Let’s get you riding!
This Orientation will prepare SFD members to be cleared to respond on EMS and Fire calls in an assistant capacity (EMS Assistant and Exterior FF). Additional skills verifications will be required for Exterior Firefighters.
Step 1: If you have not yet done so, complete required certifications, and bring copies of certs to the 1-on-1:
Current Healthcare Provider CPR Certification
Current First Aid Certification (or EMT, or higher)
Hazardous Materials Awareness – Complete this by going here: IAFF ALERT.
NIMS ICS 100 – Complete this by going here: FEMA NIMS 100.b
NIMS ICS 200 – Complete this by going here: FEMA NIMS 200
It is recommended, but not required, that you complete ICS 700 and 800 as well.
Step 2: Complete each of the Self-Study documents found below – they have been uploaded here as PDF to ensure you can open them on any device. Please don’t print them – save a tree. 🙂
Step 3: Print the Knowledge Verification once you have completed the self-study portions, and bring it with you to the 1-on-1.
Step 4: Apparatus knowledge test. You will be required to complete a Apparatus knowledge test to ensure you know the location and basic function of tools and equipment on front line apparatus (Engine, Rescue Engine, Truck).
Step 5: Complete the form at bottom of this page to get the 1-on-1 set up. Bring copies of ALL certifications, and the completed Knowledge Verification (both pages). Be ready for a PICTURE to be taken!
Step 6: Show up to the scheduled 1-on-1 with all required/applicable documents!
Self Study Orientation Documents
Part 1: SFD 101
Part 1 is all about the history, how we got our start, some dispatch procedures like EMD and EFD, our apparatus (high level), and your dress/appearance standards. We will cover how we define PRIDE, the Chain of Command, our Organization Structure and community service aspects. Should take about 15 minutes!
Part 2: EMS
Part 2 covers what you should know as it pertains to EMS response, supporting the Ambulance crew, and rapid response to EMS incidents. We are one house – our members are expected to respond on both Fire and EMS incidents. This section prepares you for the EMS response. Plan for about 45 minutes on this one!
Part 3: Fire
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination; Part 3 prepared you for response to fire incidents. You’ll get an introduction to Fire Apparatus layouts, and a primer on the importance of knowing the contents across all our apparatus. Covering this content will take about 60 minutes!
Are you Verify your knowledge?
If you have reviewed the above reading material, the OG’s referenced, and contents of Fire Apparatus, and the EMS tools, you should be prepared to take the test. This is not a pass/fail – it is a learning opportunity, and a verification that you have completed the reading materials. You’ll have an opportunity to talk through any questions on comments you have.
CONTINUE READING THIS…
Your success as a responder at the Shepherdstown Fire Department is up to you. In closing of the Orientation process (minus the completion of the 1-on-1), we leave you with these 5 final thoughts:
Commit Hard
It’s tempting to change direction at the slightest provocation, but we encourage you to commit to this. If you do, you will see the benefits pour over you. If you do your homework in the beginning, we guarantee you will have a high-performing team to support you in the end, and you will have extremely beneficial success with our organization.
Admit When You’re Wrong
Sometimes you’re going to screw up. As much as responders at all levels make mistakes, so will you. You have to admit your errors, at least to yourself and your team, and then learn from them. This sounds easy, but it may be one of the hardest things you’ll have to do. There will be times your officers come down hard on you; you must learn from these times, know they are not picking on you, and move forward.
It’s a Small World
The reputation you develop here will stick with you. Its funny, your SFD Leadership has explained this to 100 people over the years, and it seems they never listen until it’s too late. The decisions you make, the attitude you have, the pride you show will stick with you here – good or bad – and will follow you to your next fire department, civic organization, or even your next career gig! Think about that, and make the right decisions. Everyone who is anything in Fire/EMS in this area, knows everyone who is anything.
Never Stop Learning
Given all the time pressures, it’s easy to grow stagnant. Personally and professionally, always be looking for ways to better yourself. Learn about things that you’ve never heard of. Stay current in cutting-edge clinical practice even if you’re not providing care. Continue your professional growth by remaining at the top of your game. Start the drivers training process, or consider becoming an EMT, regardless; Keep. Moving. Forward.
For Over 225 Years, SFD Has Served the Community – without YOU!
Finally, while we genuinely are glad you are here, and we greatly appreciate you, you are not the greatest thing since sliced bread, and you are not unilaterally responsible for the success of the SFD. Check your ego at the door, remember your place, and you will do great things with us. If you walk in as a know-it-all, who disregards the chain of command or those who came before you, you’ll quickly realize SFD isn’t the place for you! We hope that doesn’t happen as we truly want you to succeed!
Congratulation on Completing the Self-Study Portion of the New Member Orientation
EMS Transition Information
On February 28th, 2023 the SFD ran it’s final call as the primary EMS provider in Jefferson County. March 1, 2023 marked the culmination of a transition from “volunteer operated and JCESA supplemented” EMS to “ESA operated and volunteer supplemented” EMS. This was a dramatic and challenging time for us, and all volunteers throughout the county. You’ll still hear, and feel the affects of this change throughout the firehouse. Here is what you need to know in a nutshell:
- Volunteers at SFD CAN and WILL run EMS calls. The expectation set by Chief DeMeritt and Chief Morgan is that anytime a call in a “300 box” is alerted, Fire or EMS, SFD personnel should respond on the call if available.
- There is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County Commission and the County Volunteer Departments that allows for volunteers to ride on county equipment, and county employees to ride on volunteer equipment. You can review the MOU, here.
- SFD has negotiated a special Use Agreement for Ambulance 3-1. With this agreement in place, if SFD sells the unit to JCC, we would be able to have volunteer response – 24/7. Our volunteers will continue to provide primary EMS care for our community through the use of this ambulance, as we can. If you’d like to read the Use Agreement, you can do so here: Ambulance Vehicle Use Agreement – JCC-ESA-SFD – Signed 09.27.23