Firefighter I Training Curriculum

28 modules mapped to the NHFSTC NFPA 1001 (2019) Firefighter I standards

Duration

~30 weeks
September through May

Schedule

Sundays
2:00 - 6:00 PM

Location

Plaistow Fire Dept
27 Elm Street

Textbook

Fire Engineering's Handbook (2019)

Online

NH Fire Academy Portal
nhfaemslearning.org

Phase 1 Foundation & Safety

Module Overview

Introduction to the fire service, department organization, roles and responsibilities, chain of command, and professional ethics. Students learn about the history and traditions of the fire service and their role within it.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Fire Service Orientation Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3
NVFC Core Competencies
Leadership, Teamwork, Work Ethic and Department Values, Department Organization and Duties
Practical Skills
Station tour and equipment familiarization, introduction to apparatus and tools, basic radio protocol demonstration, team-building exercises
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 1-2

Module Overview

Fire service traditions, historical development, major incidents that shaped modern firefighting, and the evolution of fire protection standards and technology.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Fire History Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3
NVFC Core Competencies
Fire Prevention and Safety Outreach, Department Organization and Duties
Delivery
Online module — self-paced completion

Module Overview

Physical fitness for firefighting, nutrition, stress management, cardiovascular health, and functional fitness. Includes baseline fitness assessment and work capacity evaluation.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Health and Wellness Online
Stress in the Emergency Services (supplemental)
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.1 General Knowledge Requirements
NVFC Core Competencies
Leading a Healthy and Safe Lifestyle
Practical Skills (8 hrs)
Pre-participation screening (PAR-Q, vitals), fitness assessment (body composition, grip test, endurance, aerobic capacity, flexibility), functional work capacity circuit (hose drag, equipment carry, stair step, rescue drag), recovery techniques
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 2

Module Overview

ECSI Standard First Aid certification course including CPR, AED, bleeding control, bandaging, splinting, shock management, and patient assessment. Leads to certification.

NHFA Online Module
ECSI First Aid Practical (separate certification through ECSI)
NFPA 1001 JPRs
1.3.1 (Prerequisite for certification testing)
NVFC Core Competencies
First Aid
Practical Skills
CPR/AED on all ages, bleeding control and bandaging, splinting, recovery position, patient assessment, shock management, Epi-Pen administration
Certification Earned
ECSI First Aid & CPR/BLS Certification

Module Overview

Safety culture, risk management, personal accountability, situational awareness, and LODD (Line of Duty Death) case study analysis. Includes review of NIOSH firefighter fatality reports.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Firefighter Safety Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3
NVFC Core Competencies
Responsibility, Accountability and Emergency Evacuation
Delivery
Online module — self-paced completion

Module Overview

Firefighter cancer risks, exposure prevention, decontamination procedures, and protective measures. Understanding the link between firefighting exposures and occupational cancer.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Cancer Awareness Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.1 General Knowledge Requirements
NVFC Core Competencies
Leading a Healthy and Safe Lifestyle
Delivery
1 hour classroom + online module

Phase 2 Core Equipment & Skills

Module Overview

Personal protective equipment selection, donning and doffing, SCBA operations, air management, emergency procedures, and equipment maintenance. This module may span multiple sessions due to the depth of practical skills required.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - PPE & SCBA Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.2 Safety, 4.3.1 PPE, 4.5.1 SCBA Operations
NVFC Core Competencies
Donning Personal Protective Equipment, Donning SCBA and Proper Usage, Equipment
Practical Skills (Lab 2 hrs + Practical 6 hrs)
PPE inspection and identification, donning/doffing PPE (under 60 seconds), donning/doffing SCBA (over-the-head and coat methods, seated and standing), mask donning/doffing, cylinder replacement, cascade system overview, emergency procedures (mask failure, low/no air, pack failure), claustrophobia and endurance evaluation, air consumption monitoring
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapters 9-10

