VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PURPOSE

To establish minimum standards for membership as a District Volunteer Firefighter

SCOPE

The standards established in this policy shall apply to all District volunteer members

AUTHORITY

The minimum entrance qualifications, training, and response standards established in this policy may be modified by the Fire Chief for non-emergency response volunteers involved in fire prevention and/or support activities only.

STANDARDS

Volunteer members assigned to fire prevention and/or support activities will be under the supervision of the appropriate Chief Officer.

Volunteer Recruit Qualifications:

•  At least 18 years of age

•  High School graduation or equivalent GED

•  Valid Oregon driver's license

•  Successful completion of the following screening procedures:

•  Orientation Training

•  Physical agility assessment

•  Drug screen

•  Criminal and driving background check

Initial Training Requirements:

•  Firefighter Academy

•  Hazardous Materials Awareness Level certification

•  Infectious Disease and Control certification (prior to any medical response)

•  Volunteers may request arrangements and payment for testing / injections  needed for enrollment into an EMT certification class. EMT class costs are the responsibility of the Volunteer. The District will reimburse the Volunteer for one-half of the class cost upon successful EMT class completion, and the second half following six (6) months of satisfactory service to the District.

•  Basic CPR certification

•  Complete the Volunteer task book assigned by the Training Chief.

Ongoing Training Requirements:

•  Annual certification of the following subject:

•  Hazardous Materials (Awareness Level)

•  Infectious Disease and Control

•  CPR

•  All related mandated training. (Local, State & Federal)

•  Driver (practical experience / proficiency)

•  Pump Operator (practical experience / proficiency)

•  Must attend a minimum of two (2) station drills, or one (1) station drill, and one (1) company training exercise each month. Volunteers will have at least four (4) opportunities to meet drill requirements each month, and on-duty Captains offer training opportunities daily, upon request. A minimum of six drills / company training exercises are required each quarter.

•  Training will be centered on the operational objectives identified by the Operations Chief with successful completion of periodic evaluations. Training received on a shift, while in on-duty status, can be substituted for training at drills and / or multi-company training exercises.

•  Special training will be arranged / scheduled by the Training Chief.

•  Volunteer Member participation will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Prior to the end of each quarter, volunteers not meeting, or anticipated to not meet quarterly drill / response requirements will be contacted by the Volunteer Program Coordinator who will assist in arranging make-up training, or a leave of absence. Volunteer members who are consistently unable to comply with District training and/or response standards will be dismissed.

Alarm Response Requirements:

Volunteer members are expected to respond to calls when they are available, with a minimum response requirement of five (5) per month. If the minimum response cannot be met, arrangements for an on-duty shift may be considered as an alternative, if in accordance with activity objectives agreed upon between the individual member, Fire Captain, Volunteer Program Coordinator and the Operations Chief.

•  The Hepatitis Vaccine Series must be initiated before a member may participate in patient care activities that require patient contact.

•  A volunteer must be a member for at least three (3) months before the Hep Vac series will be initiated.

•  A specific waiver can be signed and approved by the District.

Leaves of Absence:

•  Volunteer members who will be unable to comply with District training and/or response standards for a three (3) month period (quarter) or longer may apply for a leave of absence. Leaves of absence will be granted on an individual basis at the discretion of the Volunteer Program Coordinator / Operations Chief. Individuals may be required to meet specified conditions and/or additional training prior to returning to active duty. All District issued equipment/uniforms shall be returned during the leave of absence.

•  Volunteer members who are temporarily unable to participate due to personal injury or sickness shall immediately notify the business office.

•  A doctor's written release must be submitted to the business office before returning to duty in either a full or light duty capacity. Any light duty assignment requires approval by the Volunteer Program Coordinator / Operations Chief.

Communications:

•  When other / non-departmental activities prevent / conflict with / interfere with pre-planned or expected departmental obligations, commitments, or activities, every reasonable effort should be made to communicate with / notify his or her Volunteer Captain, or Volunteer Program Coordinator.

•  These minimum standards may be modified by the Operations Chief based on an individual's previous experience and training.

•  Volunteer members are expected to notify the District within 48 hours of personal information changes.

a)   Address change

b)   Phone contact number changes

c)   Emergency contact name changes

d)   Beneficiary name change