeup required) EXCEPTIONS REFERENCES The following represents a partial list of the references that will be used in the development and administration of this training program. These references will also be used in the evaluation process of this program.  HEFD Basic Skills and Company Evolutions Manual  HEFD 12 month Training calendar  HEFD Quarterly Training Schedule  HEFD Compliance Training Checklist  HEFD Apparatus Operator Training and Re-evaluation Program  HEFD Monthly Training Notebook  HEFD Working out of Classification (Officer Development) Program  OSFM Certification Programs Packages for all certification level programs  NFPA 1410  NFPA 1001  NFPA 1500 End of Document 9