Module Overview

Radio operation, dispatch procedures, emergency traffic protocols, personnel accountability systems, and fireground communications. Career dispatchers assist with instruction in this module.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Communications Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.2, 4.2.1-4.2.4, 4.3.5
NVFC Core Competencies
Fire Department Communications, Teamwork
Practical Skills (2 hrs)
Portable radio operation scenarios, emergency/non-emergency call processing, evacuation signal recognition, personnel accountability system demonstration, multi-unit coordination exercises
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 4; FEMA ICS-100 prerequisite

Module Overview

Fire chemistry, combustion process, heat transfer, stages of fire development (incipient, growth, fully developed, decay), flashover, rollover, and smoke reading. Includes flashover container demonstrations.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Fire Behavior Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.11
NVFC Core Competencies
Fire Behavior
Practical Skills (4 hrs)
Fire triangle demonstration, fuel classification and identification, flashover container observation (rollover, flame over, smoke reading, flow paths, ventilation effects), doll house exterior fire behavior demonstration
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 5

Module Overview

Five types of building construction, collapse indicators, fire spread prediction, and utility identification and control (LPG, natural gas, electrical, water, photovoltaic systems). Includes field trips to identify local construction types.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Building Construction Online
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Utilities Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.10
NVFC Core Competencies
Equipment, Responsibility
Practical Skills (4 hrs)
Construction type identification (field walk), collapse indicator recognition, fire spread prediction exercises, utility identification and safe shutdown procedures (LPG, natural gas, electrical with generator backup, water, photovoltaic), air monitoring device scenarios
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 7

Module Overview

Fire classification (A, B, C, D, K), extinguisher types and selection, inspection and maintenance, PASS technique, and air pressurized water (APW) extinguisher operation.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Portable Extinguishers Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.16; NFPA 10
NVFC Core Competencies
Portable Extinguishers
Practical Skills (4 hrs)
Extinguisher type identification and selection, PASS technique on live Class B fire (bullex propane prop), inspection procedures and labeling, APW operation and charging
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 5

Module Overview

Firefighting tool identification and proper use, including hand tools (halligan bars, axes, pike poles), power tools, and thermal imaging cameras. Equipment maintenance and safe carrying procedures.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Tools and Equipment Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.11; 4.3.12; 4.3.14; 4.3.21; 4.5.1
NVFC Core Competencies
Equipment, Responsibility, Work Ethic and Department Values
Practical Skills (4 hrs)
Tool identification and apparatus location, proper carrying techniques, TIC operation (hot/cold item identification in dark rooms), power tool operation, equipment tarp setup, tool maintenance and cleaning procedures
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 11

Phase 3 Technical Operations

Module Overview

Rope types, inspection, essential knots (bowline, clove hitch, figure-eight, becket bend), hoisting procedures, mechanical advantage systems, and basic rope rescue concepts. This module may span multiple sessions.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Ropes & Knots Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.2; 4.3.20; 4.5.1
NVFC Core Competencies
Ropes and Knots
Practical Skills (8 hrs)
Rope inspection and care, essential knot tying (bowline, clove hitch, figure-eight, becket bend), hoisting equipment (axes, pike poles, ladders), complex hoisting operations, mechanical advantage systems
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 8

Module Overview

Forcible entry tools and techniques for inward and outward-swinging doors, window entry, and through-the-lock methods. Includes K-tool, A-tool, and power saw operations.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Forcible Entry Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.4; 4.3.9
NVFC Core Competencies
Forcible Entry, Teamwork
Practical Skills (4 hrs)
Inward/outward door forcing, halligan bar/flat-head axe technique, window entry methods, K-tool and A-tool operations, power saw use, door control procedures
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 6

Module Overview

Ground ladder selection, carries, raises, positioning, climbing, and working from ladders. Includes victim removal via ladder and multi-ladder operations. This module spans multiple sessions due to the extensive practical requirements (16 hrs).

