Hands on Training Details

Lithium Ion Battery Fires Response (1-day)

The Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Response course covers several types of batteries and modules, and students will delve into the mitigation concerns and techniques when fires occur. Throughout the course, you will witness demonstrations of lithium-ion battery fires and learn about different techniques of extinguishment. We will also address contamination problems and cancer concerns in the fire service and demonstrate different real-world techniques that can help limit and mitigate these contamination hazards. The goal is to provide students with a better understanding of lithium-ion battery applications, fire mitigation techniques, and a general understanding of the cancer problem in the fire service, along with ways to reduce contamination. We will also present up-to-date and ongoing research on lithium-ion battery incidents and how they relate to our protective clothing. 

Lead Instructor: Webster Marshal

January 20 , 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: AM – Doubletree Hotel, PM – SC Fire Academy

PPE:  Shorts, sleeveless shirt and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Prerequisites: None

Hand in Hand Engine School (3-day)

The Hand in Hand Engine School is dedicated to exploring all aspects related to engine operations. Paying homage in its name to the first organized engine company in the Palmetto State, this course delves deep into the stretch, the advance, water application, equipment specification, pumping, hydrant, and drafting approaches, and even victim rescue. Led by some of the foremost engine experts in the country, this course is an exceptional opportunity for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of engine operations. 

Lead Instructor: Jonah Smith

January 18-20, 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: Lexington County Training Center  

PPE: Full Structural PPE Required to include SCBA. Shorts, sleeveless shirt and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Pre-Requisites: Firefighter I

Truck School (3-day)

Columbia Fire boasts one of the strongest truck cultures in the Southeast and their internal Truck School is impressive. The program, taught by the Columbia Truck School cadre, will be held at the Columbia Fire training facility fully equipped with specialized props. This hands-on program offers the chance to either refine existing skills or acquire new and efficient ones. 

 The Truck School covers a range of topics, including the maintenance, operations, and troubleshooting of all types of saws. It also provides training in vertical ventilation for both flat and pitched roofs, building construction, and forcible entry for conventional (door prop), locks/chains, garage doors, and window bars. Additionally, participants will develop search and VES skills, including victim removals. This class is essential for firefighters who provide fireground support and truck operations. 

Lead Instructor: Blake Cartee

January 18-20, 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: Columbia Fire Training

PPE: Full Structural PPE Required to include SCBA.  Shorts, sleeveless shirt and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Pre-Requisites: Firefighter I

The Effective Command Process: Practical Incident Command (3-day)

Having a strong command presence is crucial for ensuring the safety of your team and the success of any mission. Effective Command offers a comprehensive program to help you develop and refine your skills in managing NIMS Type 4 and 5 events. In this course, trade in the intimidating and overwhelming “Command Organizational Structure” for a more practical approach to command that ensures accountability and safety. Do not wait to develop the strong command presence that your firefighters crave and rely on – prepare today for tomorrow. 

Lead Instructor: Nicholas Ray

January 18-20, 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: DoubleTree Hotel (2100 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210)

PPE: None 

Pre-Requisites: The only requirement that we suggest would be those members enrolling in the program be in a position within their department to command incidents within your department. We are teaching members to command fires from a command post that is isolated from the tactical and task engagements on the fire scene. Typically, this would involve members from the rank of Lieutenant and above.

Hook up and Stretch: High-Rise and Mid-Rise Operations HOT  (2-day)

High-rise and mid-rise standpipe operations are complex and challenging fire ground operations that require a different set of tactics and assignments than residential structure fires. To successfully handle such incidents, it is important to have a solid understanding of the basic first due tactics and assignments. Basic standpipe operations are an important part of high-rise and mid-rise firefighting, but it is also important to be prepared for standpipe failures. In such cases, we must be trained to manage the situation effectively, and to deploy alternative water supply sources. 

 High-rise and mid-rise case studies are an important part of training before going into the field. These case studies will provide valuable insights into the challenges and solutions that are associated with high-rise and mid-rise incidents. 

