Fire Fighter Onboarding Checklist

Fire Fighter Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Fire Fighter starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Emergency Services onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Fire Fighter, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Fire Fighter onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Fire Fighter Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new fire fighter attends an orientation session to learn about the organization’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated training officer.

2. Safety Training: The new fire fighter undergoes comprehensive safety training to understand the potential hazards and risks associated with the job. This training covers topics such as personal protective equipment, emergency response protocols, and fireground safety. It is usually conducted by experienced fire fighters or safety officers.

3. Equipment Familiarization: The new fire fighter is introduced to the various tools, equipment, and apparatus used in firefighting operations. They learn how to operate and maintain firefighting vehicles, hoses, nozzles, breathing apparatus, and other specialized equipment. This task is typically performed by senior fire fighters or equipment maintenance personnel.

4. Physical Fitness Assessment: The new fire fighter undergoes a physical fitness assessment to ensure they meet the physical demands of the job. This assessment may include tests such as a timed run, ladder climb, hose drag, and simulated rescue scenarios. It is usually conducted by the department’s physical training coordinator or a designated fitness instructor.

5. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training: Fire fighters often provide emergency medical services, so the new recruit receives training in basic life support, CPR, first aid, and other medical procedures. This training is typically conducted by certified EMS instructors or paramedics within the department.

6. Fire Suppression Training: The new fire fighter undergoes extensive training in fire suppression techniques, including fire behavior, fire extinguishment methods, ventilation, and search and rescue operations. This training is usually conducted by experienced fire fighters or certified fire instructors.

7. Incident Command System (ICS) Training: Fire fighters need to understand the Incident Command System, a standardized approach to managing emergency incidents. The new recruit learns about ICS structure, roles, and responsibilities, as well as incident documentation and communication protocols. This training is typically provided by certified ICS instructors or officers within the department.

8. Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Training: Fire fighters often respond to incidents involving hazardous materials, so the new recruit receives training in identifying, containing, and mitigating hazardous materials incidents. This training is usually conducted by certified hazmat instructors or specialized hazmat teams within the department.

9. Fire Prevention and Public Education: The new fire fighter learns about fire prevention strategies and public education programs aimed at promoting fire safety within the community. They may participate in fire safety presentations, school visits, and community events. This task is typically performed by fire prevention officers or public education coordinators.

10. Team Building and Cohesion: The new fire fighter participates in team-building activities and exercises to foster camaraderie, trust, and effective communication within the fire department. These activities may include group problem-solving exercises, team-building games, and physical challenges. They are usually organized by the department’s training officer or designated team-building facilitators.

11. Probationary Period Evaluation: Throughout the probationary period, the new fire fighter’s performance, skills, and knowledge are regularly evaluated by their supervisors and training officers. These evaluations help determine if the recruit is meeting the department’s standards and if they are ready to become a fully-fledged fire fighter.

12. Continued Professional Development: Fire fighters are expected to continuously enhance their skills and knowledge. The new recruit is encouraged to participate in ongoing training programs, workshops, and certifications to stay updated with the latest firefighting techniques, equipment, and regulations. The responsibility for continued professional development lies with the individual fire fighter, but the department may provide guidance and support in identifying relevant training opportunities

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Fire Fighter checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Fire Fighter up to speed and working well in your Emergency Services team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.