Explorer Post #981

Ce-Bar VFD

Fire Service Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years of age, or 15 years of age but have not yet reached their 21st birthday. However when you have reached your 18^th birthday you may become a volunteer at Ce-Bar VFD.

Ce-Bar VFD Post #981 helps youth gain insight into a variety of programs that offer hands-on career activities. For young men and women who are interested in careers in the field of fire service, Exploring offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth.

We meet on Most Sundays at 3pm-5pm, however school work comes first. Explorers must maintain a passing grade in all classes to participate.

Several of the graduates of the exploring program are now working toward employment as Firefighters and EMT’s.

If you or your child is interested please come see us. Ce-Bar VFD @ 353 S. Commons Ford RD (corner of Cuernavaca and Commons Ford)

Or Email to:

Kevin Coles Eng/EMT-I

To apply send and e-mail to the advisor. Be sure to include name, address, grade, extra-ciricular activities your are currently involved in, and any scouting experience.

Adult’s wanting to participate are welcome, and as always Volunteers are needed.

Program Benefits

Local, area, regional, and national conferences, competitions, and academies such as the National Fire/Emergency Services Conference, all with support from the U.S. Fire Administration, National Volunteer Fire Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and F.E.M.A.

Training for adults and youth leadership including workshops
Character Development Program enhancements
Youth Protection Guidelines
Yearly review of national safety policies
Scholarships
Awards and recognition for leadership

Career Achievement Awards: Fire and Emergency Services

Explorers or Learning for Life participants can earn a Career Achievement Award in one or all of the 12 career clusters. To earn a Career Achievement Award, the candidate must provide 50 hours of community service and complete any nine career achievements. The Explorer post Advisor or adult high school Learning for Life group leader certifies that each Explorer or Learning for Life participant has satisfactorily performed 50 hours of community service and verifies that each candidate has completed at least nine achievements within the career cluster.

Fire and Emergency Services Achievements

1.	a.	Learn the basic chemistry of fire.
	b.	Diagram the fire triangle and tetrahedron using simple visual aids.
	c.	Explain the different products of combustion.
	d.	Define the three physical stages of matter in which fuels are commonly found.
	e.	Explain the differences between the characteristics and ease of ignition.
	f.	Make a tabletop display or presentation for your post, another post, your group, or another community group.
2.	a.	Visit our local emergency communications center.
	b.	Discuss the operations and career opportunities.
3.	a.	Demonstrate to a group the three physical stages of matter using a spray bottle or aerosol can, a wooden block, and fuel oil.
	b.	Identify three products of combustion commonly found in structural fires that create a similar hazard.
4.	a.	Share with others the different classifications of portable fire extinguishers and the fuels they are able to extinguish.
	b.	Demonstrate that you know how to properly and safely use a portable fire extinguisher.
5.	a.	Identify different types of approved personal protective equipment that firefighters wear.
	b.	Make a tabletop display for or presentation to a group on the various components of personal bunker gear—what each component's function is, and how to properly maintain it.
	c.	Demonstrate the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus.
6.	Learn and then teach someone else how to use and tie service knots: a bowline, a clove hitch, a figure eight on a bight, a becket or sheet bend, an overhand safety knot, and a half hitch.
7.	Complete the American Red Cross Emergency Response or Emergency (EMT-B) Medical Technicians Basic Course.
8.	a.	Learn how to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory tract from the environment.
	b.	Identify and explain three personal preparations rescuers are required to make to avoid physical threats to rescue operations and to increase the chances of rescuer survival.
	c.	Know the proper clothing, headgear, and footwear for search and rescue.
9.	a.	Learn the proper use of shelter and lighting for the most effective search-and-rescue environment.
	b.	Know how the environment can influence a search and components of a rescue.
	c.	Learn about and describe the initial actions for any rescue situation.
10.	Participate in a mock disaster.
11.	Attend a regional or national emergency services conference.
12.	Participate in an actual or practice search-and-rescue operation.
13.	Learn about and demonstrate the proper way to use and maintain fire hoses and ladders.
14.	Tenure—Awarded to those Explorers who complete one year of satisfactory service to the post.

Fire and Emergency Services Exploring: Safety Issues

There are some issues and hazards specific to Fire and Emergency Services Explorer programs that must be considered when organizing a post. These issues are fairly unique compared with other types of Explorer posts, being a direct result of the post's affiliation with the department and the potential for hazards.

Before engaging in any training activity or direct operational activities with the department, Exploring and/or department officials should investigate the legalities of Explorers participating in such activities. Most states have child labor laws that define what minors under the age of 18 may and may not participate in. Even though the individual may not be an actual member or employee of the department, these regulations may still apply. The following is a general list of guidelines that should be used for the formation of a post Explorer safety policy. As with any program, extremes of temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions should be considered during any activity.

One issue that requires particular attention is what the Fire and Emergency Services Explorer will be allowed to do at the emergency scene. Many departments allow Explorers to respond on the apparatus with trained personnel. A solid policy must be established as to what the Explorer may and may not do once he or she arrives on the scene.

All policies must fit with departmental regulations, Learning for Life regulations, and state laws. All of these issues should be resolved in the post bylaws before Fire and Emergency Services Explorer activities begin. If you have any questions about the safety of an activity not listed, contact your local Learning for Life office.

Explorers may not be substituted for trained personnel.
Explorers must be equipped with personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the activity being done.
Explorers may be mobilized only as a post, with required leadership. Explorers are not on call as individuals.
Explorers who ride on apparatus or other department vehicles must be seated and must wear a seat belt.
Explorers may not drive department vehicles.
Explorers may not climb aerial ladders.
Explorers may not climb ground ladders that exceed 35 feet in length, or not supported against a structure.
Explorers may not enter or perform ventilation procedures on a burning structure.
Explorers may not use any tools or gloves on energized electrical equipment.
Explorers may not operate cutting torches
Explorers may not operate hydraulic rescue tools or equipment.
Explorers may not handle life nets.
Exceptions: Using an official training facility, the use of aerial ladders with the appropriate safety equipment, and entering a controlled burn building is approved.

Scholarships

IAFCF Scholarship (Fire Service, $500)

The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation coordinates a yearly $500 scholarship program to assist Explorers in pursuing a career in the fire sciences.

Resources

(A majority of this information is taken directly from http://www.learning-for-life.org/ and is intended for information only. Clicking on links will redirect you.)