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Ladder Operations Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.6; 4.3.9; 4.3.10; 4.3.11; 4.3.12; 4.5.1
NVFC Core Competencies
Ladders, Teamwork, Leadership
Practical Skills (16 hrs)
Single and team carries, ground ladder raising and extension, proper climbing technique, ladder inspection, working from ladders, victim removal from upper floors, multi-ladder operations and positioning, comprehensive proficiency assessment
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 11

Module Overview

Primary and secondary search patterns, victim location and removal, search rope deployment, zero-visibility operations, thermal imaging, and multi-floor search coordination. This module spans multiple sessions.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Search & Rescue Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.9
NVFC Core Competencies
Search and Rescue, Teamwork, Fire Department Communications
Practical Skills (8 hrs)
Primary and secondary search patterns, search rope deployment, victim carries and drags, zero-visibility navigation (blackout masks), TIC-assisted search operations, multi-floor search coordination, victim packaging and removal
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook (integrated chapters)

Module Overview

Horizontal, vertical, and mechanical (PPV) ventilation methods, coordination with interior operations, and safety considerations. Includes positive pressure fan operations and air monitoring.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Ventilation Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.11; 4.3.12; 4.5.1
NVFC Core Competencies
Ventilation, Teamwork
Practical Skills (4 hrs)
Window and door ventilation techniques, PPV fan positioning and operation, door seal verification, compartmentalization procedures, coordination with attack teams, post-ventilation air monitoring
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 11

Module Overview

Self-rescue techniques, MAYDAY procedures, RIT/FAST operations, window bailout systems, and stress management. This module spans multiple sessions.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Firefighter Survival Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.2.4; 4.3.5
NVFC Core Competencies
Accountability and Emergency Evacuation
Practical Skills (8 hrs)
MAYDAY declaration and procedures, self-rescue techniques (wall breach, window bailout), RIT/FAST team deployment, firefighter rescue and packaging, entanglement escape, low-profile maneuvers, stress management and decision-making under pressure
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 8

Phase 4 Suppression & Water

Module Overview

Hydrant operations, supply hose deployment, large diameter hose (LDH), relay pumping, and alternative water sources. Understanding municipal and rural water supply systems.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Water Supply Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.15
NVFC Core Competencies
Water Supply Operations, Teamwork
Practical Skills (4 hrs)
Hydrant connection and operation, supply hose deployment, LDH operations, relay pumping setup, alternative water source identification, pump operations familiarization
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapter 12

Module Overview

Attack line selection and deployment, hose loads (flat, minuteman, preconnect), nozzle operations, fire attack tactics (direct, indirect, transitional), and multi-line coordination. This is the largest practical module, spanning multiple sessions.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Fire Attack and Hose Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.7; 4.3.8; 4.3.10
NVFC Core Competencies
Hoses and Nozzles, Leadership, Teamwork
Practical Skills (Lab 4 hrs + Practical 28 hrs)
Hose coupling/uncoupling, hose loads (flat, triple lay, minuteman, preconnect), attack line deployment and advancement, nozzle operations (fog, smoothbore), master stream deployment, foam operations (roll-on, bank, rain-down), fire attack scenarios (direct, indirect, transitional), multi-line coordination, fire ground positioning, crew-level suppression exercises
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapters 12-13

Module Overview

Property conservation techniques, salvage cover deployment, overhaul procedures, detecting hidden fire, and post-fire scene preservation for investigation.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Salvage & Overhaul Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.13; 4.3.14; 4.3.17; 4.3.21; 4.5.1
NVFC Core Competencies
Equipment, Work Ethic and Department Values, Teamwork
Practical Skills (4 hrs)
Salvage cover deployment and folding, property protection techniques, overhaul procedures (pulling ceilings, opening walls), detecting hidden fire with TIC, evidence preservation
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook (post-fire operations chapters)

Module Overview

On-scene rehabilitation procedures, medical monitoring during training and operations, hydration, vital signs assessment, and canteen/rehab station setup in accordance with NFPA standards.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Firefighter Rehab Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3
NVFC Core Competencies
Rehabilitation, Leading a Healthy and Safe Lifestyle
Practical Skills (Integrated throughout program)
Rehab station setup (canopy, cooling, misting, hydration), vital signs monitoring (BP, pulse, SpO2, temp), medical monitoring protocols during training evolutions, air pack refill procedures, tool cleaning and staging
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook (health and wellness sections)

