MAFFC Thursday
H.O.T. Class Schedule

This HOT  class covers the hows and whys of primary search based on minimum staffing challenges. Based from actual data, we cover primary search, victim rescue techniques, downed Firefighter, ves, single person ladder throws, and Firefighter survival, forcible entry techniques, and how to successfully make the grab ahead of the hose line. We focus on how to manage the fire ground with Minimum staffing.

The classroom session discusses search operations from a common-sense approach for the fire victims. In a world where safety culture has plagued the fire service, our citizens have been the ones to pay the price of drama-based ignorance. This session focuses on the statistically based facts of fireground search and rescue operations with case studies from real-world fire fatalities. 

The H.O.T session will focus on search types, victim drags, and removal methods with live victims.

Rescuing civilians from residential structure fires is not an easy task to undertake. Firefighters will push themselves to their limits to save the life of a stranger so that they can enjoy a full life. The rescue process begins by being in a readied state for the call of action. This hands-on class will focus upon the essential skills needed for rescuing civilians from residential structures. The benefit of improving the skill and proficiency level of a firefighter falls to the occupant of the residence whose house catches on fire and who needs to be rescued. The skills that will be taught and covered are taken from Fire Engineering’s Residential Fire Rescue & The Tactical Firefighter book. There will be 4 skill stations set up that each firefighter will rotate through. Four groups of firefighters will be established at the start of class and will rotate through the four skill stations. Each skill station will be 1 hour in duration for a total of 4 hours of hands-on instruction and practical application. Scenarios will then be set up for the remaining four hours to combine the skills learned for development and mastery of skill. These scenarios will use smoke machines to allow for semi-realistic conditions.

The Dagum Throw is an immersive, hands-on course designed to elevate your proficiency with both ground ladders and aerial apparatus operations. This class pushes beyond the basics, empowering firefighters to confidently and creatively use ladders—even in non-traditional, high-stakes scenarios.

Participants will:

* Master traditional and non-traditional ground ladder techniques

* Explore advanced methods for aerial truck placement in rescue operations

* Learn effective strategies for victim retrieval at the ladder tip

* Practice real-world scenarios involving ladder rescues, bailouts, and unconventional ladder configurations—including ladder-on-ladder techniques

The phrase "I can’t make the rescue with the ladders on my truck" is not in our vocabulary. You’ll leave this course not only with deeper technical knowledge, but also with the mindset to innovate and adapt when lives are on the line.

Expect reps. Expect sweat. Expect to think like a rescuer who refuses to give up.

Defining the Search reinforces the mindset of prioritizing search, dispelling any myths associated with common and uncommon search techniques. Students will experience and gain confidence in completing searches in realistic scenarios prepared by the TFI cadre from past first-hand experiences. Students will gain experience and confidence in forcing windows and sashes through the use of TFI Window Sash Props. A victim-first mentality will constantly be reinforced by all cadre members, the student will learn the best/proven practices of victim management from; drags, removal, and after removal from the structure has been accomplished.

Whether a seasoned firefighter or first day on the job, this class is for all levels of experience.  We will go over the principles of operations of the different types of gas and electric/battery operated saws used in the fire service.  There will be a whole skills station doing saw rehab/maintenance.  Other skills stations will go over body mechanics while using saws and tactics involving the use of saws.  Full PPE including SCBA is required as this class is also under live fire/smoke conditions.

This class founded by Ric Jorge is designed to focus on thought processing, reaction, arousal control, and retention. Utilizing techniques developed by the sporting industry then adapted to the military and law enforcement agencies these techniques have now been adapted specifically for the fire service. The class runs for 24 hours consecutively. Students should come PREPARED as if they are going on shift (pack as if you are going to a new station for a 24 hour shift). Bring FULL PPE, SCBA (2 bottles if possible) a change of clothes, plenty of socks and undergarments, medications, and any special needs that you may have. Leave your wubby at home because you won’t be sleeping. The effects of the class will be felt into the next day. Do not make plans for 48 hours after the start of this class. It is recommended to pre-hydrate and get plenty of rest the day before class. Be prepared to go through technological withdrawal. The use of phones, computers, and inspector gadget watches, etc. will be strongly regulated if not eliminated. In case of emergency a central contact number will be provided by the facility hosting the class and passed along to the students who may then pass it along to their significant others (family/wife/kids/etc.). This will be the only way to reach the student in case of emergency or urgency.