Driver/Operators

Every year fire and rescue personnel are injured and many lose their lives due to emergency response-related motor vehicle accidents. The training modules of the driver/operator program are intended to prepare students for for the safe operation of emergency vehicles including pumpers, tankers, and aerial apparatus. The program also includes courses on fireground hydraulics and fire protection system support operations.

EVOC

The Emergency Vehicle Operator Course or EVOC uses a curriculum developed by the United States Fire Administration and VFIS. The program includes principles of safe emergency response, firefighter injury and fatality data related to traffic accidents, liability protection, personnel selection, response policies and procedures, vehicle dynamics, vehicle inspection, and vehicle maintenance issues. Practical driving competency course includes eight maneuvering exercises.
Pre-requisites and requirements:
• Meet Maine worker's compensation rules
• Possess a valid Maine driver's license.
• Have fire chief's permission to drive apparatus.
• VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver Training Program Student Manual.

Pumps-I (Basic)

Covers the principles of hydraulics and operation of fire department pumpers. Practical exercises limit student operators to moving no more than 500 GPM of water. Exercises also include positioning apparatus, drafting, tank pumping, hydrant pumping, and setting of pressure control devices. The course includes both classroom and practical exercises.
Pre-requisites and requirements:
• Meet Maine worker's compensation rules
• Possess a valid Maine driver's license.
• Have fire chief's permission to drive apparatus.
• IFSTA Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook (1st ed.).
• MFTE Pumps-I Student Manual (1997 ed.)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required.

Pumps-II (Advanced)

This course is designed to prepare pump operators for moving large volumes of water. Large diameter hose (LDH) and master stream devices will be used extensively. Topics covered include: terminology, advanced hydraulics, maximizing available water from a hydrants, pumping to aerials, drafting, relay operations, and service testing to NFPA standards.
Pre-requisites and requirements:
• Meet Maine worker's compensation rules
• Possess a valid Maine driver's license.
• Have fire chief's permission to drive apparatus.
• Documentation of successful completion of a basic pumps course.
• IFSTA Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook (1st ed.).
• MFTE Pumps-I Student Manual (1997 ed.)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required.

Water Supply Methods

Course covers large diameter hose (LDH), tanker-shuttle operations, and water supply limitations. Practical applications include relay pumping, rural-hitch, and tanker shuttles. PPE is required.

Fire Protection System Support Operations

Covers the principles and methods of supplying sprinkler and standpipe systems, calculating required GPM and pump discharge pressure. Practical applications utilize simulated fire protection systems. PPE required.

Hydraulics

Includes basic math refresher, terminology, principles of fluid movement, hydraulic calculations, and problem-solving.

Pumper Maintenance & Service Testing

Covers system checks and maintenance, documentation, pumper acceptance testing, and annual service according to NFPA standards. PPE required.

Aerial Apparatus Operations

This course is customized for the community's specific needs in terms of available apparatus and community characteristics. The course may range from 16 to 24 hours and covers: safety issues, driver-operator roles and responsibilities, aerial capabilities and limitations, SOG's, operational checks and maintenance, and engine and ladder company coordination. Practical evolutions include: response, spotting, set-up, rescue, and elevated master stream operations.
Pre-requisites and requirements:
• Meet Maine worker's compensation rules
• Possess a valid Maine driver's license.
• Have fire chief's permission to drive apparatus.
• Manufacturer's owner manuals for apparatus used.
• MFTE Aerial Apparatus Student Manual (1997 ed.)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required.
• Also recommended is the IFSTA Aerial Apparatus Handbook (1st ed.).