Firefighter 1 question

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Permalink Reply by Kevin R. Marlin on August 15, 2009 at 3:39pm

Hey Thomas, I'm not sure about the FF1 text book in the state of New York, but I recently answered your question that was asked by our newest probie by telling him to read the Firefighting Essentials manual (5th ed.) from front to back, then do it again, then read it from back to front. At the least, you'll be prepared for any written tests. Also, being a 40 year old probie myself, I would stress taking your physical fitness to the next level; get out and run, push-ups and sit-ups for beginners, then maybe hittin the weights 3 or 4 times a week. The NFPA is fixin to mandate physical stamina, so turn off the tube, log off the net, and get er done! Good luck to ya!

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Permalink Reply by Thomas McBride on August 15, 2009 at 3:51pm

I believe we are using the Firefighters essentials vol 4. Our training center lets us use them for our classes but need to be returned for future use. As for the physical part I need to work on that some, I have gotten a little soft in the last few years. Thanks for the advice I am working on a workout routine that won't kill me. LOL

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Permalink Reply by Justin on August 16, 2009 at 10:07pm

start working out, especially cardio.

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Permalink Reply by Tiffanie Pettis on August 19, 2009 at 11:54am

EXERCIZE!!!!!! alot!!! make sure that you are in good shape,you will need alot of upper body strength and leg strength as well. start now so that after the first few nights of training you don't wake up the next day and can't move. also make sure you know everything there is to possibly know about your scba and are completely comfortable with it. one other thing is practice donning and doffing (i know it sounds silly but trust me)...other than that just pay attention and use common sence....its a really fun class i had a great time ddn't want it to end, but it is a demending course.

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Permalink Reply by Thomas McBride on August 19, 2009 at 8:51pm

i have fairly good legg and upper body strength, the mid section is a little soft. As for doning and doffing I had to do it in 60 sec. for my scene support class without SCBA. I plan to start practicing with the SCBA at our firehouse as soon as I get rid of this stomach bug that's going around. I was planning on doing basic exercises to get back into it then after maybee strength training depending on what I am lacking.

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Permalink Reply by NewYork Probie on August 19, 2009 at 12:08pm

We take FF1 right away. As far as preparation, other than pre reading before the classes and like everyone said, getting in cardio shape for the hands on I dont think theres much more to do. I dont know how it is everywhere else but here FF1 is just basics, building construction, hose appliances, hazmat, in my opinion its way to much to throw at a probie and I learn a lot more from the hands on in my department, the county classes are just too overwhelming, and its not that Im a bad student, I have a bachelors for petes sake. But yeah, just read and work out and you'll be fine brother.

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Permalink Reply by Thomas McBride on August 19, 2009 at 8:56pm

Thank you for the responce. I should be fine as long as there isn't to much book work. I have a bachelors degree but I hate classroom work. I am going to start basic exercises to get back into it then work my way up from there. I work at a busy full serve gas station and am on my feet for most of 8 hrs there. I can go for a logn time doing things, running is a not my friend, I don't think I have ran since 5th grade when I sustained an injury to my chest. Never went to the nurse but it was hard to run. So I didn't.

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Permalink Reply by David Nelson on October 29, 2009 at 8:37am

There are some flash cards for FF1 and FF2 (I can't remember where I got them look on line) go over your ladders, know your knots. How to hook your ropes to tools. know how many rungs above the roof and the proper angle of your ladder to the building as well as rescue, ventilation and other ladder placements. Oh and take a deep breath and good luck let us know how you do.

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Permalink Reply by Thomas McBride on November 12, 2009 at 2:08pm

Sorry I have taken so long to update everyone. We are one week from our final day at FF1. Rumor has it that some of my instructors and officers at the dept. are impressed with how I am doing in class. I am already looking into other classes to take with Vehicle Extrication, Pump Ops, Safety Officer, and of course FF2 hopefully in the upcomming year if offered in our county. Of corse in house training every week with our members.

I want to thank everyone who offered info and suggestions for me it helped alot.

P.S. our final burn is on the 21st of Nov maybee if someone is taking pics I can get ahold of a few to post here.

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