 The hands-on portion of Hook Up and Stretch provides students with practical skills for high-rise and mid-rise firefighting. This includes skills such as hooking up to the standpipe, moving and flowing water, deploying various high-rise packs, creating a standpipe, and the role of support companies on high-rise fires. 

Lead Instructor: Micah Rains

January 18-19, 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: SC Fire Academy

PPE: Full Structural PPE Required to include SCBA.  Shorts, sleeveless shirt and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Pre-Requisites: Firefighter I

Grain Bin Rescue (2-day)

Grain Bin Rescue, taught by the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TARS), is for emergency responders who may be called to rescue someone trapped in a grain bin or at a grain handling or storage facility. Grain bin accidents can be incredibly dangerous if not approached with the proper training and equipment. This course is designed to provide emergency responders with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out a safe and effective rescue operation. Students will learn about the various types of grain bins and the hazards associated with them, as well as the proper use of equipment such as harnesses, ropes, and ventilation systems, and tips on locating, securing, and moving the victim. Additionally, the course covers topics such as teamwork, communication, and incident command, all of which are essential factors in a successful rescue operation. By taking the Grain Bin Rescue course, emergency responders will be better equipped to handle the unique challenges of grain bin rescues and will be able to provide a safer and more effective response to those in need. 

Lead Instructor: Brian Roberson

January 18-19, 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: Ridge Spring Fire Department (201 Green St, Ridge Spring, SC 29129)

PPE: All students participating are required to wear appropriate PPE for technical rescue including head, eye, hand and foot protection and appropriate coveralls or structural turnout gear.  Shorts, sleeveless shirts and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Pre-Requisites: None

Basic Shoring for the Initial Engine Company (2-day)

Many times, Fire Departments are dispatched to car vs building or simply, an MVA and arrive to find it in or against a structure. Our first thoughts immediately go to the patient and scene stabilization. When doing so, we have to ensure the entire scene is stabilized for safety to operate and prevent any further harm. Shoring in many cases, is thought of in large scale disasters or building collapse incidents. Shoring can benefit the everyday emergency scene with proper knowledge. In this class, we’ll complete scene size up considerations pertaining to shoring operations, go through various ways to perform simple shoring measures to render your scene safe. Many times, these scenes can expand into a larger operation utilizing a US&R resource however, there are some things that the local Engine Company, Ladder, or Rescue can accomplish to stabilize smaller scale scenes. The SC US&R System will teach shoring operations, discuss and train on various pieces of equipment, and conduct a hands on class. This class will be 90% or greater hands on in order for the student to maximize their time on tool experience.

Lead Instructor: Chad Beam

January 18-19 , 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: SC Fire Academy

PPE: NFPA approved structural firefighting gear or extrication jumpsuit / technical rescue gear, helmet, secondary eye protection, leather type gloves or extrication type gloves, hard sole shoes preferably steel toe or any NFPA approved type boot.  Shorts, sleeveless shirts and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Pre-Requisites: Firefighter II

Winning on the Fireground: Limited Staffing (2-day)

The public expects excellence from firefighters, regardless of the level of staffing. Firefighters must be trained and prepared to win on the fireground even with limited staffing. The Winning on the Fireground: Limited Staffing course is designed to focus on task level skills that are routinely expected to be accomplished with staff as limited as a single member. The class structure allows students to rotate through 12 skill stations that will challenge them and provide them with techniques to ensure success when lives are on the line and no help is coming. The skills covered in the class include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), stretching attack lines, conducting searches, using ground ladders, moving and removing victims, forcible entry, engineer considerations, and even combative command for the company officer. The class is suitable for all members of the fire service, including those who run with better than average manpower.  

 On the last afternoon of the class, students will be challenged with reality-based scenarios that simulate actual fireground situations, where people are trapped and limited help is available. This will allow participants to put their newly acquired skills to the test in a controlled environment, giving them valuable experience that they can draw upon when responding to real-life incidents. 