Module Overview

Integrated fire suppression operations combining all previous skills — entry, attack, search, ventilation, and water supply — into coordinated scenario-based training. Spans multiple sessions.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Fire Suppression Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.3; 4.3.7; 4.3.8; 4.3.10
NVFC Core Competencies
Hoses and Nozzles, Leadership, Teamwork
Practical Skills (16 hrs)
Integrated suppression operations (entry, attack, search, ventilation), ICS application on the fireground, personnel accountability, defensive operations, transitional attack procedures, crew management and communication, multi-company scenario exercises
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook, Chapters 12-13 (comprehensive)

Phase 5 Specialized Operations

Module Overview

Hazardous materials recognition, identification (placards, labels, SDS, ERG), notification procedures, and scene isolation. Awareness-level response for first responders.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - HazMat Awareness
NFPA 1001 JPRs
NFPA 472 Awareness Level
NVFC Core Competencies
Responsibility
Practical Skills (8 hrs)
Placard and label identification, ERG usage exercises, SDS interpretation, scene isolation and notification procedures, hazmat scenario recognition
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook (HazMat chapters)

Module Overview

Operations-level hazmat response including PPE selection for chemical environments, decontamination procedures, and product control techniques (absorption, damming, diking, dilution).

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - HazMat Operations with PPE and Product Control
NFPA 1001 JPRs
NFPA 472 Operations Level
NVFC Core Competencies
Equipment, Teamwork
Practical Skills (8 hrs)
Chemical PPE donning/doffing, decontamination corridor setup, absorption and damming techniques, diking and dilution procedures, product control scenarios
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook (HazMat chapters)

Module Overview

Wildland fire operations, hand tools, fire line construction, hose lay techniques, LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, Safety zones), and weather considerations for wildland fire.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Forestry Online
NFPA 1001 JPRs
NFPA 1051
NVFC Core Competencies
Teamwork
Practical Skills (9 hrs practical + 3 hrs online)
Wildland hand tool identification and use, fire line construction, progressive hose lay, LCES safety protocol application, map reading and terrain assessment, wildland fire scenario exercises
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook (wildland chapter)

Module Overview

First responder duties at roadway incidents, traffic control procedures, proper safety vest usage, flare and cone deployment, and scene safety in accordance with DOT guidelines.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Traffic Incident Management (TIMS)
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.1.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3
NVFC Core Competencies
Traffic Control
Practical Skills (Included)
Safety vest usage, traffic cone and flare deployment patterns, scene safety assessment, vehicle positioning for traffic control, coordination with law enforcement
Textbook
MUTCD and TIMS guidelines

Module Overview

Multi-gas detector operation, atmospheric monitoring procedures, interpreting readings, alarm thresholds, and air monitoring during overhaul and post-ventilation operations.

NHFA Online Module
Firefighter I 1001.2019 - Air Monitoring
NFPA 1001 JPRs
4.3.21
NVFC Core Competencies
Equipment
Practical Skills (Included)
Multi-gas detector operation and calibration, atmospheric monitoring scenarios, alarm threshold recognition, monitoring during overhaul operations, documentation procedures
Textbook
Fire Engineering's Handbook (integrated references)

Certifications & Documentation Earned

ECSI First Aid

Certification

CPR / BLS

Certification

NVFC Core Competencies

Documentation

NFPA 1001 Training Records

Documentation

NHFA Module Completion

Certificates

Advancement Pathways

A clear pipeline from training to career

Foundation Program

Current
  • ~30-week FF I curriculum
  • Open to all ages 14-18
  • ECSI First Aid & CPR/BLS
  • ELO credits available

OMT Certification

Coming Soon
  • Ages 16+ who completed Foundation
  • Weeknight skills verification
  • NH Firefighter I certification via FSTEMS

LRCC Fire Science

College Pathway
  • Fire Science degree program
  • Live-in at local departments
  • PJFF graduates enrolled

Full-Time Firefighter

Career
  • Career or volunteer firefighter
  • Several PJFF graduates are now full-time firefighters
Foundation OMT Certification LRCC Fire Science Full-Time Firefighter