 All participants will gain confidence throughout the training and will be equipped with the necessary skills to operate at their best, even in the most challenging situations. 

Lead Instructor: Michael Dozier

January 20-21, 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: SC Fire Academy

PPE: Full Structural PPE Required to include SCBA.  Shorts, sleeveless shirt and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Pre-Requisites: Firefighter I

Make The Grab: Creating Aggressive Search Culture (2-day)

One of the top priorities during fire emergencies must be aggressive search. Firefighters and company officers have a duty to enter the premises, conduct a thorough search, rescue the victim, and ensure their safety. While the topic of searching is a hot topic, training on how to search effectively is limited. This class delves into tactics and search methods that can improve speed and efficiency on the fire ground. Topics include victim drags, carries, and other removal techniques that are not typically covered in training. Additional skills covered include large area search, ground ladders, oriented search, VES, locating victims with the TIC, and searching with the water can. This class goes beyond the basics and emphasizes how the fire service can uphold its oath to prioritize saving lives and search with a sense of purpose. 

Lead Instructor: Micah Rains

January 20-21, 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: SC Fire Academy

PPE: Full Structural PPE Required to include SCBA.  Shorts, sleeveless shirt and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Pre-Requisites: Firefighter I

National FARMEDIC Rescue (2-day)

The National FARMEDIC program is a two-day course designed to educate students on the hazards associated with incidents at agricultural operations. The course begins with a general discussion of farms and ag operations, followed by a review of their associated hazards. After establishing a basic understanding of ag operations, the course focus shifts to specific processes that are likely to be found in the student’s area. In the final phase of the course, participants are trained on technical rescue in an agricultural setting, including strategies and tactics for rescuing and treating victims of agricultural incidents. During the practical skills sessions, students learn how to rescue simulated victims from various scenarios, such as tractor run-over and roll-over incidents, as well as entanglements in agricultural machinery and implements. FARMEDIC is an essential step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in the agricultural sector and firefighters whose coverage area includes farmland. 

Lead Instructor: David Dennison

January 20-21 , 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: Day 1 (AM) Lexington County Training Center (436 Ball Park Road Lexington, SC 29072, Day 1 PM & Day 2 – WP Rawl (3215 Augusta Hwy, Gilbert)

PPE: All students participating are required wear appropriate PPE for technical rescue including head, eye, hand and foot protection and appropriate coveralls or structural turnout gear.  Shorts, sleeveless shirts and open toe shoes are prohibited in the classrooms and on the training grounds.

Prerequisites: Students participating in this course should be proficient with vehicle stabilization and victim extrication techniques. All should be competent in scene size up, use of the ICS, hand tool use, cribbing and stabilization, and best practices relating to safe incident operations.

School Bus Extrication (2-day)

The School Bus Extrication course is an essential training program for first responders who may need to extricate a trapped patient from a school bus. Multi-passenger vehicles like school buses create a unique challenge, which requires specialized knowledge and skills; our course will provide rescuers with the necessary know-how to tackle such situations. The classroom portion of the course covers several important topics, including the different types of school buses, construction standards, and anatomy. Students will gain hands-on experience during field exercises where they will stabilize a school bus, remove windows, seats, breach the sidewall and rear of the bus, and tackle the challenges of a Mass Casualty Incident.  

Lead Instructor: Keith Wilson

January 20-21, 2024
9:00AM-5:00PM

Location: SC Fire Academy

PPE: NFPA approved structural firefighting gear or extrication jumpsuit / technical rescue gear, helmet, secondary eye protection, leather type gloves or extrication type gloves, hard sole shoes preferably steel toe or any NFPA approved type boot.  Shorts, sleeveless shirts and open toe shoes are prohibited.

Prerequisites: Students participating in this course should be proficient with vehicle stabilization and victim extrication techniques. All should be competent in scene size up, use of the ICS, hand tool use, cribbing and stabilization, and best practices relating to safe incident operations.